The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Canada’s Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, recently led the country’s delegation at the prestigious 55th International Paris Air Show. With a keen focus on Canada’s aerospace industry, Minister Joly aimed to underscore the country’s status as a global hub for aerospace innovation and attract significant investment in the sector.
“Canada is open for business. Our aerospace companies and workers help lead the world, and international partners want to invest. Canada is one of the few countries in the world that has everything needed to develop and manufacture modern aircraft. Building the strongest economy in the G7 means supporting our leading industries, forging new trade partnerships and showing Canadian leadership at home and around the world,” expressed the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.
As part of her mission, Minister Joly highlighted Canada’s robust aerospace sector, emphasizing its world-class workforce and cutting-edge technologies. With the global aerospace market growing more competitive, she positioned Canada as a top destination for investment. The visit also served as an opportunity to forge stronger, more reliable partnerships that will support Canadian businesses and workers, particularly as the country works to build diverse and dependable international relationships.
Minister Joly held meetings with CEOs from both Canadian and international aerospace companies, forging critical connections. She also met with key provincial leaders, including François Legault, Premier of Quebec, Christine Fréchette, Quebec’s Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, and Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, the Honourable Victor Fedeli. These discussions focused on aligning industry efforts and strengthening Canada’s position on the global stage.
Throughout her visit, Minister Joly spoke passionately about the Canadian government’s commitment to supporting the aerospace sector. She underscored ongoing and future investments aimed at bolstering the domestic economy, creating high-paying jobs, and enhancing Canada’s defense capabilities. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to strengthen the country’s industrial base while diversifying international partnerships. Furthermore, she highlighted the role that Canadian industries, including steel and aluminum, will play in supporting the aerospace supply chain and becoming better integrated into global markets.
A standout moment from the trip was the announcement by LOT Polish Airlines of their intention to purchase up to 84 Airbus A220 aircraft, designed and built in Mirabel, Quebec. This major deal promises significant benefits for Canadian workers, creating numerous high-paying jobs and reinforcing Canada’s growing industrial ties with Europe—an essential move as geopolitical stability and strong partnerships become increasingly vital.
Minister Joly also welcomed France’s decision to purchase the new GlobalEye aircraft from Saab, which uses Bombardier’s Canadian-designed and built Global 6500 platform. This announcement highlights Canada’s continued leadership in the aerospace field and strengthens its role as a key player in the global defense industry.
Additionally, the Minister celebrated the announcement of $87.4 million in funding for the latest projects under the Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology (INSAT). This pan-Canadian initiative, led by industry stakeholders, aims to accelerate sustainable aviation innovations, marking another milestone in Canada’s ongoing commitment to advancing eco-friendly technologies in aviation.
Before attending the Paris Air Show, Minister Joly represented Canada at VivaTech 2025, Europe’s largest startup and tech event. As Canada was honored as the Country of the Year, the event provided a platform to showcase Canada’s leadership in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies that are essential for the future of global innovation.
Through these strategic engagements and announcements, Minister Joly reinforced Canada’s strong presence in the global aerospace industry, while promoting sustainable growth, innovation, and high-quality job creation for Canadian workers.