Government of Canada Strengthening Western Canadian Aerospace Industry

May 08, 2009

Winnipeg, Manitoba

The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification delivered a keynote address to delegates of the Western Aerospace Alliance Conference, affirming the Government of Canada's commitment to this sector.

"The western Canadian aerospace industry generates more than $4 billion in annual revenues and employs over 15,000 workers. That's why our Government is working to ensure that Western Canada remains a key player in the aerospace industry," said Minister of State Yelich. "I am proud to be here today to celebrate 100 years of aerospace and powered flight in Manitoba."

To further its commitment to the industry, Canada's Government recently announced a $13.4 million investment to establish the Canadian Environmental Test Research and Education Centre, (CanETREC) in Thompson, Manitoba. 

CanETREC will be co-located with industry in a new facility being built by the Global Aerospace Centre for Icing and Environmental Research Inc. (GLACIER) This state-of-the-art facility is a new joint venture between Rolls-Royce Canada and Pratt & Whitney.

CanETREC will be a year-round research facility that specializes in supporting engine icing certification and research and development of new, more efficient and advanced aerospace designs.  When complete, CanETREC will be the largest and most advanced large engine, cold weather testing and research facility in the world.  A northern Canadian flagship centre of excellence, the $63M facility will strengthen North American competitiveness in cold weather engine research and development while providing multiple economic spin-off benefits to the northern economy.

Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces, industry associations and communities promotes the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and represents the interests of western Canadians in national decision-making.