The Canadian aerospace industry is a driving force for innovation and development in Canadian industries. It is one of the most researched and export-intensive sectors in Canada, contributing billions of dollars to the Canadian economy each year and supporting thousands of well-paying jobs. The Government of Canada is committed to continually strengthening this crucial sector of our economy through key investments that will cement Canada's place as a world leader in aerospace.

Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced that the Government of Canada will support, through the Strategic Innovation Fund, General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada's Centre of Excellence for remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), located in Sherbrooke, Quebec. With this $10 million investment, General Dynamics will undertake mission system integration, testing and demonstration on the LX300 helicopter, a disruptive Canadian-made RPAS produced by Quebec-based Laflamme Aero, and is expected to create over 100 well-paying jobs in Sherbrooke. Additionally, on July 7th Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions announced a $2.5 million investment, through the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative, for Laflamme Aero to produce the aforementioned LX300, the first Canadian-made RPAS in its class.

General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada is a global leader in the integration of advanced mission systems for aerospace and defence applications. This investment will position Canada at the leading edge of RPAS and will involve greater collaborations with numerous small and medium-sized enterprises and academic partners.

Quotes:

“Canada’s aerospace industry is a leading contributor to our economy and a driving force for innovation, and this deal with General Dynamics will also make us an innovative force for remotely piloted aircraft systems. Thanks to this investment and the joint work of General Dynamics and Laflamme Aero, an innovative Quebec-based company, we are solidifying our global leadership in the aerospace sector, strengthening our economy and creating well-paying, high-value jobs for the people of the Eastern Townships.”

– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

By supporting GDMS-C, our government is helping to implement an important project that will have spin-offs in the Cantons-de-l’Est region and that will boost the growth of Quebec businesses. In fact, GDMS-C can count on Laflamme Aero’s innovative products as it establishes its centre of excellence in Sherbrooke. By integrating into regional and global supply chains, homegrown SMEs ensure they can grow and reaffirm Canada’s leadership in the aerospace, security, and defence sectors.”

– The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development Agency for Quebec Regions

“Through these investments, we aim to leverage our world class intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance technology with leading-edge aerospace capabilities across the country and make Canada a leader in RPAS innovation. We see RPAS as the future of aerospace, and we believe that Quebec, with its impressive aerospace hub, is the perfect place to be the foundation for this new and exciting initiative. Canada’s contribution to support General Dynamics’ Centre of Excellence in Sherbrooke, Quebec, is a testament to our aerospace expertise and its ability to transform the RPAS market on a global scale.”

– Joel Houde, Vice President and General Manager, General Dynamics Mission Systems–International