Foster Reinforces Government's Support For Bombardier During Canada Visit

The Minister met with Guy Hachey, Bombardier Aerospace's President and Chief Operating Officer and other senior executives at the company's headquarters in Montreal, as part of her two-day business visit to Canada, with Invest NI.

Arlene Foster said, "I and my Executive colleagues recognise Bombardier is facing many challenges in the current global recession. I came here today to reinforce our commitment to the company and to pledge to do whatever we can to help support its Northern Ireland base through this difficult period in preparation for the economic upturn.

"Bombardier is Northern Ireland's largest manufacturing company with over 5,000 employees and we must ensure its commercial future here remains strong and viable."

Following her meeting, the Minister took a tour of aircraft final assembly lines in Montréal, to which Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast has a major input.

"It was very encouraging to see at first hand, the final assembly work being undertaken on these aircraft, components for which are manufactured in Northern Ireland," she continued, adding that she, "recently welcomed the European Commission's approval of £113.37 million UK government funding towards Bombardier's all new commercial aircraft family, the CSeries.

"The CSeries aircraft programme is a very significant project for Northern Ireland as it will generate over 800 jobs here over its 20 year lifetime.

"It is also of great importance as it offers opportunities for businesses within both the local and UK-wide supply chains, and further enhances the standing of Northern Ireland's aerospace sector and its research, development and innovation capability."