Quebec’s aerospace sector recovers jobs lost during economic crisis
May 5, 2014
By The Canadian Press
Aero Montreal says employment in Quebec’s aerospace sector has fully recovered from the financial crisis despite ongoing economic challenges that have constrained aircraft orders.
The group, which represents Montreal-based aerospace companies as well as educational and research groups, says more than 43,500 workers were employed in the industry in the province last year, up 1,000 from 2012 and nearly nine per cent above 2010 levels when employment reached its lowest point in the recession.
Aero Montreal executive director Suzanne Benoit says employment now exceeds levels even before the financial crisis hit in 2008.
However, with about 30 per cent of aerospace workers expected to retire over the next 15 years, the industry is encouraging students even at the elementary level to consider studying science and math to pursue aerospace careers.
Meanwhile, federal Infrastructure Minister Denis Lebel announced a $1.58-million grant to Aero Montreal to be used to promote an industry that is a main economic engine for the province and country, and which supports thousands of well-paying jobs.
