Strategic collaboration supports Canadian sovereignty, innovation, workforce development, and economic growth.

Montréal, Québec [08 August 2026] Aéro Montréal and the Aerial Evolution Association of Canada (AEAC) are proud to announce the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that establishes a national framework for collaboration between Québec’s aerospace leadership and Canada’s rapidly growing uncrewed and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) sector.

The agreement represents a significant milestone in strengthening Canada’s industrial capacity, fostering innovation, creating jobs, and advancing the country’s long-term economic and technological sovereignty.

At a time when Canada is increasing its focus on domestic supply chains, sovereign capabilities, and emerging technologies, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to ensuring Canadian organizations remain globally competitive while supporting national priorities in security, prosperity, and resilience.

For the first time, Canada’s national RPAS ecosystem and Québec’s strategic aerospace cluster will work together through a coordinated framework to advance common interests, strengthen Canada’s position internationally, and speak with a stronger, more unified voice on issues affecting the future of aviation and uncrewed technologies.

“Québec’s aerospace industry is already an international leader in the drone and autonomous system sector, notably through the role played by the Espace Aéro innovation zone,” said Mélanie Lussier, President of Aéro Montréal. “This MOU with the Aerial Evolution Association of Canada will further strengthen this leadership position by aligning our efforts with businesses and institutions across the country to support the growth of Canada’s drone industry, accelerate innovation and maximize its economic benefits.”

As Canada seeks to strengthen domestic industrial capabilities and build greater resilience into strategic sectors, the organizations believe that collaboration between regions will be essential to unlocking the country’s full potential.

“This is about more than a partnership between two organizations,” said Jordan Cicoria, Chair of the Aerial Evolution Association of Canada. “It is about building a stronger Canada. By aligning our efforts, we are helping break down regional barriers, connecting Québec’s aerospace strengths with innovators and operators across the country, and creating a platform for Canadian companies to grow, collaborate, and compete internationally.”

The partnership supports several priorities reflected in Canada’s evolving industrial and economic agenda, including:

• Strengthening Canadian sovereignty through enhanced domestic capabilities in aerospace and autonomous technologies;
• Supporting the growth of Canadian-owned intellectual property and innovation;
• Creating high-quality jobs and career pathways for the next generation of skilled workers;
• Encouraging collaboration between industry, academia, government, and research organizations;
• Advancing dual-use technologies that support both commercial and national interests;
• Strengthening domestic supply chains and reducing dependence on foreign solutions;
• Enhancing Canada’s export readiness and international competitiveness;
• Supporting workforce development and attracting new talent into Canada’s aerospace sector.

The MOU also reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that Canada plays an active role in shaping the future of international standards governing uncrewed and autonomous systems.

Through AEAC’s longstanding engagement in standards development and industry best practices, and Aéro Montréal’s leadership within Québec’s aerospace ecosystem, the organizations intend to work collaboratively to support Canadian participation in the development of globally recognized frameworks.

“Standards shape markets,” added Cicoria. “If Canada wishes to lead internationally, we must help define the rules under which emerging technologies operate. This partnership strengthens our ability to ensure Canadian expertise contributes to global standards development while positioning Canadian companies for success in export markets.”

The agreement further recognizes the importance of fostering stronger relationships between Québec and the broader Canadian aerospace and drone communities.

By encouraging collaboration across provincial boundaries, the MOU will help create new opportunities for businesses, researchers, students, and entrepreneurs to access markets, partnerships, and innovation networks throughout Canada. In keeping with both organizations’ commitment to national inclusion, the partnership will also support increased bilingual engagement, helping ensure that Canada’s two official languages continue to serve as a bridge connecting stakeholders from coast to coast.

As an early demonstration of this collaboration, Aéro Montréal and AEAC will work together in support of the AEAC 2026 Conference and Exhibition, to be held 3–5 November 2026 at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Headquarters in Montréal, Québec. The conference will bring together leaders from industry, government, academia, and the investment community to explore the future of aerial innovation and Canada’s role within the global aerospace landscape.

At a time of profound technological change and increasing geopolitical uncertainty, both organizations believe that Canada’s future success will depend upon collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to building sovereign industrial capabilities.

Together, Aéro Montréal and AEAC are committed to ensuring that Canada not only participates in the future of aerospace and autonomous systems—but helps lead it.

About Aéro Montréal

Created in 2006, Aéro Montréal, Québec’s aerospace industry cluster, has the mission of mobilizing stakeholders across Québec’s aerospace ecosystem — companies, institutions, research centers, associations, and unions — with the goal of increasing its competitiveness and attractiveness on the global stage, while supporting its transformation, outreach, and growth. Aéro Montréal’s activities are made possible thanks to the participation of the governments of Canada, Québec, and the Montréal Metropolitan Community, as well as its corporate members.

About the Aerial Evolution Association of Canada (AEAC)

The Aerial Evolution Association of Canada (AEAC) is Canada’s national not-for-profit industry association representing the remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) and emerging aerial technologies sector. AEAC works with industry, government, academia, Indigenous communities, and students to advance innovation, safety, standards, workforce development, and responsible growth throughout Canada’s aerial ecosystem.

Media Contacts

Aéro Montréal
Christopher Young
Public and Government Relations
Christopher.young@aeromontreal.ca
https://aeromontreal.ca/

Aerial Evolution Association of Canada
Declan Sweeney
Executive Director
admin@aerialevolution.ca
www.aerialevolution.ca