Boeing to Invest $61M in British Columbia as Part of Canada’s Military Aircraft Contract

Boeing Canada is planning to invest $61 million in British Columbia to establish an aerospace manufacturing training facility and conduct research and development.

This announcement is part of a larger multi-billion dollar deal with the Canadian government for the purchase of new military surveillance planes.

Minister of National Defence Bill Blair has applauded the investment at the Boeing Canada facility in Richmond, B.C., emphasizing that as the government increases its defense spending, it is also prioritizing economic value and job creation for Canadians.

Last year, the federal government announced its intention to acquire up to 16 Boeing P-8A Poseidon aircraft to replace the aging Aurora aircraft that has been in service for over 40 years.

Boeing’s plans include allocating $48 million for enhancing their research and development capabilities at their Vancouver facility.

Additionally, $13 million will be invested in the Indigenous-owned COTA Aviation in Parksville, B.C., to establish an aerospace manufacturing training facility that will train 10 workers annually.

The comprehensive military plane agreement of over $10 billion includes a commitment from Boeing to engage in $5.4 billion worth of business activities and investments in Canada over the next decade, supporting domestic suppliers and creating 3,000 jobs.

In April, Boeing announced a $17 million investment in the Saskatchewan Aviation Learning Centre.

In May, the company pledged $240 million to support a Quebec initiative to establish the region as a global hub for drone development and environmentally friendly aircraft.