Cancelation of F-35 purchase threatens Canadian jobs

Canada stands to lose opportunity to help build 3000-5000 aircraft

OTTAWA, Oct. 14 /CNW/ - The industry association representing Canada's aerospace companies warned today that the threat of cancellation of the purchase of sixty-five F-35 fighter jets will have a negative impact on major investment decisions and will consequently put thousands of Canadian aerospace jobs at risk.

The AIAC disagrees strongly with the claims made today by critics to the effect that Canada has nothing to lose in cancelling the current deal.  According to Mr. Lajeunessse, President and CEO of AIAC, "The contracts signed by our companies for the F-35 make it clear that countries must buy the planes if they want to participate in supplying, building and sustaining the entire production of the F-35."

"The opportunities for Canadian Industry to join the supply chain of thousands of aircraft are happening now and will be over the next twenty-four months. We don't want Canada to be left on the sidelines. Our companies are keen on competing and want to bring to Canada the benefits of high-quality work being done on up to 5000 aircraft to Canada" Dr Lajeunesse added.

According to the AIAC, the purchase of the F-35 presents a unique opportunity for Canadian industry to participate on a new platform and develop state-of-the-art technologies and processes in manufacturing. The knowledge and experience can be applied to future opportunities in both defence and civil aerospace programs. The JSF program is the largest advanced technology opportunity ever presented to Canadian industry, and that the industry is engaged across the entire country.  

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The AIAC is the national association representing Canada's aerospace manufacturing and services sector. As the world's fifth largest aerospace industry, Canada's aerospace sector generated in 2009 over $22 billion and employed nearly 80,000 Canadians. Seventy-eight per cent of Canadian aerospace products were exported. AIAC represents the interests of 400 aerospace companies across Canada.

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For further information:

Maryse Harvey,Vice-President Public Affairs, Aerospace Industries Association of Canada, 613 760-4562,[email protected]