Boeing Launches Public Relations Campaign Across Canada

Boeing has launched an intensive multimedia campaign across Canada to remind public of its investments and contribution to Ottawa’s economic growth.

The public relations offensive campaign comes a week after US Department of Commerce’s imposition of almost 300 per cent import duty on Bombardier CSeries commercial jets in response to a Boeing complaint about the Canadian government subsidizing the cost of Bombardier aircraft. Boeing had alleged the Bombardier planes were highly subsided and being sold into the American market at cut-rate prices.

Canada has earlier threatened to retaliate by excluding Boeing in future defense contracts. Canada has suspended the planned sole-acquisition of 18 Super Hornet jet fighters for replacing a subset of the CF-18 Hornet fleet.

Boeing said that the public outreach campaign will distribute detailed information about the company's work with its 560 Canadian suppliers, the more than 17,500 jobs supported in the supplier network, the company's extensive operations with 2,000 employees, and its substantial contribution to Canada's economy. Information will be shared through traditional and digital media outlets. 

"Boeing contributes approximately $4 billion Canadian dollars annually to Canada's economic growth and development, which is nearly 14 percent of Canada's entire aerospace economic impact," said Kim Westenskow, managing director, Boeing Canada. "What we accomplish together benefits Canada and the entire global aerospace industry. It is a compelling story that is overdue to be told."

The first phase of the campaign will run on television, traditional and online radio and across various digital platforms, the company said in its press statement Tuesday.

The Canadian government has submitted an expression of interest to buy used Boeing F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets from Australia amidst a trade dispute with the United States.