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Montreal aerospace sector encourages students to complete their studies

March 20, 2009 – Aero Montreal, which brings together all the major decision makers in the region's aerospace sector, including companies, educational and research institutions, associations and unions, held its first Montreal Aerospace Day. During this event, Aero Montreal signed an agreement with Montreal Hooked on School to encourage students to complete their studies and to pursue academic excellence.

        Montreal Aerospace Day, attended by municipal government officials, the business community and Montreal school representatives, rose awareness of the importance of Greater Montreal's aerospace sector among political and Montreal leaders.

        In an address to 150 people attending the event, Marc Parent, Chairman of the Board of Aero Montreal and Chief Operating Officer of CAE Inc., a major player in Montreal's aerospace industry, highlighted the sector's dynamic contribution to the region's economy. He emphasized that, albeit the turmoil caused by the current economic crisis, industry is continuing to invest strategically in research and development and to plan for a strong future aerospace labour force.

        "Despite the world economic slowdown that is affecting all industrial sectors, the aerospace sector continues to generate significant economic activity and spin-offs that benefit all Quebecers. It provides about 40,000 high quality jobs. Its capabilities to innovate are remarkable and it enhances Québec's aerospace reputation worldwide," said Mr. Parent.

        Greater Montreal's aerospace sector took advantage of this awareness day to endorse efforts that encourage youth to pursue and complete their studies.

Representatives of Aero Montreal signed a collaboration agreement with Montreal Hooked on School, a regional organization that actively works with five Island of Montreal school boards to create and implement initiatives that curb school dropout rates.

        "The aerospace sector recognizes that the battle against school dropout rates is a social responsibility shared by all members of society," said Suzanne M. Benoît, CEO of Aero Montreal. "By supporting a local organization dedicated to this cause, the aerospace sector is demonstrating its determination to continue contributing to the well-being of the Québec population, especially during these difficult times."

        "It is essential to develop the educational and professional skills of our young people, to motivate them to continue their studies, helping them pursue their dreams. This agreement with the aerospace sector will enable us to better promote the importance of studying beyond high school," said Caroline Chassé, interim director of Hooked on School.

        "Hooked on School is proud to join forces with Aero Montreal since we believe that it's through collaboration with the business community, parents and schools that we can reinforce our youths' aspirations and pursuit of their schooling," she added.

        Aero Montreal's Labour Force and Renewal Working Group will oversee implementation of this collaborative effort between the Montreal aerospace sector and Hooked on School. This working group is composed of representatives from the aerospace industry and institutional sector, mostly decision makers from human resources, senior managers of educational institutions and Centre d'adaptation de la main-d'oeuvre aérospatiale au Québec (CAMAQ). A copy of the agreement is available at www.aeromontreal.ca.

About Aero Montreal
Aero Montreal, Greater Montreal's aerospace cluster, is a think tank that brings together all decision makers in the region's aerospace sector including companies, educational institutions, research centres, associations and unions.

Aero Montreal's mission is to rally all the players in the sector around common goals and concerted actions to increase cohesion and optimize the competitiveness, growth and influence of the Greater Montreal aerospace cluster so that it remains an even more important source of wealth creation for Greater Montreal, Quebec and Canada.