Bombardier deal with Delta renews Quebec calls for Ottawa bailout

Quebec Premier Philippe Couillardis renewinghis calls for Ottawa to invest in Bombardier, saying a new multibillion-dollardeal to selljets to Delta Airlines is proof the companyis a good investment.

Couillardis leadingthe chorus of cautious optimism in Quebec following news that Bombardierwill provide75 of its high-techCSeriesaircraft to Delta with options for an additional 50 planes.

"Themost importantinnovation project in Canada today is the CSeries airplane, andwe should be all proud of that," Couillard said.

"And governments should be there in a strategic way."

At list prices, the deal with Delta could be worth almost $6 billion to Bombardier, but industry analysts suggestBombardier is likely togive the airlinea volume discount for such a large order.

Bombardier is one of Quebec's largest employers, with roughly 15,000 workers in the province about a fifth of the company'sglobal workforce.

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The aerospace and rail equipment company announced in February it would eliminate 7,000 jobs at the same time that AirCanada ordered 45 of Bombardier'sCS300aircraft.

DaveChartrand, Quebecco-ordinatorfor the the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, said workers are anxiously waiting for Ottawa to make a decision.

"We're wondering how long it will take for them to move on this,"Chartrandtold CBC Montreal'sDaybreak.

He hopes the Delta deal will not only save jobs on the chopping block but potentially add jobs too.

While FederalTransport MinisterMarc Garneauwasupbeat and called it a"great day" for Bombardier, he would not comment on a possible bailout from the Canadian government.

"I can tell you that the conversation is ongoing between the federal government and Bombardier," Garneau told reporters.

Garneau on Delta Airlines deal with Bombardier

8 years ago

Duration 1:44

Federal Transport Minister Marc Garneau says he is pleased about Delta's order of 75 C-series aircraft

Chartrand saidthe Delta deal showsthat Quebec's own contentious$1.32-billion bailout forBombardier is starting to pay off.

"This was a long road. It has not ended for us, but it gives everyone reason to have continued,"Chartrandsaid.

The Quebec minister responsible for the Montreal region,MartinCoiteux,said the bailout was proof Quebec was right to provide financial help tothe struggling company.

Municipal affairs minister Martin Coiteux on CSeries deal

8 years ago

Duration 0:51

Coiteaux says Bombardier is a key player to the Quebec economy as a whole.

"Bombardier is a key player to the Quebec economy as a whole,"Coiteuxsaid.

"Today's announcement is the proof that we made the right decision in supporting Bombardier in times of turbulence."

'The situation is fragile'

Parti Qubcois Leader Pierre Karl Pladeauexpressed some caution.

"The situation is fragile," Pladeau said."I understand everyone is enthusiastic, but the success of business is measured by long-term durability."

Pladeausaidthat the province's aerospace industry can only survive if Ottawa steps up and provides funding.

"The money we send to Ottawa every year should be invested in this big industry in Quebec," Pladeausaid.

"The federal government needs to invest in Bombardier to ensure its long-term success."