TORONTO – “Buy Canadian” extends to the Armed Forces: the federal government unveiled today its first Defence Industrial Strategy, an ambitious plan aimed at strengthening national security, boosting economic prosperity, and consolidating the country’s strategic autonomy. Announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney, the initiative seeks to transform Canada’s defence industries by prioritizing domestic suppliers and materials, investing in innovation, and streamlining military procurement.
“The work of defending Canada is the work of building Canada. Security and prosperity are mutually reinforcing foundations of the true North, strong and free. Our new Defence Industrial Strategy ensures Canada remains a sovereign nation, in charge of its own destiny. That’s Canada strong, and that’s what we are building, together…” Carney stated.
In short: if you do it yourself, you do it best—especially in a sector as sensitive as Defence today.
The strategy is built around five main pillars:
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Position Canada as a leader in defence production – The government will favor Canadian companies and domestic manufacturing, prioritizing local suppliers in military contracts. Where this is not possible, the purchase of foreign equipment will be subject to conditions that encourage reinvestment in the national economy and guarantee sovereign control over acquired assets.
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Facilitate domestic production by breaking down barriers between government and industry – A permanent Defence Advisory Forum, led by the Defence Investment Agency (DIA), will be established to accelerate procurement processes.
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Support defence innovation and promote it abroad – The government will invest billions in funding platforms for Canadian companies and research initiatives in key sectors such as artificial intelligence, space, quantum technologies, and drones. Canadian defence exports will also be strengthened.
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Protect workers, industries, and domestic supply chains – The new Canadian Defence Industry Resilience Program will increase domestic production capacity and ensure the manufacturing of critical materials, such as nitrocellulose for artillery. Additionally, a skills agenda will be launched to train specialized defence workers.
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Lead a coordinated national effort to strengthen the defence sector – The federal government, provinces, territories, and Indigenous communities will collaborate to close security gaps, develop technological opportunities, and ensure reliable supply chains. Critical mineral projects will be accelerated, and secure, strategic supply chains developed.
The strategy aims to create 125,000 well-paying jobs, increase defence exports by 50%, award 70% of contracts to Canadian companies, and grow industry revenues by 240%. Over the next decade, operational efficiency will be increased to 75% for naval fleets, 80% for land fleets, and 85% for aerospace fleets. Total investment exceeds half a trillion dollars, covering security, prosperity, and national sovereignty. The Defence Investment Agency (DIA) will play a central role, simplifying processes and cutting bureaucracy.
In this way, the “Buy Canadian” principle, long applied in commerce since the trade war with the United States began, will now extend to the Armed Forces, reducing foreign dependence, supporting domestic industry, and ensuring sovereign control over military equipment—aiming for a safer Canada in an increasingly uncertain world.
The full government’s statement with quotes and links is here: Prime Minister Carney launches Canada’s first Defence Industrial Strategy to strengthen security, create prosperity, and reinforce strategic autonomy
In the pic above, Prime Minister Mark Carney (Twitter X – @MarkJCarney)
