Categories for AIAC Pacific News

There are several oppotunities in January and February for you to meet with the five new community apprenticeship advisors and ITA’s CEO, Gary Herman. At these meet-and-greets throughout Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, you will learn how on-the-ground advisors will work with apprentices, employer sponsors, and other stakeholders to advance apprenticeship continuation and completion. There is no charge for these events and there will be light refreshments provided.Go here for a full list of dates, cities, times, and links to registration. Read more.

AIAC Pacific welcomes BC Technology Strategy

AIAC Pacific congratulated the BC Government on the release of its plan to ensure that technology development remains a vibrant and sustainable economic driver for the province in the years ahead. The BC Technology Strategy, which was released by Premier Christy Clark at the BC Tech Summit Monday in Vancouver, contains a series of initiatives focused on supporting technology learning, investment, and research and development, including in the aerospace industry. “As one of the most advanced manufacturing industries in the world, our ability to develop cutting-edge innovation and technology is essential to the success of the aerospace industry,” said Jim Quick, President and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC). “We are very pleased to see the government’s commitment to supporting technology development and commercialization in British Columbia, and we are confident that this will positively impact the growth of the aerospace industry in the province.” As part of its partnership with the BC government to support the development of a unified aerospace cluster in the province, one of AIAC Pacific’s main priorities is the development of several R&D Centres of Excellence within the province. The association also acts as the regional office for the Consortium for Aerospace Research and Innovation in Canada (CARIC), a national collaborative research network. About AIAC: 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 contributes over $29B to the economy in GDP, exports 80% of its output, and dedicates over 20% of its activity to research and development (R&D). Aerospace is responsible for the employment of 180,000 Canadians. About AIAC Pacific: The Aerospace Industries Association of Canada created AIAC Pacific with a mandate to promote and develop aerospace business in BC by acting as an advocate and facilitator among industry and government. AIAC Pacific speaks with a cohesive voice for the industry; it provides access for BC companies to national and international programs; and, it aims to develop a strong relationship with the provincial government. AIAC Pacific has a unique relationship with AIAC in that it is the only provincial entity managed by the national association.

B.C. Aerospace Industry Spotlighted as World Leaders in B.C. Jobs Plan Update

B.C. government reaffirms commitment to grow economy and strengthen communities; B.C. aerospace industry spotlighted as world leaders British Columbia’s burgeoning aerospace industry and its ability to create well-paying jobs for a prosperous B.C. future is among the highlights of the three-year update for the Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan reaffirming the provincial government’s commitment to grow the economy and strengthen communities. More than a plan Premier Christy Clark said the update is much more than a checklist of the plan’s progress, but an opportunity for new commitments to help create long-term, well-paying jobs that also strengthen B.C. families. “I am proud of what we’ve accomplished. We have a near-record 2.3 million people working in B.C. and there was $3.9 billion in economic growth last year. The full report of our progress is online at bcjobsplan.ca.” said Clark. Among the eight sector updates is Manufacturing Innovation, highlighting progress in the B.C. aerospace industry, which the provincial government boosted last year by committing $5 million over five years to “unify and grow” it. B.C. aerospace industry in government spotlight In the update, the government shone the spotlight on the aerospace industry, saying “with our close proximity to the Pacific Northwest aerospace cluster, British Columbia’s aerospace manufacturers are positioned to be world leaders. “Companies like Cascade Aerospace, CHC Helicopter, Kelowna Flightcraft, Viking Air, ASCO Aerospace, MDA Corporation and many others are building B.C.’s reputation in this industry.” Already the B.C. aerospace manufacturing and services sector generates $1.2 billion in revenues annually and employs more than 10,000 British Columbians. Serving as the voice of the industry in B.C. is AIAC Pacific, based in Abbotsford and part of the larger Aerospace Industries Association of Canada. Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour at the time of the first $1 million commitment to AIAC’s Pacific Partnership Program stated it was “money well spent. The growth will have a significant effect on the province’s economy . . . and that is one of the main goals we set as part of the B.C. Jobs Plan.” B.C.’s competitive business environment ready for investors, one million job openings The update report indicated that the government has acted to ensure that B.C. has one of the most competitive business environments for investment and that British Columbians are prepared for the expected one million job openings encompassing all employment sectors over the next decade. “Our economic success isn’t measured on a monthly basis; success is measured in terms of outcomes over time,” said the report. David Schellenberg, chair of AIAC Pacific, said the government’s investment in the aerospace industry will not only help accelerate global growth opportunities, but will also provide tremendous benefits to the economy. KPMG is now conducting a comprehensive economic impact analysis of the B.C. aerospace industry as part of five specific AIAC Pacific activities that include expanding international trade opportunities and building strategies for developing new technologies and heightening competitiveness.