Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to announce the introduction of an exciting new educational initiative at the University of Western Ontario.
Beginning in September, Western, along with its partners Air Ontario, Empire Aviation, Diamond Aircraft and the local airport authority, will be offering a four year undergraduate degree program in commercial aviation management.
This forward looking program is the first of its kind to be offered by a major Canadian university. It will enable some of the country's best and brightest university students to combine a solid academic training in business and the social sciences with professional flight training. Graduates will be prepared for rewarding careers, not only as airline pilots but in related areas of the industry such as airline and airport management.
The commercial aviation management program is another excellent example of how students at the University of Western Ontario are being equipped with the skills necessary to ensure that Canada's high tech industries such as air transportation remain competitive in a global marketplace.