The Liberal government is looking at several “creative” options to bolster the financial viability of Bombardier Inc. (TSX:BBD.B), with a decision expected before the end of March, federal officials say. Bombardier is seeking up to $1.3-billion from Ottawa for its troubled C Series aircraft. The Quebec government already pledged $1.3-billion in October to help Bombardier complete the aircraft.

Officials from the Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and the Prime Minister's Office are actively examining whether to provide direct investment or credit financing to Bombardier. “These are all the options under consideration right now. It will move fairly rapidly.

If anything happens, it's going to happen this winter,” according to a senior federal official, who was not authorized to speak on the record because of the sensitive business and political nature of the discussions. The government must decide whether to directly invest in the C Series, as the Quebec government did, make a direct investment in Bombardier or provide a line of credit. "The real issue for Bombardier right now is that they need to have the full support of the federal government to boost their confidence in the markets,” the official said.