VANCOUVER – Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard said Wednesday that he would push Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to deliver federal cash to Bombardier Aerospace.
Couillard made the comment in Vancouver, where Trudeau met premiers to discuss climate change.
During a joint news conference with Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, Couillard told reporters that federal money for Bombardier would be a good investment for Canada.
“This…aeronautical company in particular, and the CSeries in particular, are probably the most important innovative project in Canada,” said Couillard.
“[It] will benefit all of Canada, yes Quebec, but also Ontario and other parts of the country.”
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Wynne agreed, saying that Bombardier employs Ontario workers as well.
READ MORE: Quebec’s opposition leaders meet with Bombardier
Couillard compared the aerospace industry to Ontario’s auto sector that has received federal help in the past.
“Frankly, what we expect is that Bombardier and the aeronautical sector…will be supported by both governments as the auto sector was supported years ago,” he said.
“That’s the fundamental thing we need to repeat again and again.”
Quebec has already pledged $1 billion for the struggling aerospace giant, which is trying to sell its mid-sized C Series passenger jet to world airlines.
READ MORE: Bombardier to eliminate 7,000 jobs, announces deal with Air Canada
The Trudeau government has not yet decided whether to fork over federal dollars to the Montreal company, with Transport Minister Marc Garneau saying Ottawa will decide on the matter “in due course.”
Bombardier has been losing money and announced last month that it’s cutting 7,000 jobs over two years, including roughly 3,000 in Canada – and 2,400 in Quebec alone.
WATCH: Bombardier cuts
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Bombardier cuts
Talk of federal aid to the company has been controversial, especially in the west where Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall said the slumping oilpatch deserves cash as well.
Bombardier has reportedly asked Ottawa to match Quebec’s $1-billion pledge.
READ MORE: Quebec premier, opposition react to Bombardier job cuts
Couillard also appeared to make an appeal to national pride before the media on Wednesday.
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