Government of Canada welcomes support for Joint Strike Fighter

September 28, 2010

Gatineau, Quebec — The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada and Minister for the Status of Women, along with the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, today issued the following statement to update Canadians on the support from Canadian industry on the Government of Canada's decision to purchase 65 F-35 Lightning II aircraft.

Today, the aerospace industry clearly indicated their support for our government’s decision to buy the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter to replace the aging CF-18 aircraft.

The Government of Canada is providing unprecedented opportunities to Canada’s aerospace industry as a result of this commitment. Companies across the country now have access to an estimated $12 billion or more in potential industrial opportunities, through access to a global supply chain for the building of up to 5,000 aircraft world-wide.

Our Government is opening the doors to Canadian business and the creation of well-paying jobs for the next four decades.

Support from the Canadian aerospace industry for the purchase of the F-35 is strong. In fact, today, the CEOs from some of Canada’s top aerospace firms at an industry event expressed concern that uncertainty or delay may cost jobs and investment, and that Canada risks being left behind if the decision to purchase the fighters is postponed. The President of Esterline CMC Electronics, Greg Yeldon, said that “Canada needs to act now. Any uncertainty or delay creates risks for jobs and investment.”

Actions and threats which jeopardize the effectiveness of our Canadian Air Force to do its job are unacceptable, and risk the success of dozens of aerospace companies who are eager to access this global supply chain.

The Government of Canada is proud to be making this commitment to Canada’s men and women in uniform, and we are making the best decision for a thriving and world-class Canadian aerospace industry.

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For more information, please contact:

Rebecca Thompson
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada
and Minister for the Status of Women
819-997-5421

Public Works and Government Services Canada
Media Relations
819-956-2315

PWGSC news releases are also available on our website.

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