November 18, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EDMONTON, AB – Matt Jeneroux, the Member of Parliament for Edmonton Riverbend, today participated in a cross-partisan discussion on Canada’s aerospace sector, focusing specifically on how to help the struggling airline sector and the future of Canada’s aerospace industry.

The discussion took place online as part of the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada’s virtual Week on the Hill and was moderated by former Quebec premier Jean Charest.

“I was pleased to participate in this discussion at such an important time,” said Jeneroux, who has been the Conservative Party’s representative on the Parliamentary Aerospace Caucus since late 2019.

“We have airline workers facing mass layoffs, customers who have been waiting for travel refunds for months now and a government that is taking its time in deciding how to help the sector.”

European countries and the United States have given funding to keep their aviation companies afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has seen air passenger traffic plummet by 90 per cent. The Canadian government only committed to enter discussions with the airlines in recent weeks, eight months into the pandemic.

The panel also discussed how to champion Canada’s aerospace industry, which is facing a looming skills shortage in the coming years.

“We have a great industry here in Canada and, with the proper supports, we can continue to be globally competitive and lead in innovation,” said Jeneroux.

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