Quote:
Originally Posted by Cage
Hate to be the debbie downer , but this is only potentially somewhat positive news.
While the 900 new jobs sounds like a good news story, it really is not good news for out of work Calgarians. Here is why:
(1) Aircraft manufacturing relies heavily on government grants and other funding mechanisms. A decision to bring in aircraft manufacturing into the industry mix must be weighed against whether the funds could be better spent in other industries that are less dependent on continual handouts.
(2) Viking Air would need to fill majority of the new 900 jobs with experienced people. These peeps would likely come from ON and QB where the experience currently lies.
(3) The engines, ancillary components will be made elsewhere, so there is limited opportunity for spin off jobs. \
Overall Calgary should focus on its core target industries of Transportation, Logistics, IT, Agribusiness, and Financial Services.
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I disagree. First, Viking already has 100 manufacturing types here. Second, welding is welding is welding. Control systems are control systems are control systems (huge industry in Calgary actually). Wiring is wiring is wiring. You get the point. While some of the 900 may come from outside, I'd suggest that over 80% would be local. Third, you gotta start somewhere. If this happens in Calgary, who knows what it could lead to later, be that at Viking or other companies / industries.