Unifor has expressed strong support for the Quebec government’s establishment of a new aerospace innovation zone in Greater Montreal, known as Espace Aéro. This initiative aims to address the needs of the aerospace industry and reinforce Montreal’s status as a leading global aerospace hub.
Lana Payne, Unifor National President, emphasized the importance of a coordinated national effort to support the aerospace sector.
“We are calling on the federal government to renew its commitment to the Canadian aerospace sector. Work must begin now with all industry stakeholders to develop a truly national aerospace industrial strategy,” Payne said. She highlighted the competitive international landscape and the necessity for Canada to implement strategic frameworks and targeted support measures.
Unifor has committed to collaborating with the Quebec government, businesses, and other industry players to ensure the success of the new innovation zone. However, the union also urged the federal government to take action and fully leverage Quebec’s investments in the aerospace sector.
Daniel Cloutier, Unifor’s Quebec Director, underscored the significance of investing in aerospace research and development.
“Investing in aerospace research and development is essential to ensure the long-term viability of this industry and protect high-quality, good jobs, particularly given the many challenges this sector has faced since the pandemic,” Cloutier said. He noted that Unifor members, especially those at companies such as Pratt & Whitney Canada, Bombardier, CAE, and Héroux-Devtek, would benefit from the new initiatives.
Unifor is the largest private-sector union in Quebec and Canada, representing over 320,000 members across various economic sectors. In Quebec, the union has nearly 55,000 members, including more than 6,000 in the aerospace industry. Unifor is affiliated with the Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec (FTQ), Quebec’s largest central labour body.