La viabilité de l’industrie aérospatiale canadienne mise en doute

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Dans un éditorial publié dans l’édition du 29 juin du Hill Times, l’ancien vice-premier ministre fédéral et premier ministre du Québec, Jean Charest, tire la sonnette d’alarme quant au manque de soutien gouvernemental à l’industrie aérospatiale canadienne.

M. Charest, partenaire chez McCarthy Tétrault, est président de Vision 2025, un groupe composé de représentants du secteur de l’aérospatiale qui, en collaboration avec l’Association des industries aérospatiales du Canada (AIAC), a publié un rapport en 2019 appelant à l’action du gouvernement fédéral d’augmenter le niveau de soutien pour le secteur. Charest dit que cet avertissement n’a pas été entendu par Ottawa.

Maintenant, étant donné la pandémie de COVID-19 et toujours aucune action du gouvernement fédéral dans ce dossier, M. Charest écrit: « … nous sommes sur le point de tout perdre. »

L’éditorial souligne que les gouvernements de pays étrangers qui sont en concurrence avec l’industrie aérospatiale du Canada ont déjà réagi aux effets dévastateurs de la pandémie sur leur industrie aérospatiale en annonçant des programmes d’aide.

M. Charest cite l’annonce récente provenant de la France de 26 milliards de dollars d’aide à l’industrie, citant la déclaration du ministre de l’économie de ce pays selon laquelle « nous ne sommes pas dans l’affaire d’être les idiots des villages de la planète qui s’asseoiraient et permettraient la disparition de… emplois et savoir-faire ».

M. Charest cite également 50 milliards de dollars de soutien du gouvernement américain à leur industrie et 9,8 milliards de dollars de soutien de l’Allemagne à leur industrie. Il dit que si Ottawa ne prend pas de mesures immédiates, le pays risque de perdre son rang dans l’industrie aérospatiale mondiale, ainsi que les emplois bien rémunérés convoités et les recettes fiscales qui vont avec. « En fait, d’autres pays, au moment où nous parlons, demandent activement aux entreprises canadiennes de fermer leurs portes et de déménager dans leurs territoires de compétence », déclare M. Charest.

Selon le groupe industriel Aéro Montréal, environ 43 000 personnes travaillent normalement dans l’aérospatiale, et ce dans la grande région de Montréal, qui en fait le troisième pôle industriel mondial après Seattle, Washington et Toulouse, en France.

Le rapport Vision 2025 : Au-delà de notre imagination est joint en annexe ci-dessous.

Photo du haut: Jean Charest et le PDG de l’AIAC, Jim Quick, présentent Vision 2025 au Greater Vancouver Board of Trade en 2019. Crédit photo: Steve Drinkwater

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Viability of Canada’s Aerospace Industry Questioned

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In an op-ed published in the June 29 edition of the Hill Times, former deputy prime minister and Quebec premier Jean Charest sounds an alarm bell about the lack of government support for Canada’s aerospace industry.

Charest, a partner at McCarthy Tetrault, is chair of Vision 2025, a group composed of representatives of the aerospace sector which, in collaboration with the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC), released a report in 2019 calling for action from the federal government to raise the level of support for the sector. Charest says that warning went unheeded by Ottawa.

Now, given the COVID-19 pandemic and still no action by the federal government on this file, Charest writes, “…we’re on the brink of losing it all.”

The op-ed points out that governments in foreign jurisdictions which compete with Canada’s aerospace industry have already responded to the devastating effects on the aerospace industry of the pandemic with announcements of aid packages.

Charest cites France’s recent announcement of $26 billion in industry assistance, quoting that country’s economy minister statement that “we aren’t in the business of being the village idiots of the planet who would sit back and allow the disappearance of … jobs and expertise.”

Charest also cites $50 billion in support from the U.S. government to their industry and $9.8 billion in support from Germany for their industry. He says that if Ottawa doesn’t take immediate action, the country risks losing its ranking in the global aerospace industry, along with coveted well-paying jobs and tax revenue that goes with it. “In fact, other nations are, as we speak, actively soliciting Canadian firms to shut down and move to their jurisdictions,” Charest states.

According to industry group Aéro Montréal, normally about 43,000 people work in aerospace in the Greater Montreal area, making it the world’s third-largest industry hub after Seattle, Washington and Toulouse, France.

