Quebec prepared to help Bombardier, minister says

MONTREAL — The Quebec government is prepared to work with Bombardier Inc. if it needs help, particularly with its regional jet program, Economy and Innovation Minister Pierre Fitzgibbon said Friday after meeting with the company’s chief executive.

The comments came hours after the head of Quebec’s aerospace union called on the province to intervene.

“Faced with the challenges currently facing Bombardier, more and more Quebeckers (sic) are saying, ‘We can no longer stand to see these bandits with ties rob us and who give themselves big wages, who close the shop and (say) good riddance,’ ” David Chartrand said Friday in an open letter from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

“Quebec must encourage companies to be responsible,” he added, demanding swift intervention that obtains commitments from the company around employment levels.

On Thursday, Premier François Legault said he didn’t think that involved financial assistance for the CRJ, adding he believed there was little hope for the aircraft program unless it finds an international partner.

Bombardier said in an email that it is the “anchor” of Quebec’s aerospace industry, which employs about 40,000 people.

“It is essential that all stakeholders, including workers, union representatives, governments and companies like Bombardier continue working together to keep this unique ecosystem healthy,” spokesperson Simon Letendre wrote.

In 2015, Bombardier received US$1 billion from the province for its struggling C Series jet program, which the company sold a majority stake in to Airbus last July. Quebec retains a 16.24 per cent stake in the program.

Quebec’s financial market regulator announced Thursday it is reviewing Bombardier’s executive compensation plan.