A Showcase of Aviation and Aerospace in Slemon Park
News release
Government mission to expand awareness and opportunities for growing sector
May 15, 2018 – Slemon Park, PE – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
The aerospace industry has been attracting more business and skilled workers to Prince Edward Island, with much of its growth centered around Slemon Park. The Government of Canada understands the importance of promoting a region’s strengths and supporting innovative companies working to build on those assets. That is why it is helping to bring a popular tourism event that will showcase growing opportunities in aviation and aerospace in PEI back to the Summerside area.
Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), today announced support for the Nova Scotia International Air Show Association (NSIASA) to host its 2018 Air Show Atlantic event in Slemon Park.
Through ACOA’s Business Development Program (BDP), a non-repayable contribution of $50,000 is being provided to help market and stage the 2018 NSIASA event. Through aerial and ground displays, Air Show Atlantic celebrates the history of the Royal Canadian Air Force and seeks to inspire the future of Canadian aviation and aerospace.
This investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which involves targeted actions to stimulate Atlantic Canada’s economy, including investments in key projects that support long-term growth and position the region to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Quotes
“Innovative companies are setting up and expanding in Atlantic Canada, bringing more employment opportunities and contributing to the region’s strengthening economy. There is much potential in the aerospace industry, and updated, adaptive infrastructure like Slemon Park attracts strategic investment and creates a path for long-term growth. The Government of Canada is pleased to help build on successes in the aerospace sector.”
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“This is a fun and timely event for visitors and Islanders alike. It is also an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of the many companies that are investing in our region, making Slemon Park a hub for the aerospace industry, and creating jobs for skilled workers. I am pleased to announce government support for a growing sector, and am excited to see innovative growth in Western PEI.”
Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont
“Air Show Atlantic is proud to return to Prince Edward Island and grateful for its partnership with ACOA. The Air Show highlights the importance of aviation on the Island and showcases one of the industry’s great assets, the Summerside Airport. The airport is an economic gateway to future growth industries and we invite everyone to experience the site on the exciting weekend of the Air Show.”
Colin Stephenson, Nova Scotia International Air Show Association
Quick facts
-
The NSIASA was established as a not-for-profit organization in 1996 to resurrect the annual Shearwater International Air Show that had operated at CFB Shearwater since 1948. In 2004, the organization decided to rotate the event around the three Maritime Provinces.
-
NSIASA will host the two-day airshow August 25 and 26 at Slemon Park.
-
A major centre for the Aerospace industry, Slemon Park is home to operations for companies such as StandardAero, MDS Coating Technologies, TronosJet Maintenance, Honeywell and others.
-
Slemon Park Corporation recently made a significant investment in the aerospace industry by resurfacing the main runway in 2017.
Contacts
Chris Brooks
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-566-7569
Colin Stephenson
Executive Director
Nova Scotia International Air Show Association
Atlantic Canada International Air Show
902-465-2725
Fax 902-484-3222
colin@airshowatlantic.ca