The report Vision 2025: Beyond our Imagination is appended below.

Top photo: Jean Charest and AIAC CEO Jim Quick present Vision 2025 to the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade in 2019. Photo credit: Steve Drinkwater

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Où voler – dans l’est : Wiarton, Ontario

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Une des fonctionnalités préférées de l’infoLettre COPA est de retour. Avec autant de restrictions et de directives strictes décourageant les rendez-vous aériens cette année, nul n’est apparue dans l’infoLettre en 2020. Jusqu’à présent.

Les Trillium Flyers sont un rassemblement d’aviateurs à mailles lâches qui organisent des vols vers divers aéroports du sud de l’Ontario. Ils se sont révélés très populaires dans les quelques évènements organisée en juin.

Ce samedi 4 juillet, le groupe prévoit son envol pour l’aéroport de Wiarton Keppel (CYVV) pour célébrer la fête du Canada. Le restaurant Hungry Hangar, situé à l’aéroport, est maintenant ouvert pour des mets emporter et pour le service extérieur aux tables de pique-nique. Le temps s’annonce beau, ils attendent donc à une grande foule.

TRÈS IMPORTANT : Les organisateurs doivent savoir avant midi ce vendredi le nombre de participants à prévoir pour planifier le stationnement des avions (et pour que le restaurant s’approvisionne avec suffisamment de nourriture).

Il est obligatoire de confirmer votre présence par courriel avant 12 h HE à l’organisateur Ivan Kristensen.

Where to Fly – East: Wiarton, Ontario

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One of COPA eFlight’s favourite features is back. With so many restrictions and tough guidelines discouraging fly-ins and fly-outs this year, none have appeared in eFlight in 2020. Until now.

The Trillium Flyers is a loose-knit group of flyers who have been organizing fly-outs to various southern Ontario airports. They have proven to be very popular in the handful that have been organized in June.

This Saturday, July 4, the group is planning their fly-out to Wiarton Keppel airport (CYVV) to celebrate Canada Day. The Hungry Hangar restaurant, located at the airport, is now open for takeout and outside service at picnic tables. The weather is looking good, so they expect a large crowd.

VERY IMPORTANT: The organizers need to know by 12 noon on Friday the number of attendees to expect in order to plan for aircraft parking (and so the restaurant stocks up on enough food).

RSVP by email before 12 noon ET to organizer Ivan Kristensen is mandatory.

“Bring a flag,” say Ivan.

Photo: Submitted

Où voler – dans l’ouest : Vernon, Colombie-Britannique

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Bien qu’il ne s’agisse pas d’un vol organisé, l’arrivée d’un nouveau restaurant sur le terrain dans un aéroport situé au cœur de l’Okanagan se révélera sûrement une grande attraction pour se rendre à l’aéroport de Vernon.

Patricia Murdock, propriétaire de Sky High Diner, a déclaré à eFlight qu’il a fallu deux ans à son mari et elle pour obtenir l’autorisation de déménager sur le site en bordure de la rampe principale, près du terminal de l’aéroport et le bâtiment de l’Aéroclub de Vernon (visible en arrière-plan).

Avec des tables devant le restaurant et d’autres endroits à proximité où l’on peut s’asseoir et manger, garder une distance de deux mètres semble facilement réalisable.

Avec 100LL se vendant pour seulement 1,41 $, les hamburgers pourraient même coûter moins de 100 $ !

Places to Fly – West: Vernon, British Columbia

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While not an organized fly-in, the arrival of a new on-field eatery at an airport located in the heart of the Okanagan will surely prove to be a great fly-in attraction at Vernon’s airport.

Sky High Diner proprietor Patricia Murdock tells eFlight it took her and her husband two years to get approval to move onto the site on the edge of the main ramp, near the airport’s terminal building and the Vernon Flying Club building (visible in the background).

With tables in front of the diner, and other spots nearby where one can sit and eat, keeping a two-metre distance looks easily doable.

With 100LL selling for just $1.41, the burgers might even cost less than $100!

2020 VOLUNTEER AWARD WINNERS

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PRESIDENT’S AWARD

Presented to any individual, company, organization or Government agency that has shown outstanding support for the safety, education or development of our aviation community.

