The aerospace and defence sector has long been a significant contributor to Canada’s economy. The country’s rich history in aerospace innovation makes it well positioned to lead the way, whether developing new technologies for space flight, more energy-efficient airplanes or platforms that create more productive supply chains.
There may be some challenging times ahead. Airlines are meeting labour shortages and other logistical hurdles as commercial travel and demand for aircraft and related services ramp back up to pre-pandemic levels. Meanwhile, defence budgets, which have remained stable, could come under pressure as countries find ways to reduce debt.
However, adversity often breeds opportunity. New startups are creating technologies that could make everything from manufacturing to travel to sector-related trade easier. At the same time, many experts think M&A activity will pick up as larger players buy smaller operations for growth. A broader array of capital market players, including private equity and venture capital, are looking to finance innovation, too.
How we can help
Companies that want to thrive in the aerospace and defence industry must work with a legal team that understands this sector. At Osler, we’ve worked with some of the largest companies in the industry on a wide range of legal issues, including strategic acquisitions and divestitures, financing, government procurement policies and supply chain arrangements. We help businesses understand competition and foreign investment rules and navigate complex employment and intellectual property matters. We also have extensive litigation experience, representing multiple airlines in class actions and other issues, including before the Supreme Court of Canada.
In this post-pandemic era, businesses must consider how to best adapt to the industry’s shifting realities. Our team at Osler can help you strategize, identify opportunities and prepare for what’s to come.