The Government of Canada has announced funding for a number of development projects with members of Quebec’s aerospace industry.

The government will provide funding to three commercial enterprises – Messier-Dowty Inc., Shockform Aéronautique Inc., and Delastek Inc. – and Aéro Montréal, a non-profit organization.

Denis Lebel, the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, said in a statement, “The Government of Canada is working with the aerospace industry to ensure it remains solid, globally competitive and at the forefront of technological development.”

Quebec’s aerospace industry is a key cog in the province’s economy. In 2011, the sector posted sales of $11.7 billion – 80 per cent of which was exports. Overall, Quebec’s aerospace companies employ 42,000 people and are responsible for 55 per cent of the national activity in the industry.

The initiatives that will come from the funding vary for each organization. Messier-Dowty received the largest total investment of $58 million to expand their existing plant in Mirabel. The expansion is a response to increased production of Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 aircraft.

The non-profit, Aéro Montréal, received a $1.2 million investment to implement an “international MACH showcase” which will help major contractors increase their productivity.