2020 RECIPIENT: CAMERON BOEKHOFF OF OTTAWA, ON

“For embodying the future of aviation in Canada”

From then COPA President, Bernard Gervais: He resurrected COPA Flight 8, he’s been a key player in the NextGen movement. He lives, breathes everything aviation. He’s been a strong supporter of the staff and board members in the younger generation. He’s participated in just about everything COPA has done. Congratulations Cameron for everything you’re doing and that you’ve done, and that you will do in the coming years.

From the awards administrator, Brian Pound: Cameron was not only nominated by the President but also by his own staff and one of the Ontario directors, obviously a great pick for our President’s Award.

View past President’s Award winners here.

 

CHAIRPERSON’S AWARD

Presented to any COPA Member who has shown outstanding commitment to our objectives to maintain our Freedom to Fly.

2020 RECIPIENT: DAVID SPRAGUE OF TORONTO, ON

“In recognition for your exceptional service to the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association”

From the Chairman of the Board, Bill Mahoney: Dave Sprague is the President of the Buttonville Flying Club, COPA Flight 44. He not only volunteers his time with the flying club organization but with several other organizations and volunteer groups such as Sail Canada. He is quick to volunteer and offer his assistance when asked. When we conferred with the search committee back in January of this year, Dave offered to assist. He is an executive search consultant and he offered to help our search committee with the daunting task of finding a new CEO for COPA. It was with his assistance, guidance, and direction that we were able to conduct a very rigorous and thorough search and come up with an outstanding candidate. I would like to recognize and thank Dave for his volunteer efforts, not only with COPA but with all organizations. He goes above and beyond so it is with deep gratitude and appreciation that I recognize you for your assistance and present you with the Chairman’s award for 2020.

EDITOR’S AWARD

Presented to an individual that has made a substantial contribution to the past year’s COPA Flight magazine. Selected by the COPA Flight Editor.

2020 RECIPIENT: JEAN-PIERRE BONIN FROM LAVAL, QC

For his photo contributions to COPA Flight

From the awards administrator, Brian Pound: Our editor of COPA Flight, Steve Drinkwater, has nominated a photographer for this award that is often presented for a COPA Flight article. Jean-Pierre has done a phenomenal job and I hope that he keeps up sending more and more fantastic photographs into our COPA Flight, so, quite frankly Jean-Pierre, congratulations and thank you for all you have done to support COPA. Great job, thank you.

DIRECTORS’ AWARD RECIPIENTS 2020

In appreciation for your personal efforts to advance, promote and preserve our Canadian Freedom to Fly.

