Premier Smith:Enhancing Aviation and Aerospace in Alberta

Good morning, everyone. It is an honor to be speaking with you all today, surrounded by esteemed partners, dignitaries, and members of the media. My name is Captain Jimmy Dean Porter, and I am the Vice President of Flight Operations at WestJet and Transport Canada's Chief Pilot. I am thrilled to be your Master of Ceremonies for this momentous occasion.

As we gather to celebrate a significant milestone in Alberta's aerospace sector, I would like to begin by acknowledging the traditional territory on which we are meeting. We are situated on the ancestral lands of the Treaty Seven peoples in southern Alberta, including the Blackfoot Confederacy, the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Stoney Nakoda Nations, and the TsuuT'ina Nation. We also recognize the home of the Métis Nation and the many Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples who live and work on this land. This acknowledgment is a testament to our commitment to reconciliation and respect for the rich history and culture of this region.

Before we proceed with the formal program, I would like to take a moment to provide some important safety information. In the unlikely event of an emergency, please exit through the rear of this room and proceed to the front entrance. From there, follow the path to the left, past the traffic circle, and make your way up the stairs to the orange parking lot, which is our designated evacuation muster point. If you require any assistance this morning, please do not hesitate to inform a WestJet host or contact WestJet security at the front desk.

Today marks a significant milestone in Canada's aviation sector, contributing to the strength of Canada's aerospace industry and driving economic growth while creating new opportunities for skilled talent in Calgary and Alberta. It has been a privilege to participate in shaping this milestone with our WestJet team and other partners in Calgary, demonstrating what can be achieved through collaboration and ambition.

As we move forward, I would like to welcome a key leader in Alberta's economic growth to kick off today's announcement. Please join me in welcoming the Honorable Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta, who will share with us the details of this exciting project.

Premier Smith: Thank you, Captain Porter, for the introduction. It is a pleasure to share the stage today with various esteemed individuals, including Minister Joseph Scow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade, and Immigration, as well as Minister Matt Jones, who played an instrumental role in bringing this initiative to fruition. I am also glad to welcome Alexis Bonham from WestJet, Matthew Bromberg and Michelle Asor from CAA, Dr. Chad London from Mount Royal University, Brad Perry from Calgary Economic Development, and Kristin Stale from Calgary Airports.

We are gathered here today because we all recognize the pressing need for more pilots and aviation professionals in Alberta. This demand is essential for moving passengers and freight, keeping our economy vibrant, and attracting visitors to our province. As we move forward, it is crucial that we prioritize the development of our aerospace sector, fostering an environment that supports innovation, growth, and job creation.

I am pleased to announce that soon, Albertans interested in a career in aviation will have increased opportunities to develop their skills. I want to acknowledge the hard work of Minister Matt Jones, who was integral in making this happen. We are excited to announce that CAA, in collaboration with WestJet and Mount Royal University, will build and operate a state-of-the-art Center of Excellence for training at Calgary International Airport. CAA is a globally recognized leader in flight simulation and pilot training, and I am pleased to see this collaboration lead to significant advancements in aviation training.

WestJet is one of Alberta's most iconic companies, focusing on Western Canada, which serves as a major economic driver for the province. Meanwhile, Mount Royal University boasts an excellent aviation diploma program, and together, these partnerships will provide more opportunities for students in the field. This initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration and the potential for growth and development that arises when we work together towards a common goal.

As we celebrate this milestone, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the significance of this project. The development of the Center of Excellence will not only provide world-class training facilities but also create new opportunities for employment and economic growth in the region. It will also contribute to the advancement of Alberta's aerospace sector, solidifying our position as a leader in the industry.

In conclusion, I would like to express my gratitude to all the partners who have made this project possible. Your dedication and commitment to the growth and development of Alberta's aerospace sector are truly appreciated. I would also like to thank Captain Porter for his introduction and for serving as our Master of Ceremonies today.

As we move forward, I am excited to see the impact that this project will have on our province and our economy. I am confident that this initiative will provide a significant boost to our aerospace sector, creating new opportunities for growth, development, and employment. Thank you again, and I look forward to seeing the progress that we will make together.

Captain Porter: Thank you, Premier Smith, for your announcement. It is indeed an exciting time for Alberta's aerospace sector, and we are honored to be a part of this initiative. I would like to invite Minister Matt Jones to share some additional information about this project and its significance for the province.

