CCAA + IAM Joint Endorsement Letter

December 9, 2019

To whom it may concern.

The Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace (CCAA) Labour Market study in 2018 determined that our industry needs 55,000 new workers by 2025. The lack of skilled workers will have a profound impact on our industry, and the Canadian economy. That is why the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), the Aerospace Association of Canada (AIAC) and the Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace (CCAA) are calling upon Federal and Provincial Governments to work with us to develop a National strategy for the industry, which addresses the skills and labour shortages.

The IAMAW Report “Grounded Potential” is a detailed study of the Canadian Industry raising the significance of the aerospace industry by contrasting the aerospace industry to auto. It notes that the Aerospace Industry employs more workers than even the automotive industry, and unlike the auto industry, which is centred in Ontario and Quebec, the Aerospace industry is dispersed across the country. The report looks in detail at the global competition in Aerospace and the strategies being employed, specifically, resources being dedicated by other countries to grow their industry. The global competition is intense. Absent a national strategy and concerted action from industry and Government, Canada is at serious risk of continuing to slip in the global rankings. The report rightly notes that both levels of Government have a role to play in developing solutions. “Grounded Potential” documents the need for a National Sectoral Policy for the Aerospace Industry and puts forward four overarching recommendations, which are endorsed by CCAA. These recommendations include the need for a National Labour Strategy and recommendations to improve Training and Education.

The AIAC Vision 2025 report also notes the fiercely competitive global competition. It identifies six priorities for prosperity, of which increasing the support for our skilled work force is number one. With respect to increased support for our skilled workforce the report identifies four opportunities for greater collaboration between industry and government. It, too, calls for a National Strategy for the Aerospace sector.

Industry has a role to play in addressing the labour crisis. Over the last four years CCAA, together with industry, IAMAW and educators has developed and implemented a suite of industry-based actions to mitigate the crisis. However, industry cannot do it alone. Many issues require intervention at a regulatory or governmental level to provide the necessary infrastructure, to coordinate at a national level and deliver long term solutions with their associated benefits. That is why all three organizations are calling upon the Federal Government, together with Provincial Governments, to work with us on a National Strategy to address the labour crisis and ensure this key sector continues to grow and produce economic benefits across the country.

Sincerely,

Robert Donald
Executive Director,
Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace

Stan Pickthall
General Vice-President,
International Association of Machinists andAerospace Workers