Advertisement

Bombardier defends CEO’s absence from special meeting following layoffs

Bombardier is defending its president and CEO, Alain Bellemare, who stood out in his absence from a special meeting to take stock of the 2,500 jobs in Quebec that will be chopped by the multinational company. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

Bombardier is defending its chief executive, Alain Bellemare, who stood out in his absence from a special meeting to take stock of the 2,500 jobs in Quebec that the company plans to cut.

Spokesperson Olivier Marcil says the company did not “hide” Bellemare and that his boss has a “schedule that is very, very busy.”

READ MORE: Bombardier cutting about 5,000 jobs as part of restructuring plan

Bellemare has avoided any interviews since the Montreal-based company announced last week it will chop 5,000 workers worldwide and sell off key assets, including its Q400 aircraft program.

WATCH BELOW: Bombardier cuts 5,000 jobs

Click to play video: 'Bombardier cuts 5,000 jobs'
Bombardier cuts 5,000 jobs

Quebec Economy Minister Pierre Fitzgibbon deflected questions around Bellemare’s absence this morning, noting that two Bombardier representatives were present at the meeting in downtown Montreal.

Story continues below advertisement

READ MORE: Bombardier Transportation changes president of Americas amid project delays

Get expert insights, Q&A on markets, housing, inflation, and personal finance information delivered to you every Saturday.

Get weekly money news

Get expert insights, Q&A on markets, housing, inflation, and personal finance information delivered to you every Saturday.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Fitzgibbon told a news conference that Bombardier contributed “very actively” to the discussion, which brought together union representatives and aerospace industry leaders.

The minister tried to reassure Quebecers that the province’s aerospace sector is healthy and growing, despite restructuring at the plane-and-train maker.

He said he is hopeful an ongoing labour shortage means all affected Bombardier employees will be able to find new work within the next 12 to 18 months.

WATCH BELOW: Bombardier to slash thousands of jobs

Click to play video: 'Bombardier to slash thousands of jobs'
Bombardier to slash thousands of jobs

 

Sponsored content

AdChoices