• Boeing's $17 million CAD investment supports aerospace training, Indigenous learners and Canada's future aviation workforce

SASKATOON, SK, Sept. 25, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) and Boeing today celebrated the grand opening of the expanded Saskatchewan Aviation Learning Centre (SALC), marking a milestone in their long-standing partnership to advance Indigenous aerospace training and create new career opportunities for students in Saskatchewan.

The expanded SALC will help increase the number of aircraft maintenance engineers in Saskatchewan, supporting the province's aerospace sector and helping address the shortage of skilled workers across Canada's aviation industry. The upgraded centre features modern classrooms, a specialized avionics lab and expanded hands-on training spaces designed to prepare students for careers in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering. It also supports SIIT's new Aircraft Maintenance Engineer – Category E (AME-E) Avionics program, creating additional training opportunities for learners pursuing careers in aerospace.

"More than 15 years ago, Boeing saw the potential in what SIIT was building through the Saskatchewan Aviation Learning Centre, and they have continued to walk alongside us as that vision has grown," said Riel Bellegarde, President & CEO of SIIT. "Today, as we celebrate our 50^th anniversary as an institution we can reflect on how far that vision has come and what this expansion will make possible for Indigenous learners in aviation and aerospace. Together, we are creating more opportunities for the next generation of Indigenous learners to build their skills, pursue meaningful careers and help shape the future of aviation and aerospace in Canada."

The expansion is supported by Boeing's $17 million CAD Industrial and Technological Benefits investment in SIIT's programs, services and operations. This investment stems from the Government of Canada's selection of the CP8A Poseidon as its Multi-Mission Aircraft.

"We're very proud of what our longstanding partnership with SIIT has achieved, particularly in expanding access to high-quality aerospace education here in Saskatchewan," said Al Meinzinger, President of Boeing Canada. "This will help create meaningful opportunities for Indigenous learners and it's exciting to know that students trained at the SALC will bring their talent and skills to the aerospace sector for years to come."

Boeing's support for SIIT dates back to 2010, when the company first contributed to the establishment of SALC. This partnership has continued to grow, with Boeing's investment helping expand both the centre and SIIT's aviation training programs.

"Canada's Industrial and Technological Benefits program is delivering tangible results for Canadians," said the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State for Defence Procurement. "The new Saskatchewan Aviation Learning Centre will create new training opportunities in the aerospace sector and continue to grow Canada's aviation capabilities."

The partnership between SIIT and Boeing continues to create meaningful education and career opportunities for Indigenous learners while supporting the development of a skilled and diverse workforce for Canada's aerospace sector.

"This expansion is an important investment in Saskatchewan students, communities and industries," said Saskatchewan Minister of Advanced Education Ken Cheveldayoff. "Partnerships like this ensure our students have access to high-quality, hands-on training close to home. The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to support opportunities that help address workforce needs, strengthen our economy and create pathways to success for Indigenous learners across the province."

"It's great to see a private company continue its long-standing partnership with the SIIT and provide additional funding to support the expansion of the Saskatchewan Aviation Learning Centre," said Saskatchewan Minister of Immigration and Career Training Eric Schmalz. "This, along with the funding the Government of Saskatchewan provides for the aircraft maintenance engineer program, is an important investment into the skilled trades."

Boeing

A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defence products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity. 

Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT)

Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies was established in 1976 by Saskatchewan First Nations Chiefs representing all Treaty areas. Today, SIIT remains a First Nations-governed educational institution – and one of only four credit-granting post-secondary institutions in the province. SIIT provides adult learners with academic, vocational, and technical training, as well as services and supports for employment and career growth. Indigenous learners are at the core of SIIT, representing over 95 percent of the student body.

SOURCE Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies