DEFSEC Atlantic brought leaders from across Canada's defence and security sector to Halifax at a time when Canada is making significant decisions about defence investment, industrial capacity and the capabilities it needs to build at home.
Atlantic Canada is well positioned to benefit. Our geography, military presence, shipbuilding infrastructure and established defence industries mean significant investment is already coming to the region, with more opportunities ahead.
But attracting defence investment and turning it into lasting economic growth are two different things. The opportunity is to use that investment to grow Atlantic companies, strengthen regional supply chains, expand research partnerships and develop the people and skills needed for long-term growth.
For our team at NATIONAL, DEFSEC was a chance to explore these questions. We hosted the CDA Institute's National Security & Defence Dialogues, featuring Dr. Graham Gagnon, David Benoit and Commodore Jake French. We also welcomed Newfoundland and Labrador's Ready at the Edge coalition, participated in DEFSEC and the ACADA Industry Excellence Awards dinner, and attended NATO DIANA's panel moderated by our colleague Jane Taber.
Three priorities stood out.
Compete as a region, not four provinces
The recent Atlantic Economic Panel report, Bolder Ambitions: Greater Prosperity for All, calls on Atlantic Canada to think bigger, work across provincial boundaries and approach economic development more as one region. That thinking is particularly relevant to defence.
Each Atlantic province brings strengths in shipbuilding, aerospace, marine technology, advanced manufacturing and research. By connecting those strengths, we can help more companies participate in major defence projects and pursue opportunities beyond their home provinces.
This takes more than promoting the region. Governments, industry associations and economic development organizations can help identify complementary capabilities, connect businesses and address barriers involving workforce availability, labour mobility, infrastructure and access to investment.
A practical test is whether Atlantic companies can combine their expertise and resources to pursue contracts they could not secure individually. The goal should be to grow regional capacity that extends beyond individual projects.
Treat research and talent as part of our defence capacity
Workforce development is understandably a major focus of the defence conversation. Canada needs engineers, skilled tradespeople, technicians and other specialized workers. But our universities and colleges have a much broader role to play.
Research, technology testing and partnerships with defence companies are increasingly important as Canada builds more of its defence capabilities at home.
Dalhousie University is one example. Its researchers are working with Defence Research and Development Canada on advanced manufacturing for naval applications, including submarine components. The university has also established an agreement with TKMS to explore opportunities in maritime defence research, innovation and talent development.
Building defence capacity also requires people who understand public policy, procurement, international relations, business development, Indigenous partnerships and community engagement. Our post-secondary institutions can help develop that expertise while connecting researchers, governments and companies to address practical challenges.
The opportunity goes well beyond training people for defence jobs. Our universities and colleges can be important partners in developing the technologies, expertise and capabilities Canada needs.
Make it easier for businesses to enter and grow in defence
Atlantic Canada's ocean technology sector, including the development of COVE, shows what can happen when companies, researchers, investors and governments work together. We are seeing a similar approach take shape in defence.
NATO DIANA, COVE's Maritime Defence Innovation Secure Hub, industry associations, research institutions and other partners are helping companies find new opportunities across the region.
For businesses looking to enter or expand in defence, however, the path can be complicated. Procurement requirements, security clearances and specialized certifications can be difficult to navigate, particularly for smaller companies without experience in the sector.
There are also practical questions. Where can companies find partners, connect with major defence contractors or access research and testing facilities?
As this network develops, we should make it easier for businesses throughout Atlantic Canada to understand what's available, who can help and how to participate. This doesn't necessarily require creating something new. We can build on the work underway and help more businesses turn their expertise and technologies into contracts and long-term growth.
Turning investment into lasting growth
Significant defence investment is coming to Atlantic Canada. The challenge now is to build on that investment by connecting businesses across the region, developing new technologies and skills, and helping more Atlantic companies participate in defence supply chains.
We need to think beyond the immediate projects and focus on building an industry that can compete and grow over the long term.
Looking to navigate Canada's evolving defence landscape and seize new opportunities? Our Public Affairs and Government Relations experts can help you navigate complex policy environments, engage key stakeholders, and advance your priorities. Connect with our team to explore how we can help.
