Bombardier: There's votes in that thar rathole

Inevitable I guess, but disheartening.

Ottawa will honour the previous Liberal government's promise of about $260-million (U.S.) to help finance Bombardier Inc.'s proposed C Series jet provided the original terms of the agreement are met, says federal Industry Minister Maxime Bernier.

"If Bombardier goes ahead with its C Series and all the conditions of the letter [of intent] are respected, yes, this government will respect" the commitment made by the Liberals, Mr. Bernier said after a presentation to the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal.

Government aid to Montreal-based Bombardier has been under fire for years, with critics saying a company of that size and global stature should not have to rely on public handouts.

The Conservative government of Stephen Harper -- and Mr. Bernier in particular -- have made a point of emphasizing the need to reduce government aid to industry and let market forces prevail...

Mark C.

Posted by markc at November 15, 2006 05:19 PM