Bombardier aid request still being studied by federal government

The federal economic development minister sayshe is continuing to examine the request for financial aid from struggling aerospace giant Bombardier.

NavdeepBainsspoke to reporters near Montreal today and saidthere isn't a set timetable for a final decision.

• Bombardier's strange chokehold on the public purse
• Bombardier looking for federal help after Quebec's $1B bailout

BombardierCEO AlainBellemareasked Ottawa formoney late last year.

The request came as the Quebec government pledged $1.3 billion inOctober to help Bombardier complete theCSeriesaircraft line.

Neither party has indicated how much Bombardier is asking ofOttawa, but Prime Minister JustinTrudeauhas said he would need tosee a solid business plan before injecting federal cash.

Bainssays the federal government is well aware of the importanceof the aerospace sector $29 billion to the Canadian economy aswell as 180,000 jobs, including about 40,000 centred in the GreaterMontreal Area.