B.C. aerospace industry gets $1-million contribution from province

SIDNEY, B.C. – British Columbia’s aerospace industry is getting a $1-million boost from the provincial government.

The money is being given to the provincial wing of a national aerospace association to help unify the industry and attract investment.

The provincial government says B.C.’s aerospace and defence industry is already known for its highly specialized services and products and is close to the final aircraft assembly lines in Seattle, Wash.

David Schellenberg of the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada says the money will help B.C. take advantage of unprecedented global growth in the industry.

Finance Minister Mike de Jong says the industry generates about $1.2 billion in annual revenue and employs about 10,000 people in the province.

The money is part of a $5-million, five-year commitment to the industry.