Government of Canada supports Toronto Aerospace Hub

From: Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

News release

FedDev Ontario invests over $2.6 million to reduce the aerospace sector’s environmental footprint and help SMEs be globally competitive 

August 23, 2022 – Toronto, Ontario

Aerospace is one of the most research‑intensive and export-focused manufacturing industries, employing thousands of highly qualified people in every region across the country. In Ontario, manufacturers are part of the global supply chain for virtually every passenger aircraft in the world, and the aerospace industry works closely with local academia and businesses to develop and commercialize new products and technology. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting green aviation to reduce environmental footprints.

Today, the Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced over $2.6 million for Downsview Aerospace Innovation & Research (DAIR). This investment will help improve the aerospace sector’s overall environmental footprint by funding projects that will support the government’s initiative to a greener future and will help SMEs enhance operations to meet customer needs and become more competitive in the global supply chain.

DAIR is an incorporated not‐for‐profit organization working to build a physical aerospace innovation hub at Downsview Park in Toronto. With this non-repayable investment, the organization will support sustainable aviation with the launch of the Green Fund, a program to help the commercialization of projects and processes that will reduce the environmental footprint of the aerospace sector. DAIR will also launch a Supplier Development Initiative, which will improve the capabilities of 16 SMEs in the region, advancing them in the local and global aerospace supply chain, and providing them with growth opportunities. More information on these programs and details on how to apply will be available on the DAIR website in the fall.

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting southern Ontario’s aerospace sector by providing businesses the support they need to grow, create jobs and contribute to a strong recovery and future economic growth in a greener and more sustainable way. 

Quotes

“Small- and medium-sized aerospace businesses have an important role to play in southern Ontario’s economic recovery, which is why the Government of Canada is committed to supporting them and protecting the thousands of workers this sector employs. Organizations like Downsview Aerospace Innovation & Research are helping strengthen our region’s future economy, while working towards greening Canada’s aerospace sector.”
– The Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“Canada Lands Company, the organization entrusted with Downsview Park and an early champion of the Downsview Aerospace Innovation & Research hub, will continue to support the historic legacy of this site. With today’s announcement, Canada Lands Company will be able to foster better opportunities for our aerospace industry partners and businesses in creating a greener future and more diverse supply chain.”
– The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Member of Parliament for Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas and Minister responsible for Canada Lands Company

“Today’s investment in Downsview Aerospace Innovation & Research is great news for Toronto and Canada’s aerospace sector. The project promotes collaboration between local industry and academia to bring innovative ideas into the marketplace through further development and commercialization of green aviation projects.”
– Ya’ara Saks, Member of Parliament for York Centre 

“Investing in the work and capabilities of SMEs will yield long-term benefits for the nation’s aerospace sector and the broader Canadian economy. Stronger Canadian companies will be well positioned to compete and thrive in the global aerospace industry, which is projected to grow substantially over the next decade.”
– Maryse Harvey, Executive Director Downsview Aerospace Innovation & Research (DAIR)

Quick facts

  • Incorporated in 2020 with operations currently out of the Bombardier Centre for Aviation and Aerospace (Centennial College – Downsview) and the Toronto Metropolitan University Aerospace Engineering Centre, Downsview Aerospace Innovation & Research (DAIR) works to facilitate innovative collaboration between industry and academia to strengthen Ontario’s aerospace ecosystem to the benefit of the Canadian sector as a whole.

  • Ontario’s aerospace industry contains over 200 firms, employing more than 44,000 workers and is responsible for more than $6 billion in revenues.

  • Delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies, the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative is part of a Government of Canada strategy that includes measures being implemented by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada to boost the aerospace industry. With a national budget of $250 million over three years, FedDev Ontario is delivering $67.5 million in support in southern Ontario. 

  • Since 2015, FedDev Ontario has invested over $120 million in the aerospace in over 25 aerospace projects across southern Ontario, creating nearly 800 jobs and maintaining over 800 jobs, including over $7 million for Firan Technology Group Corporation to green operations and support nearly 300 local jobs.

Associated links

Contacts

Monica Granados
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
monica.granados@feddevontario.gc.ca

Media Relations
FedDev Ontario
feddevontariomediarelations-relationsmedias@feddevontario.gc.ca

Stay connected

Website: www.FedDevOntario.gc.ca

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