I'd be glad to.
First, let me say that this sector is an area where Canada is a real global leader. We have the fifth largest aerospace industry in the world. We have world-class Canadian firms in a number of areas, including regional aircraft. It includes Bombardier's small gas turbine engines; Pratt & Whitney is an example; CAE simulators; and landing gear by Goodrich and Héroux-Devtek.
It's an industry that generates considerable annual revenues and employs almost 70,000 highly skilled Canadians.
In this industry, projects have high development costs. They're high risk. They have long development lead times, and they have long payback periods. These factors, combined with the cyclical level of the industry, make it difficult for the private sector to fund R and D at levels that may be required to stay competitive.
That's why you would see that Canada and other countries with strong aerospace industries support these industries, because of the significant employment, and technical, environmental, and other benefits.