ABBOTSFORD, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - May 24, 2013) - Today, the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal support for a two-year, multi-faceted project that will help the western Canadian aerospace industry access global supply chains and increase its international competitiveness.

"Western Canada's small- and medium-sized enterprises play a vital role in creating high-value jobs and supporting economic growth in our communities," said Minister Yelich. "Through our support for the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada, our Government is showcasing Western Canada's expertise in the development of new technologies and applications for these sectors, while also linking western Canadian companies with promising new commercial opportunities."

"This investment demonstrates our Government's commitment to helping our world-class aerospace and defence industry continue to grow in the West and across Canada," said the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Member of Parliament for Abbotsford. "Through this project, we are helping western Canadian companies to compete on an international stage which creates good jobs and greater prosperity for workers and families here at home."

Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is providing $533,840 to the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC) to coordinate and manage seven inter-related projects that support the western Canadian aerospace industry. These projects will increase opportunities for western companies to identify new markets, customers and technologies.

"Our Western Canadian companies are leaders in their fields and important contributors to our economy," said Jim Quick, President and CEO of AIAC. "The funding that WD is providing will help western Canadian companies to access new markets, grow their businesses and become more competitive. This agreement is great news for the aerospace industry and for the Canadian economy as a whole."

The seven AIAC projects supported by WD will facilitate stronger western Canadian industry involvement in domestic and international aerospace-related events, and will enhance market access and supply chain development opportunities for small- and medium-sized enterprises across the West.

The Harper Government remains focused on four priorities, as outlined by the Prime Minister, that Canadians care most about: their families, the safety of our streets and communities, their pride in being a citizen of this country, and their personal financial security.

Since 2006, the Harper Government, through WD, has invested in job-creating small- and medium-sized businesses, aerospace, marine and defence industries, and supported innovative entrepreneurs in pursuing emerging markets. By continuing to promote new economic opportunities, WD is helping to create jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity.

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Harper Government Invests in Western Canadian Aerospace Industry