Statement - Minister Bains comments on Airbus/Bombardier strategic partnership

OTTAWA, Oct. 16, 2017 /CNW/ - The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, made the following statement in regard to the announcement by Bombardier and Airbus on a new strategic partnership in the C Series program. 

"The C Series leads the industry in design, efficiency and environmental standards. It is the benchmark for excellence in narrow-body aircraft and a cutting-edge Canadian innovation. It is no surprise that the C Series is attracting interest from all corners.

"Proposed investments of this kind require the government to consider whether they are in the national interest. The Airbus deal, like all significant proposed investments in Canada by non-Canadians, is subject to the Investment Canada Act—an act which I oversee. 

"In my review, I'll be looking to see how this deal will benefit Canadians, support our aerospace sector and create good jobs."

"The C Series is the largest plane assembled in Canada, and it provides work to 238 suppliers located in every region of Canada.

"On the surface, Bombardier's new proposed partnership with Airbus on this aircraft would help position the C Series for success by combining excellence in innovation with increased market access and an unrivalled global salesforce.

"Canada has a highly skilled workforce and a climate that fosters innovation. That's why our aerospace sector is strong, diverse and well-positioned to take advantage of the opportunities that could arise from this deal, including new pathways into global supply chains across all of the company's business lines and products.

"With this proposed partnership, Airbus would commit to making Canada its fifth home country and the first outside Europe. Airbus already employs a Canadian workforce of 1,900 people across seven provinces and generates $1.2 billion of Canadian supply chain spending. This presents further opportunity to grow our aerospace industry and create well-paying middle-class jobs across the country."

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SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada