The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Lin Paddock, Minister of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development:

Speaker, I rise to highlight an important milestone in advancing the Industrial Benefits Agreement between the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and Bombardier.

The agreement was established in 2009 through the acquisition of water bombers from Bombardier, and it saw the commitment of $47 million in industrial benefits for our province. This agreement was enacted by the former Progressive Conservative government, and today’s announcement builds on years of effort to maximize opportunities for Newfoundland and Labrador businesses.

Over the past few months, the Department of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development has worked with Bombardier to help connect local businesses with new opportunities.

As such, I want to recognize and congratulate St. John’s-based CoLab AI, which secured a multi-year, multi-million-dollar agreement to support Bombardier’s aircraft design and manufacturing through CoLab’s advanced artificial intelligence solutions.

Speaker, this partnership showcases the strength of our growing technology sector, creates high-value jobs, attracts additional international investment, and further positions Newfoundland and Labrador companies on the global stage.

In addition, there will be enhanced aerospace training supports at College of the North Atlantic to help prepare the next generation of skilled aerospace workers.

Our government remains committed to working with Bombardier to ensure the full realization of this benefits agreement.