AEROSPACE AND DEFENCE
defence sector itself, which extends well beyond its largest players. Magellan and Boeing are world-class at composites and manufacturing, Soubry says, while StandardAero is one of the largest maintenance repair overhaul companies in the world. “So, when it comes to buying a weapons system for the Canadian Forces, we’ve got a lot of manufacturing and repair and overhaul capability and expertise here,” Soubry says. Then there are the companies that fall within the small to medium enter- prise segment whose stories need to be amplified. “I never want to take away from the significance that Magellan, Boeing and StandardAero play in the industry, but we also have incredible small and medium enterprises that are doing unbelievable things,” Stuart says. Mode40, an enterprise data intelligence firm and recent recipient of a Manitoba Champions Award, has gone global with what their AI technology can do for aerospace supply chains, Stuart notes as an example.
“Manitoba can become one of Canada's leading centres for aerospace defence and dual-use innovation,” Stuart says. “We have the foundation. We've got the skilled work- force. We’ve got the right partnerships. We can play a significant role in strengthening Canada's security, growing our economy and creating high-value opportunities for busi- nesses and workers across the province.” Manitoba also has a deeply integrated post-secondary ecosystem including the University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg and RRC Polytech provid- ing the specialized skills and advanced training the sector requires, alongside significant research and innovation capacity, Soubry says. “They are all contributing to our workforce, which gives Manitoba a very strong competitive advantage,” Stuart says. “We also work closely with education and training partners such as Tec-Voc High School and Neeginan College of Applied Technology, which are helping prepare Indigenous youth and other students for exciting careers in aerospace and defence.” That depth of talent is matched by the range of Manitoba’s aerospace and
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“There's finally a serious investment into the Canadian Forces with a really solid running-start capability in the province, and a desire to want to grow and diversify our economy.” — PAUL SOUBRY, EXECUTIVE CHAMPION OF THE MANITOBA-CANADA DEFENCE ALLIANCE
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