Fast, de Jong take part in expo celebrating one of Canada's vital economic generators

Abbotsford aerospace leaders play pivotal roles.

ABBOTSFORD, BC, July 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ - Along with key, high-profile aerospace industry stakeholders, both the Canadian and B.C. governments will be represented at the 2014 Aerospace, Defence and Security Expo (ADSE) at Tradex in Abbotsford, August 7 and 8.

In particular, two of Abbotsford's most recognizable faces will be there: The Hon. Ed Fast, MP for Abbotsford and Minister of International Trade, who will bring greetings to the exposition from the government of Canada, and the Hon. Michael de Jong, MLA for Abbotsford West and Minister of Finance.

"The aerospace industry is one of the key builders of British Columbia's prosperity and the generator of many high-paying jobs that contribute to the skilled high-tech future of our province," said de Jong. "Our government has committed $5 million over five years to assist this cutting edge industry develop, and I am thrilled that British Columbia is playing a pivotal role in this development thanks in large part to Cascade Aerospace, Conair Aviation and other industry leaders being based at Abbotsford airport."

Hosted by AIAC Pacific, ADSE 2014 features speakers and presentations on themes that are timely, current and valuable to participants and industry visitors, who will benefit with access to key people, assets, ideas and opportunities that will help grow our local, regional and national economies and stimulate a thriving aerospace industry in Canada and internationally.

"ADSE invites the international aerospace, defence, and security communities to Abbotsford and is one way we work to make sure our B.C. aerospace companies remain world class in this competitive global marketplace," said Jay Teichroeb, vice president of AIAC Pacific. "B.C. has a diverse range of companies that are proven aerospace innovators and technology leaders, and that translates to significant employment here in the Fraser Valley as well as throughout British Columbia and the rest of Canada."

For more information, contact Grant Smith, Director - Aerospace, Defence and Security Expo (ADSE) at (250) 516-5475 or [email protected]

Visit www.ADSE.ca or follow ADSE on Twitter for interesting tidbits and ahead-of-the-curve information: @ADSExpo2014 / hashtag #ADSE.

About AIAC

AIAC is the national association representing Canada's aerospace manufacturing and services sector. As the world's fifth-largest aerospace industry, Canada's aerospace sector contributes nearly $28B to the economy in GDP, exports 80% of its output, and dedicates over 20% of its activity to research and development (R&D). Aerospace is responsible for the employment of 172,000 Canadians. AIAC represents the interests of over 700 aerospace companies across Canada.

About AIAC Pacific

In December 2013, AIAC announced the creation of AIAC Pacific with a mandate to promote and develop aerospace business in British Columbia by acting as an advocate and facilitator for its members with industry and government. AIAC Pacific speaks with one cohesive voice for the industry; it provides access for BC companies to national and international programs; and aims to develop a strong relationship with the provincial government. AIAC Pacific has a unique relationship with AIAC in that it is the only provincial entity managed by the AIAC. Through this relationship, AIAC Pacific is able to leverage participation in national and international programs designed to enhance business development, investment and global competitiveness.

About ADSE 2014

The 2014 Aerospace, Defence & Security Expo (ADSE), Canada's only expo connected to a major airshow (Abbotsford International Airshow), brings key federal and provincial cabinet ministers, government officials, commercial and military aerospace industry experts, and defence- and security-industry leaders together for learning and networking opportunities August 7 and 8 at Tradex in Abbotsford.

Background Information

The BC aerospace sector is a successful, high value, high technology engineering, manufacturing and service industry. The opportunity for Canadian and international aerospace industry partners to come together to capitalize on assets and capabilities has never been more timely. The current Aerospace Review implementation process has government and industry engaging together like never before to grow the aerospace sector.

Ensuring that business, industry and government are all working together to create opportunities and access to the key technologies required for the aerospace products in the future is critical if we are to grow, create new jobs, and generate increased wealth in our economy.

Supporting high value industry and identifying future opportunities in the long-term is critical to economic growth in the Canadian defence sector. ADSE 2014 provides the international defence community, including senior government officials, military delegations and other industry visitors and exhibitors, access to information about new defence procurement opportunities and Canada's Key Industrial Capabilities, as well as valuable industry exposure and the chance to network with industry, government and complementary service providers.

The security sector in Canada embraces a wide range of activities relating to the local, provincial and federal governments' delivery of crime prevention and investigation, protection of people, property and assets, and law enforcement in general.

SOURCE Aerospace, Defence and Security Expo