Minister Jones: Thank you, Captain Porter. I am pleased to be here today to discuss the details of this project. The development of the Center of Excellence is a crucial step forward for Alberta's aerospace sector. It will provide world-class training facilities, creating new opportunities for employment and economic growth in the region. I would like to thank all the partners who have made this project possible, including CAA, WestJet, and Mount Royal University. Your collaboration and commitment to the growth and development of Alberta's aerospace sector are truly appreciated.

As we move forward, I am excited to see the impact that this project will have on our province and our economy. I am confident that this initiative will provide a significant boost to our aerospace sector, creating new opportunities for growth, development, and employment. Thank you again, and I look forward to seeing the progress that we will make together.

Captain Porter: Thank you, Minister Jones, for your insights. I would like to invite Dr. Chad London from Mount Royal University to share some information about the university's aviation diploma program and its role in this initiative.

Dr. London: Thank you, Captain Porter. I am pleased to be here today to discuss Mount Royal University's aviation diploma program. Our program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the aviation industry. We are excited to be a part of this initiative, collaborating with CAA and WestJet to provide world-class training facilities and create new opportunities for our students.

The development of the Center of Excellence is a significant step forward for our program, providing our students with access to state-of-the-art training facilities and equipment. We are confident that this initiative will have a positive impact on our students, providing them with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the aviation industry. Thank you again, and I look forward to seeing the progress that we will make together.

Captain Porter: Thank you, Dr. London, for your insights. I would like to invite Alexis Bonham from WestJet to share some information about WestJet's role in this initiative and its commitment to the growth and development of Alberta's aerospace sector.

Alexis Bonham: Thank you, Captain Porter. I am pleased to be here today to discuss WestJet's role in this initiative. As one of Alberta's most iconic companies, we are committed to the growth and development of the province's aerospace sector. We believe that this initiative is a significant step forward for the industry, providing world-class training facilities and creating new opportunities for employment and economic growth.

We are excited to be a part of this collaboration, working with CAA and Mount Royal University to provide our students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the aviation industry. We are confident that this initiative will have a positive impact on our province and our economy, creating new opportunities for growth, development, and employment. Thank you again, and I look forward to seeing the progress that we will make together.

Captain Porter: Thank you, Alexis, for your insights. I would like to invite Matthew Bromberg from CAA to share some information about CAA's role in this initiative and its commitment to the growth and development of Alberta's aerospace sector.

Matthew Bromberg: Thank you, Captain Porter. I am pleased to be here today to discuss CAA's role in this initiative. As a globally recognized leader in flight simulation and pilot training, we are committed to providing world-class training facilities and creating new opportunities for employment and economic growth.

We are excited to be a part of this collaboration, working with WestJet and Mount Royal University to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the aviation industry. We believe that this initiative is a significant step forward for the industry, providing state-of-the-art training facilities and creating new opportunities for growth, development, and employment. Thank you again, and I look forward to seeing the progress that we will make together.

Captain Porter: Thank you, Matthew, for your insights. I would like to invite Minister Joseph Scow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade, and Immigration, to share some information about the government's role in this initiative and its commitment to the growth and development of Alberta's aerospace sector.

Minister Scow: Thank you, Captain Porter. I am pleased to be here today to discuss the government's role in this initiative. As the Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade, and Immigration, I am committed to creating an environment that supports innovation, growth, and job creation.

We believe that this initiative is a significant step forward for Alberta's aerospace sector, providing world-class training facilities and creating new opportunities for employment and economic growth. We are excited to be a part of this collaboration, working with CAA, WestJet, and Mount Royal University to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the aviation industry. Thank you again, and I look forward to seeing the progress that we will make together.

Captain Porter: Thank you, Minister Scow, for your insights. I would like to thank all the partners who have made this project possible, including CAA, WestJet, Mount Royal University, and the Government of Alberta. Your collaboration and commitment to the growth and development of Alberta's aerospace sector are truly appreciated.

As we conclude today's announcement, I would like to invite everyone to join us in celebrating this significant milestone in Alberta's aerospace sector. I am confident that this initiative will have a positive impact on our province and our economy, creating new opportunities for growth, development, and employment. Thank you again, and I look forward to seeing the progress that we will make together.

In conclusion, I would like to express my gratitude to all the partners who have made this project possible. Your dedication and commitment to the growth and development of Alberta's aerospace sector are truly appreciated. I am excited to see the impact that this initiative will have on our province and our economy, and I look forward to working with all of you to make this vision a reality. Thank you again, and let us move forward together to create a brighter future for Alberta's aerospace sector.