The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, provided opening remarks today at Aviation Alberta's 7th Annual Aerospace and Defence Conference in which she highlighted the Government of Canada's commitment to facilitating growth opportunities for western Canadian aerospace and defence firms.
"Western Canadian companies in the aerospace and defence sector are important job creators in our communities, and our Government is committed to providing them with every opportunity to grow in today's competitive global environment," said Minister Yelich.
Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is supporting two important components of the conference. An information session will provide comprehensive details on the Government of Canada's Industrial and Regional Benefits (IRB) policy, while a business matchmaking session will enable representatives of small- and medium-sized firms to meet with companies that have IRB obligations. Both sessions could lead to new joint ventures, partnerships and investment.
"'Vector to Diversity' is a timely and important theme as Aviation Alberta continues to work closely with Western Economic Diversification Canada to promote and enhance the growth of the Aerospace & Defence sector in Western Canada," said Bill Werny, Conference Chair. "The cross-section of interests represented at this year's conference is a clear indicator that Alberta's Aerospace & Defence Sector is becoming more globally competitive".
Through the Government of Canada's Industrial and Regional Benefits policy, Western Economic Diversification Canada is helping to facilitate industry opportunities and partnerships for western Canadian firms. Activities include identifying key federal procurement opportunities for the West, as well as promoting western Canadian businesses and connecting them with global aerospace and defence companies.
Industrial and Regional Benefits consist of contracts awarded to Canadian businesses and investments made in high-technology sectors of the Canadian economy by successful bidders on federal defence procurement projects.
The Aerospace and Defence Conference is organized by Aviation Alberta, a non-profit organization that works closely with its members and partners to help further the interests of the aerospace, aviation and airports community within Alberta.
Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and represents the interests of western Canadians in national decision making.
For additional information contact:
Donna Kinley
Regional Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Edmonton, Alberta
Tel: (780) 495-6892
Cell: (780) 991-7432
Ken Beleshko
Executive Director
Aviation Alberta
Tel: (780) 756-4450
Cell: (780) 983-2500