  • Association des Pilotes et Propriétaires de Hangars de Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu – CYJN
    • An amazing organization, COPA Flight 160. They have 230 members and this strong flight is very active in COPA for Kids. They also work with the city manager and have taken over the FBO operations, they sell the Avgas and give you great service when you land. They are also holding many safety and training sessions on various aspects of aviation. A very dedicated group.
  • Munden Critch, NL
    • He has single-handedly expanded the water aerodrome at Patty’s Pond (CCQ5), near St. John’s, Newfoundland. He is a very skilled and experienced aircraft builder and shares his knowledge and talent with anyone who needs it.
  • Mervin Zinck, NS
    • Based at New Germany Lake (CCA2) in Nova Scotia, for the past 12 years, Mervin has been hosting the annual New Germany Lake Pilot’s Picnic that hosts up to 25 planes from around the Maritimes. He truly tries to involve the whole community in this event and offers free lunches, live music, a small antique car show; Model aircraft builders and skydivers jumping out of floatplanes are all present. He’s a member of the Bluenose Flying Club and COPA Flight 196 and he has created an amazing showcase for general aviation in this small community.
  • Yvan Albert, Pierre Boudreault, Gilles Lambert, QC
    • A joint award goes out to Yvan, Pierre and Gilles. These gentlemen worked very hard to try and save their local aerodrome, a project that is still being heavily discussed. Their efforts are very much appreciated despite the current ruling. We give them a vote of thanks for working through this project and hope for a better solution in the future.
  • Gabriel Muglia, ON
    • Gabriel is of COPA Flight 8, a private pilot, a COPA member and builder of very impressive, intricate remote-controlled aircraft. He is the secretary of the recently resurrected COPA Flight 8 in Ottawa. Along with others, he has answered the call for volunteers to help get the COPA NextGen initiative off the ground, bringing great membership value to our younger members.
  • Geordie Dalglish, ON
    • Geordie has recently purchased the Collingwood airport and is an example of someone who is prepared to go the extra mile to take of our freedom to fly, looking out for our whole aviation community.
  • Clayton Smith, ON
    • Clayton is a phenomenal person and even a bit larger than life. He has managed to transform the Orillia airport into an aviation masterpiece with longer runways, a restaurant, a large new shop, 40 T-hangars, a flying school and has even moved into Parry Sound where there will be a restaurant as well.
  • Wade Cook, ON
    • Wade Cook was instrumental in forming COPA Flight 201 along with the Gore Bay Flying Club. He is a corporate pilot, an instructor, and the person responsible for getting a flight school and an aircraft for his COPA Flight so that they can have an amazing contribution to aviation.
  • Ken Zachkewich, AB
    • Ken has just been a director for the last few minutes (as of the 2020 AGM). His accomplishments, which can be read about in COPA Flight magazine, include a very successful 4000 ft ice runway fly-in at Lac La Biche where they had 69 aircraft fly in for an event. He served as captain of the Lac La Biche Flight for several years and is very active within the aviation community.
  • Ruf May, AB
    • He has worked on many aircraft and helped pilots purchase their planes for more than 25 years. He is just a phone call away and is always happy to assist. He is a fountain of information and he seems to know all his client’s aircraft parts off the top of his head. He is a multiengine pilot and an AME, he worked for Pacific Western Airlines as a flight engineer for a number of years before switching over to Canadian airlines. He has served on the Olds-Didsbury airport commission. He has been on the flying club board for many years and you’ll see him even mowing the grass, fixing the fuel system, and maintaining aircraft. A person like Ruf keeps general aviation alive and well in Canada.
  • Ryan van Haren, BC
    • Along with being an IFR controller and holding an ATPL, he has been described as the spark plug behind the British Columbia General Aviation Association and is the president of COPA Flight 194. He has truly made an enormous impact on the aviation community in BC through his tireless efforts on his web and Facebook pages that are the basis for the success of his virtual organization. Last year at the Innisfail AGM, Ryan kindly volunteered to help a fellow aviator get to a checkout ride at an airport 3 hours away.
  • Dave McElroy, BC
    • Dave is a giant of a guy in personality. He offers his support for the Kelowna Flying Club, has major fundraising efforts for his organization Wings of Hope, and has been committed to COPA. He keeps the GoPro cameras as busy as they can be with his mountain flying.

MERIT AWARD RECIPIENTS 2020

In recognition of your personal contribution, passion and commitment to aviation in your community.

