Canada's defence and security spending boom is here. Now what?

Another May has come and gone, which means another CANSEC is in the books here in Ottawa.

Canada’s largest defence and security tradeshow was bigger than ever this year, attracting more than 20,000 attendees to the show’s floor (a new record), and, for the first time ever, a visit from a sitting Prime Minister.

But Prime Minister Carney was not content to simply walk the floor for a few handshakes and a photo-op. He kicked off the show with a bold keynote address, featuring many points about his government’s historic investments in defence and shedding more light on a suite of programs. He also provided an unexpected procurement announcement; one indicative of how his government is moving on defence spending—quickly and with details to be sorted out later.

The Prime Minister’s participation in the show, coupled with the increasing momentum around defence and security in Canada over roughly the last 18 months, has marked a new era for the industry in this country. The excitement at CANSEC this year was palpable—and for businesses who feel they have something to offer to the Canadian Armed Forces and Canadian sovereignty, the message is clear; there is room for everyone.

Canada’s defence industry is expanding beyond prime contractors

Defence is not just for the prime contractors anymore; the demand and interest from all corners of Canadian industry is there. There were throngs of people at CANSEC waiting to speak to someone, anyone, at the Government of Canada booth, staffed with representatives from the myriad of government agencies and Crown corporations which have a part to play in growing the Canadian defence sector.

Canadians are ready to step up. We are hearing it from our clients in all sectors: “We can and want to contribute. How do we get involved?”

Defence procurement is only one part of Canada’s sovereignty challenge

Perhaps we start with confronting a critical reality: beyond procurement dollars and headline announcements, are we really equipped with the talent, skilled trade capacity, and research capabilities to deliver on these commitments?

Addressing that gap will require far broader participation than the traditional defence sector alone.

Building Canada’s defence capacity will take a whole-of-country approach

Canadian defence and sovereignty is a team sport and we—established industry players, government, academia, labour unions, think-tanks, ancillary industries, and beyond—need to be moving forward together in lockstep to ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces get the equipment they need, when they need it, while at the same time growing a sustainable, exportable industry in Canada that will not atrophy once this current push is over.

While the recently announced changes to Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits policy is a start and was surely welcome news to SMEs trying to grow or at least get their foot in the door, there is much more that needs to be done below the surface so that we are all on the same page.

Research direction for Canada’s universities, talent attraction strategies for companies of all sizes, skilled trades training at Canadian colleges, and infrastructure planning for complementary industries are all important pieces of the puzzle that need to be considered for this next phase of defence spending.

Canadians want to meet the moment. And it will be up to all of us to make sure that it doesn’t pass us by.

How NATIONAL helps organizations contribute to Canadian defence and security

NATIONAL is Canada's most experienced defence-sector communications partner. For more than a decade, we have supported major national defence mandates and leading Canadian and global defence organizations. We understand the defence ecosystem from the inside—from the policy environment and procurement dynamics to industrial benefits expectations, regional economic development priorities, stakeholder sensitivities, and the public narratives that shape decision-making.

If your organization is looking to make your voice heard and showcase how you can contribute to Canadian sovereignty and security, reach out to our team of experienced public affairs and communications professionals.