Government of Canada Investment to Boost Western Presence at International Defence Procurement Events

KELOWNA, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - July 24, 2015) - Western Economic Diversification Canada

Today, the Honourable Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country, on behalf of the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification (WD), announced over $1 million in funding to the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI) to increase the presence of western Canadian defence and security-based industries at international defence procurement events.

With this funding, CADSI will establish a Canada Pavilion at eight key international defence and security events. The pavilion will be branded, and feature a booth space, a lounge, and private meeting rooms. In addition, CADSI will develop two trade missions to Asia-Pacific and/or South American countries based on industry and market priorities.

The primary impact of the WD funding will be to create a stronger and more coordinated presence for the West's dynamic defence and security industries at key international events and promote western-based SMEs by presenting enhanced market access and supply-chain development opportunities.

Quick Facts

• Canada's defence and security industries contribute $12.6 billion to the Canadian economy annually and employ 109,000 Canadians, roughly 50 per cent of which comes from international sales.
• The Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI) is the national voice of Canada's defence and security industries, representing more than 1,000 companies. CADSI, as a not-for-profit national business association located in Ottawa, promotes a strong Canadian defence and security industrial base and serves its members as they showcase their world-class products and services and compete across Canada and in key export markets.

Quotes

"Our Government recognizes that Canada's defence and security industries provide thousands of Canadians with quality jobs. By supporting CADSI, we are giving these industries valuable exposure to international markets so that they may grow and strengthen our economy."

- The Honourable Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country

"This Government of Canada funding will allow CADSI to better showcase the world-class goods, services and technologies coming from Western Canada and connect these companies with international buyers at defence and security trade shows and trade missions under the Canada Pavilion banner - all with the goal of winning more business abroad."

- Christyn Cianfarani, President of the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI)

Additional Links

- Showcasing Western Canadian Companies at CANSEC 2015

- CADSI website

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