Notes for an address by

The Honourable Lynne Yelich
Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification

Celebration Reception

Check Against Delivery

Thank you Mr. O’Neill

Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to be here this evening on behalf of the Government of Canada to participate in this exciting celebration.

Meggitt Training Systems Canada Inc. (MTSC), has been a long-standing supporter of the development of the Canadian Centre for Unmanned Vehicle Systems (CCUVS).

CCUVS, a not-for-profit organization based in Medicine Hat, Alberta, strives to be the design, development, testing, evaluating and commercialization hub for Canada’s unmanned vehicle systems industry.

In July 2008, WD announced an investment of $900,000 towards the purchase of a high performance pneumatic unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) launcher for evaluating new technologies at the Centre.

As a result of this investment, Canadian and international companies and organizations are able to test and develop unmanned aerial vehicles using the launcher on a fee for service basis.

This project is helping to facilitate the growth of Western Canada’s unmanned aerial vehicle industry and strengthen its position as a leader in this high-technology sector.

A key priority for my Department is securing high-quality Industrial and Regional Benefits for the West.

Our vision is to leverage IRBs to develop and diversify the economy of Western Canada. How are we achieving this vision?

First, we identify key federal procurement opportunities for the West;

Second, we promote western Canadian companies and capabilities, and connect them with global aerospace and defence companies;

And third, we work collaboratively to build the knowledge infrastructure required to build and sustain this industry in the future.

Our government is committed to ensuring that western Canadian companies, such as Meggitt, succeed in today’s competitive global environment.

The Canadian economy is emerging from the downturn as one of the strongest and most resilient in the developed world.  However, we need to continue to be vigilant and find ways to make it stronger.

We will continue our work creating and protecting jobs, building infrastructure, easing the tax burden on families, supporting Canadians who have lost their jobs, helping threatened industries, and laying the foundation for our future prosperity.

We know that Canada’s prosperity depends not just on meeting the challenges of today, but on building the dynamic economy that will create opportunities and better jobs for Canadians in the future.

Today is evidence that together we are working to build a stronger Canada.

Thank you / merci.