  • Jeremy Dann, NS
    • Among his contributions, Jeremy is captain of the Bluenose Flying Club and host of the Fly Nova Scotia Facebook page. He started flying back in the 70s as an air cadet and currently flies a Rans S-7 on floats. He is even currently building a hangar. Thanks, Jeremy, for all the work you do in the Maritimes.
  • Marc Quidoz, QC
    • He’s said to be at the airport nearly every day, he is making the Quebec general aviation community grow. This 4400-hour pilot has done great work and is very helpful to the people in his neighbourhood. He really accepts the challenges of aviation.
  • Guillaume Narbonne, QC
    • He has been working with the local resistance but is currently expanding to Saint-Cuthbert aerodrome. He will be a great addition to that local aviation community. The directors from Quebec are very pleased nominate him for this award.
  • Laura Matheson, ON
    • Laura went to great lengths to make sure the members of her local Flight were recognized. This Vice-President of COPA Flight 8 at the Rockcliffe Airport was nominated for the merit award by two COPA directors. The members of her club are appreciative of her leadership skills and for keeping the club growing.
  • Terry Mortimer, ON
    • Terry grew up with his father flying a Cessna 310 and was instrumental in resurrecting COPA Flight 66 and is now their Flight captain. He flies an RV-6 with GoPros attached and is a huge supporter of the COPA for Kids program. The work he does is greatly appreciated.
  • Innisfail Flying Club, AB
    • If anyone was at the COPA AGM in Innisfail last year, you understand the total commitment that this flying club, as well as the town, made to make this event a success. The large improvements to their facilities at the airport and the enthusiasm of the membership was just amazing. The weather didn’t seem to cooperate but that didn’t seem to dampen their spirits and they managed to power through all that and provide us with an enjoyable gathering and all the board members were appreciative of the outstanding work that Innisfail did for us that year.
  • Warwick Patterson, BC
    • He is a talented photographer, is a passionate aviator and often the first to volunteer. An avid supporter and a voice of reason in the British Columbia General Aviation Association and the local drone association as well. He calls Squamish home and is the man behind the Flying BC podcast and website, a true leader in his area.
  • Tom Heise, BC
    • Tom is President of the Aero Club of BC, COPA Flight 16, at the Pitt Meadows airport. They hosted the Board in the 2019 Board meeting in BC and it is evident why Tom is deserving of an award. They host the BCGA, the BC 99s, the IMC club, provide the Avgas at the airport and even have a club plane for their members. Many of these endeavours and many others have been under the leadership of Tom and the many hours he has dedicated to the Aero Club, COPA and the sister organization of BC in the lower mainland. He was nominated by past director Tim Cole for his dedication, leadership and personal commitment that he has given to the aviation community of British Columbia.
  • Paul Harris, BC
    • A designated flight examiner and class 1 flight instructor within the lower mainland of BC. He has been recognized by others as an excellent instructor and a champion of aviation safety. He is currently mainly concerned with training flight instructors and if you want to get your PPL, you are advised to find a Paul Harris prodigy and you’ll get proper training.
  • Rick O’Neill, NL
    • Over the past number of years, we have observed Rick’s generous contribution of time and resources to COPA, CASARA, and the Air Cadet familiarization flight program. Regardless of what he is asked to do, or when, he is always there with unfailing enthusiasm and support.

APPRECIATION AWARD RECIPIENTS 2020

  • Bell Island, Newfoundland
    • COPA Flight 97 out of St. John’s worked with the town of Wabana along with the local fire department and the Bell Island aerodrome to organize the “Bell Island-bound Fun for All Ages Day”. This partnership allowed COPA Flight 97 to promote and share general aviation with the public, to inspire people of all ages about aviation and to generate interest in the rewarding careers that are available in aviation. Like always, it was just another fine day in Newfoundland.
  • South Shore Regional Airport (CYAU)
    • An amazing story of grassroots aviation at its best, with many of the flying club’s members who are not even pilots. These volunteers have donated their time and materials to refurbish the run-down clubhouse, clear brush and trees, hold several fundraisers within the town and at the airport. This is not an easy task as this beautiful 4000 ft asphalt runway is remotely located several miles out of town and has been neglected for years. The local remote control pilot’s club was also there as a valued partner and helped the refurbish team. They worked hard, they were smart about it and went to the town council and got a hold of their MLA, their member of parliament, the media and got everyone involved to share what they saw as a vision for the airport.
  • COPA Flight 52 –Trois-Rivières, QC
    • 2019 was a busy year for COPA Flight 52. They had a fly-in that included a tourist historic tour of the city. This is a great way to get the spouses involved in a non-aviation-related activity while still enjoying the joy of flight.
  • Nicole Wardstrom, BC
    • She is the president of the Langley Aero Club, COPA Flight 175. She gets her flying roots from her parents and is currently working hard towards her commercial pilot’s license. While being a club member for several years, she has in a short time in her new role as the leader, brought fresh enthusiasm, new ideas and new members to the group. This young woman is to be commended for her dedication, hard work, and the leadership that she has provided.
  • Horst Romani, BC
    • Many local members think that Horst is very deserving of this nomination. Among other things, he is the organizer of the Aero Club of BC’s COPA for Kids program. He is an ardent COPA supporter and is one of the guys they can rely on for support around the aviation community.
  • Janine Cross, BC
    • She has been a volunteer for ten years with the Air Time Canada program that encourages and mentors a few hundred young people to become interested in aviation. Her numerous articles in the COPA Flight magazine are geared towards getting spouses to go along on flights and experience the adventure and the magic that is possible through general aviation. These contributions have encouraged several young women to become pilots.