The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, joined by the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Natural Resources, was on hand to congratulate Pratt & Whitney Canada on the opening of its new global flight test operations facility today, highlighting the government's leadership at attracting new investment to Canada.
"This flight test operations facility represents another example of our government's sound economic policy at work," said Minister Clement. "The partnership with Pratt & Whitney Canada will help spur innovation and encourage long-term industrial development in Canada, while creating jobs and bringing lasting economic benefits for workers and their families."
The global flight test operations facility is the first phase of Pratt & Whitney Canada's larger Mirabel Aerospace Centre. The facility will support flight testing for the complete range of Pratt & Whitney Canada and Pratt & Whitney engines, including turboprops and turbofans, with up to 90 000 pounds of thrust. The facility houses two Boeing 747SP aircraft that have been transformed into flying test beds to simulate a complete range of flight conditions and collect record amounts of engine data.
The government welcomes this job-creating investment by Pratt & Whitney into the Canadian economy. Canada's open and attractive free-enterprise environment was recently ranked by the Economist Intelligence Unit as the best place to do business in the G7 this year and over the next four years.
"Our government remains committed to a strong and sustainable aerospace industry in Quebec and Canada," said Minister Paradis. "This is why our government is proud of our investment in the F-35 fighter jet, an initiative that will help create skilled jobs and drive innovation and economic growth for a generation."
The Harper Government is creating the best business environment in the world and, as a result, Canada has: -- the strongest fiscal position in the G7; -- low corporate taxes - on track for having the lowest corporate income tax rate in the G7 by 2012; -- the fastest economic growth in the G7 in 2010, according to the International Monetary Fund and the Organisation for Economic Co- operation and Development; -- the position as the first tariff-free zone in the G20 for manufacturing imports; -- a skilled workforce, with the second-highest proportion of post- secondary graduates among countries of the Organisation for Economic Co- operation and Development; -- a high quality of life; -- a vibrant environment for innovation, with one of the most advantageous research and development tax incentive programs in the industrialized world; and -- a strong commitment to good governance, democracy and the rule of law.
The opening of this facility and the jobs that are associated demonstrate Pratt & Whitney's commitment to Canada's economy through the Industrial Regional Benefits program. In 2007, the Government of Canada purchased 18 Pratt & Whitney turbofan engines for its four Boeing C-17 Globemaster aircraft. The Program ensures high-value economic stimulus is injected into the economy, creating jobs and opportunities for Canadian workers and their families.
