Minister Moore praises industry for recent steps to bolster innovation; announces new Space Advisory Board

November 19, 2014 Ottawa Industry Canada

The Canadian aerospace industry is a global success story that is setting new standards for innovation, productivity and competitiveness, Industry Minister James Moore told a lunchtime audience today at the 2014 Canadian Aerospace Summit.

The Minister underlined the government's support for aerospace and reiterated its commitment to supporting the manufacturing industry and establishing the right economic conditions for success. These included lowering taxes, cutting the corporate rate from over 22percent in 2007 to 15percent today and removing the federal capital tax.

Minister Moore also announced the creation of the Space Advisory Board, which will provide expert advice to the government on Canada's role and future in space. The board includes experts from across the country who will help lead Canada's space policy in the years ahead.

The members of the Space Advisory Board are: General (Retired) WaltNatynczyk, Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada, former Chief of Defence Staff and former Canadian Space Agency President; Dr.MamdouhShoukri, President and Vice-Chancellor of York University; TerryMalley, President and CEO of Malley Industries; Dr.ArlenePonting, President Emerita of MindFuel, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to inspiring young people's involvement in science through education; LorneTrottier, Co-founder of Matrox Electronic Systems and the Trottier Family Foundation; FredGeorge, President and CEO of JLK Global Fund International and Honorary Captain to the Royal Canadian Navy; John Keating, Director of Sandvine and former CEO of COM DEV; ColonelChrisHadfield, retired Canadian astronaut, former Commander of the International Space Station.

Quick facts

- In 2013, Canada's aerospace industry was responsible for more than 170,000jobs and contributed $28billion to the economy. Aerospace is a priority sector under Canada's Global Markets Action Plan.

- In response to the Emerson report on aerospace and space policies and programs, the government has provided additional funding to the Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative and launched a new program to support large-scale technology demonstration projects in the aerospace, space, defence and security industries.

- The government recently committed $30million (over five years) to a newly formed, industry-led research network, the Consortium for Aerospace Research and Innovation in Canada (CARIC).

Read the original post:

New Space Advisory Board: Supporting Canadian Aerospace Excellence