Tom Mulcair unveils NDP plan to boost aerospace jobs

NDP Leader Tom Mulcairhasannounced a plan tocreate a "world-class"aerospace industry in Canada, including a new fund to boost innovation and manufacturing.

Outlining the plan on the tarmac of a Montrealairport on Tuesday, Mulcair said the NDP, if elected on Oct. 19,wouldinvestin a high-tech fund to helpsmall companies adoptcutting-edge technologies, increase production and hire more employees.

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The campaign pledgewould cost $160million over four years.

Calling aerospace a key sector for Canada'seconomy, MulcairaccusedtheConservatives ofneglecting the industry. He noted that no government minister attended therecent Paris air show to represent Canada and promised the NDP would repair the damage and become a "champion" for the aerospace industry.

"Canada is a pioneer in aerospace," he said, notingtraditional roles in the industry fromdeveloping regional jetsto key roles inspace exploration.

AJune 2015 report from the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada said the industry contributes $29 billion worth of GDP to Canada's economy each year. More than 700 companies employ more than 180,000 workers in direct and spinoff jobs.

The report also says Canada ranks third in global civil aircraft production, and that manufacturing and MRO activity(maintenance, repair and overhaul)are both expanding, growing by 29 per cent and 37 per cent, respectively, over the last decade.

The Conservative campaign noted that the 2015 budget offers various supports to boost theaerospace sector, including $1 billion for a strategic aerospace and defence initiative.

The Conservative plan also includes a program to promote large-scaleprojects that have strong commercial potential, investing $110 million over five years and $55 million each year after.

Harper-Wright conversation 'disquieting'

Mulcair also reacted to a revelation by Conservative Leader Stephen Harper that he had spoken with Nigel Wright since his departure from the prime minister's office.

During an exclusive interview with CBC's chief correspondent Peter Mansbridge that aired last night, Harper said he had a "brief conversation" with Wright to wish him well after he took a job in London.

Mulcair said the contactwas inappropriate."I find it very disquieting, given the fact that it is the prime minister and his office that is the real object of that trial, that he would have been talking to one of the key witnesses," he said. "I find that singularly inappropriate as a lawyer."