Vanguard Magazine

indusTRy eventS 46 DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018 www.vanguardcanada.com F or well over five decades, the Aerospace Industries Asso- ciation of Canada (AIAC) has collaborated with its members and other parties to grow the aerospace industry in Canada. Today, Canada's aerospace industry is the fifth largest globally, adding nearly $28B to the economy in GDP. The industry exports 80 per cent of its output, and dedicates over 20 per cent of its activity to research and development (R&D), while employ- ing 208,000 Canadians. As part of its mission to boost Cana- da's aerospace profile locally and glob- ally, AIAC produces an annual summit to bring together industry, experts and exec- utives to further collaboration, innovation and opportunities. On November 7-8, the association held its 2017 Canadian Aero- space Summit in Ottawa on the theme of "Global Perspectives on Aerospace Inno- vation and Technology." "The growth of innovation is a key poli- cy priority for Canada's government right now," said Jim Quick, President and CEO of AIAC. "It is something that presents important opportunities for Canadian aerospace firms and international compa- nies seeking to do business in Canada…" "The Summit was designed to shine a spotlight on these opportunities," Quick added. Over the two days, speakers from industry and government shared their vi- sion and perspectives on trends, innova- tion and the future of aerospace. The agenda was comprised of super ses- sions led by members of the industry from firms like Airbus Defence & Space, Boeing, CAE, GE Aviation, Saab AB, ViaSat, and others. Major General Robert Wheeler (Ret.) who served for over 30 years in the U.S. Air Force gave a presentation on cyberse- curity and how collaboration is critical in moving innovation forward. "Information security coupled with AI, Machine Learning and Data Analytics can help solve so many problems in the world today," Maj. Gen. Wheeler said. "If this is done correctly, then collaboration will be on steroids to a level of 10 to 100 times, and then we will be able to get the true solutions to problems." AI and quantum are critical components to the growth and development of tech- nology of the future. Wheeler went on to point out that AI becomes stronger with data but a disadvantage to the West is that we've put a lot of privacy on data. With this limitation, we are not allowing data to be connected to AI as the rest of the world is doing. This can make the West lose its role as a leader in AI. During his service, Maj. Gen. Wheeler was responsible for leading cybersecurity modernization and standardization in criti- cal legacy National Security Systems while managing many of his country's most sen- sitive communications programs. In addition to the sessions, a trade show component was part of the two-day event, with over 50 exhibitors showcasing their products and services. Prime contractors and suppliers from across Canada and overseas participated in the summit with B2B meetings and networking. Outgoing Chair of AIAC and President of IMP Aerospace and Defence, David Gossen said that this year's Summit came at a time of significant change for the in- dustry and Canada. "The emergence of a new vision for Canadian innovation pres- ents an opportunity for the aerospace in- dustry to play a leading role in the creation of talent, opportunity, growth and pros- perity for Canadians." During the association's Annual General Meeting held on November 7, Jim Quick officially welcomed Cynthia Garneau, President of Bell Helicopter Textron Can- ada, as the new Chair of the AIAC Board of Directors replacing Gossen. "I am honoured to have the opportu- nity to serve as AIAC's Board Chair," said Garneau. "Maintaining our strategic edge, both here in Canada and around the world, will require a commitment to lever- aging our expertise in collaborative inno- vation to drive growth and attract diverse talent across industries." Quick said that the new Chair is an ex- perienced executive and a leading voice within Canada's aerospace community. As Chair, he believes that Garneau's guidance and expertise will strengthen the asso- ciation and position the industry for even greater success. 2017 canadian aeroSpace SuMMit a spoTlighT on oppoRTuniTies and innovaTion in The global landscape By Marcello Sukhdeo

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