In 2018, the nation's technologically-intensive, high-technology industry contributed over $25 billion to GDP and created 213,000 jobs. Canada's industry ranks among the world's top three in the production of civil simulators, turboprop and helicopter engines, business jets and regional aircraft, and fourth in the production of large jets and helicopters. Canada is home to world-renowned aircraft manufacturers such as Bombardier and Viking Air. Bombardier remains Canada's major industrial player and one of the world's largest civil aircraft manufacturers. The activities of the Canadian aerospace sector fall into three main categories: 86% civil aerospace, 12% defense and 2% space.
Seven of the world's top 10 aerospace and defense companies are based in Canada. In 2018, most of the manufacturing activities took place in Ontario (30%) and Quebec (51%). In contrast, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba dominated maintenance, repair and overhaul activities with over 50%, followed by Ontario (25%) and Quebec (23%). Clusters have formed in this industry mainly in the cities of Montréal, Ottawa, Halifax and Winnipeg, with important centers also located in the cities of Toronto and Vancouver.