ACADA

ACADA, the Atlantic Canada Aerospace and Defence Association, is an industry body in Halifax, Nova Scotia that supports and promotes aerospace, defence and security companies across Atlantic Canada.

The association describes its role as the regional voice for the sector. It connects members, speaks for them and helps them grow. Its stated mission is to represent the aerospace and defence industry of Atlantic Canada and to support the success of its members. Its vision is for Atlantic Canada to be a globally recognised hub of aerospace and defence excellence.

ACADA represents more than 170 members. About 70 percent of its core industry members employ fewer than 100 people. The region's strengths include shipbuilding, sensor technologies, maintenance, repair and overhaul, in-service support, manufacturing, cybersecurity, and training and simulation.

ACADA shares figures about the region. Atlantic Canada employs 16 percent of the Canadian defence industry and 6 percent of the Canadian aerospace industry. It directly employs more than 11,000 people in the sector. The sector adds $1.25 billion in direct GDP. ACADA says it has helped the industry grow by 150 percent over the last 12 years, and that it has helped small and medium companies in particular.

The association works on four main priorities for its members. Workforce and talent development builds the skills the sector needs. Enhanced competitiveness promotes business excellence methods. Business development helps members prepare for new opportunities and reach markets. Industry promotion gives Atlantic Canadian companies a shared voice in the sector.

ACADA runs several programmes and events. These include MACH Atlantic, the Atlantic Force Multiplier Fund, Industry Excellence Awards and the Maritime and Arctic Security and Safety Conference. It also provides career pathways and job postings, along with news, events and a member area. Its core values are integrity, community, a member focus, responsiveness and a focus on results.

Services

• Industry representation
• Workforce and talent development
• Enhanced competitiveness programmes
• Business development support
• Industry promotion
• Industry Excellence Awards
• Maritime and Arctic Security and Safety Conference
• Career pathways and job postings