Minister Joly travels to France to support innovative Canadian industries
Minister Joly showcased Canada's highly innovative aerospace sector and promoted the country as a top destination for global aerospace investment—at a time when Canada is seeking to help build trusted, reliable partnerships that support its companies and workers.
Minister Joly met with CEOs of Canadian and global aerospace businesses as well as with key provincial partners, including François Legault, Premier of Quebec; Christine Fréchette, Quebec Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy; and the Honourable Victor Fedeli, Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.
During the visit, Minister Joly underscored Canada's world-class aerospace sector, with its strong workforce and cutting-edge innovation, and highlighted that the government is committed to making major investments in the economy and supporting Canada's defence sector. These investments will generate jobs and opportunities throughout Canada's industrial base, strengthen domestic capabilities, and diversity Canada's international partnerships. She also advocated for workers across other Canadian industries, including steel and aluminum, which are well positioned to be better integrated into global aerospace supply chains.
A highlight of the visit was LOT Polish Airlines' announcement of its intention to purchase up to 84 Canadian-built Airbus A220 aircraft, made in Mirabel, Quebec. This is a major win for Canadian workers. The deal will create many high-paying jobs and highlights Canada's desire for deeper industrial and commercial ties with Europe at a time when cooperation with reliable partners is more important than ever.
Minister Joly welcomed France's announcement of its purchase of new GlobalEye aircraft from Saab, which uses Bombardier's Canadian-designed, -developed and -built Global 6500 platform.
In addition, Minister Joly welcomed the announcement of $87.4 million for the latest projects from the Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology (INSAT), a pan-Canadian, industry-led network focused on accelerating sustainable innovation in aviation.
Prior to the Paris Air Show, Minister Joly represented Canada at VivaTech 2025, Europe's largest startup and tech event. Canada was Country of the Year at the event, and its participation was a celebration of our leadership in AI and new technologies that the world needs.
Quotes
"Canada is open for business. Our aerospace companies and workers help lead the world, and international partners want to invest. Canada is one of the few countries in the world that has everything needed to develop and manufacture modern aircraft. Building the strongest economy in the G7 means supporting our leading industries, forging new trade partnerships and showing Canadian leadership at home and around the world."
– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Quick facts
Canada is one of the top suppliers of aircraft technology, and Canadian-made aerospace parts are used on almost every passenger aircraft in the world.
The International Paris Air Show is a global showcase for the aerospace industry that attracts over 2,500 exhibitors from 48 countries.
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