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Context
Aerospace is one of the key sectors of the economy in Montréal and, more broadly, at the national level. While the sector is known for its resilience and has gone through several periods of turbulence over time, the pandemic is causing an unprecedented shock wave. Global air traffic has fallen sharply and all agree that recovery will be slow.
According to the latest International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecasts, global air traffic could return to pre-pandemic levels between 2024 and 2027. Such a slowdown has major consequences for the entire ecosystem, from manufacturing SMEs to the country’s airlines and airports.
Maintaining our aerospace industry’s enviable position internationally and retaining our talent is a huge challenge. We need to address this issue quickly, by building on our strong capacity for innovation and developing projects for the next generation of greener aircraft.
 
  
		
			
			  - Demonstrate its economic and strategic importance for the city
- Identify and specify the effects, challenges and opportunities stemming from the COVID-19 crisis
- Assess the effectiveness of existing government assistance measures and present measures to be considered to support businesses
- Present the recovery or sectoral assistance strategies implemented elsewhere that may apply in Québec
- Issue courses of action and sectoral recommendations to political decision-makers in Greater Montréal (spearheaded by the Chamber and its partners)
- Promote the ability to rebound through innovation, new business models and corporate strengths
- Determine the elements to be developed to strengthen and promote a return to growth
- Identify business challenges and opportunities for companies in the short, medium and long term
- Define potential courses of action for development and relaunch based on established strategic priorities
 
Event format in a nutshell
	- Starting at 7 a.m., log on, join the movement and take part in a networking session (optional)
- Conferences starting at 8 a.m.
- Around 12:30 p.m., end of conferences
- Discussions between all participants until 2 p.m. (optional)
- Virtual booths throughout the activity
Program
 
7:00 a.m. Access to the platform and networking period 
8:00 a.m. Opening remarks
	
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    		Michel LeblancPresident and CEO 
 Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal
 
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    		Mirabel Paquette Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications
 NATIONAL Public Relations
 Master of Ceremonies
 
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    		Marie-Eve ProulxMinister for Regional Economic Development
			 
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    		Mélanie JolyMinister of Economic Development and Official Languages 
			 
8:30 a.m. Talk – Presentation of current conditions and the Action Plan to Strengthen the Aerospace Sector
9:00 a.m. KPMG Group brainstorming session to enhance the action plan to strengthen the sector
9:30 a.m. Panel Discussion – Air transportation: A domino effect on the sector 
	
		- 
      		
    		Philippe BalducchiChief Executive Officer
 Airbus Canada
 
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    		Mark GalardoVice President, Network Planning 
 Air Canada
 
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    		Martin MasséVice-President, Public Affairs
 Aéroports de Montréal
 
Moderator:
 
	
10:00 a.m. Panel Discussion – Maintaining a sustained level of attractiveness for Montréal 
 
	
		
		- 
      		
    		Hubert BolducPresident and Chief Executive Officer  
 Investissement Québec International
 
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    		Joanna BoshouwersVice-President, Satellite Systems
 MDA
 
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    		Patrick ChampagneVice President, Strategy and Government Relations
 CMC Electronics
 
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    		Benoit HudonPresident & CEO 
 Drakkar Aerospace and Transportation
 
Moderator:
 
	
10:40 a.m. Panel Discussion – How can aerospace strengthen Montréal’s position in sustainable mobility? 
 
	
		
		- 
      		
    		Sarah HoudePresident and CEO 
 Propulsion Québec
 
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    		Fassi KafyekeFellow, Research, Innovation and Collaborations
 Bombardier
 
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    		Hélène V. GagnonVice President, Public Affairs and Global Communications
 CAE
 
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    		Dr Karim Zaghib Strategic Advisor 
 Investissement Québec
 
Moderator:
 
	
	
11:15 a.m. Focus Group – Retaining talent to keep the industry going
	
		- 
      		
    		Alain Aubertin President and CEO
 CRIAQ
 
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    		Nathalie ParéDirector
 CAMAQ
 
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    		Annie Ross, Ph.D., Eng.  Associate Academic and Research Officer and full Professor 
 Polytechnique Montréal
 
12:00 p.m. Panel Discussion – An unprecedented mobilization of the industry 
 
	
		- 
      		
    		Suzanne M. BenoîtPresident 
 Aéro Montréal
 
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    		Patrick ChampagneVice President, Strategy and Government Relations
 CMC Electronics
 
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    		Denis GiangiPresident
 Rolls-Royce Canada
 
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    		Hugue Meloche, Eng. President and CEO
 Groupe Meloche
 
Moderator:
 
	
12:30 p.m. Closing remarks and presentation of working session highlights 
12:35 p.m. Networking  
2:00 p.m. End of the Forum