Canada Announces New Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative

, MONTREAL, Quebec(DefenceTalk): The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Industry, and the Honourable Michael Fortier, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister Responsible for Montreal, today announced the launch of a new transparent and fully accountable research and development (R&D) initiative to promote excellence and accelerate innovation in Canada's aerospace, defence, security and space (A&D) industries. 
 
The Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative (SADI) will support strategic research and development that result in new products, processes and services for the benefit of Canadians. 
 
“This new cross-Canada initiative includes strong transparency and accountability requirements, and faster repayment features,” said Minister Bernier. “Since our government took office, transparency, accountability and value for money have been among our highest priorities and are the norm for new initiatives. SADI will support innovation by Canadian players which is critical to accelerating new technologies so they can continue to be at the leading edge of the knowledge-based economy.” 
 
“This collaboration between Canada's New Government and the aerospace and defence industries through the Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative will ensure that leading edge research and development activities are undertaken in Canada and Canadians continue to reap the benefits,” said Minister Fortier. 
 
SADI, a repayable contribution program, will be administered by Industry Canada's Industrial Technologies Office (ITO), a Special Operating Agency, which is subject to regular internal and external reviews. New transparency and accountability measures include providing Canadians with such information as project assessment criteria, the assessment process, contribution recipients, as well as regular updates on project results, program performance, and program accomplishments. 
 
“This new initiative strengthens the business case for investment and scientific innovation here at home,” said Don Campbell, Chairman of the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada. “Aerospace is a major contributor to wealth and job creation. Government partnerships with industry serve a valuable purpose in stimulating technology development which would not otherwise occur.” 
 
“Canada's aerospace and defence industries are among the world's best, and they are important economic drivers in all regions of the country,” said Minister Bernier. “All Canadians will benefit from the economic growth and technological advancements developed under this new initiative.” 
 
Canadian A&D industries are knowledge-intensive and major contributors to Canada's economy. The aerospace sector alone had sales of $21.8 billion, exports of $18.5 billion, and employed 75,000 highly skilled-and-paid Canadians in 2005. 
 
SADI is expected to invest nearly $900 million over the next 5 years, with funding to reach a maximum of $225 million per year, in support of Canada's aerospace, defence, security and space industries. ITO will begin accepting project applications for SADI funding today.