Department accompanies local aerospace companies to Halifax exhibition

The Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, in co-operation with the Aerospace and Defence Industry Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, will accompany local aerospace exhibitors to the Canadian Defence Security and Aerospace Exhibition Atlantic (DEFSEC Atlantic 2006) in Halifax this week.

�The aerospace and defence sector in Newfoundland and Labrador has about 30 companies that employ more than 1,000 people and generates annual revenues of $100 million,� said Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. �This sector has considerable potential to generate jobs and economic growth in Newfoundland and Labrador.�

The Government of Canada announced this spring it will spend more than $15 billion on procurement of new military equipment and a number of Newfoundland and Labrador companies hope to land manufacturing and service sub-contracts with the larger defence contractors. Prime contractors who are successful in winning major federal government projects are required by the Government of Canada to seek regional partners to participate in their industrial benefit programs.

This is the seventh year that the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development has provided an exhibition booth and logistical help to aerospace companies from Newfoundland and Labrador wishing to exhibit at the show.

Minister of Business Kevin O�Brien will host a reception for the Newfoundland and Labrador delegates on Thursday, September 7. �The aerospace industry is definitely an exciting one for this province,� said Minister O�Brien. �The innovative talent and creativity represented in our companies and organizations attending this exhibition are true assets to our province. They are the future of an industry that holds great possibilities for economic growth in Newfoundland and Labrador."

The Canadian Defence Security and Aerospace Exhibition Atlantic runs September 6 to 8 and is one of Canada�s premier aerospace, defence, and security industry exhibitions and is well attended by major aerospace and defence contractors. The event is held in conjunction with the Nova Scotia International Air Show September 8 to 10 at the Halifax International Airport.

There will be approximately 25 delegates from the province representing companies and organizations including: Rutter Technologies, Northstar Network, CHC Composites, Provincial Aerospace Ltd, Cougar Helicopters, Xwave, Serco Facilities Management Inc.(5 Wing Goose Bay), the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Goose Bay Airport Corporation, Town of Gander and College of North Atlantic-Gander Campus(Aerospace Programs), Stephenville Airport Corporation, and the Town of Stephenville.

Media contact:
Clifford Grinling, Communications, Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, (709) 729-7066
Glenda Power, Communications, Business (709) 729-7628

2006 09 07                                    9:45 a.m.