CAW's Hargrove Applauds Decision to Block MDA's Sale

    TORONTO, May 9 /CNW/ - CAW President Buzz Hargrove says today's decision
to block the sale of MDA (MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates) to US armaments
manufacturer ATK (Alliant Techsystems Inc) is an important milestone for
Canada's space industry.
    "Our union has lobbied hard to ensure that the best radar and satellite
technologies in the world are safeguarded in the best interests of Canada and
we congratulate the government for the steps it is taking today," Hargrove
said.
    In addition to making the case that the technology should be safeguarded,
the CAW has also pressed the government to make sure that the Canadian Space
Agency is properly funded so that Canadian companies like MDA can constantly
upgrade research and development in this sector.
    "Canada's advantage in leading edge technology such as space robotics and
satellites needs to be maintained to keep us competitive in the world," said
Dawn Cartwright, CAW Aerospace Director. "We have a proud history of
technology and science that advances humanitarian and peace initiatives and
our country needs to keep investing in those kinds of research and development
projects," Cartwright said.
    Hargrove added, "I am heartened by the minister's comments on making sure
that Canadian companies such as MDA have the resources and access to bid on
work in the US, but the world market is much bigger than that and we look
forward to engaging this government in a discussion about developing the
Canadian space sector."

    The CAW represents workers at MDA divisions in Brampton, Ontario and Ste.
Anne de Bellevue, Quebec. CAW members have helped to develop and build
important space industry technology such as Canadarm 2, Dextre, and
Radarsat 2.

For further information: CAW Communications, Angelo DiCaro, (416)
606-6311; or John McClyment, (416) 315-3202