Defence Minister Bill Blair delivered a keynote address at CANSEC, the annual global defence and security trade show hosted by the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI). The event, held in Ottawa, gathered industry leaders, public servants, and international partners to discuss the future of Canada’s defence sector.
In his speech, Minister Blair emphasized the importance of the Canadian defence industry, lauding its world-class innovation and leadership. “Canada’s defence industry is truly world-class,” Blair stated, “you are renowned for your innovation and leadership, ensuring the Canadian Armed Forces are well-equipped and prepared.”
Blair highlighted the economic impact of the defence sector, noting its role in creating tens of thousands of skilled, well-paying jobs across the country. He underscored the government’s commitment to supporting the industry through clear and consistent policies, referencing the recently released defence policy update, “Our North, Strong and Free: Canada’s Renewed Vision for Defence.”
The updated policy, Blair explained, locks in $9.5 billion over 20 years to scale up the production of battle-deciding munitions. “This is a direct result of what we heard from industry,” he said. “With this investment, we’re going to strengthen our production capacity right here in Canada so that our military will have the stockpiles it needs.”
Addressing procurement, Blair acknowledged the feedback from industry leaders regarding the need for clarity, stability, and long-term contracts. He committed to piloting a continuous capability sustainment approach, which aims to integrate the latest technologies and innovations in a more predictable cycle. “We intend to rapidly integrate the latest technology and innovations in far more frequent and predictable cycles,” Blair said, highlighting the $100 million investment in the NATO Innovation Fund to support Canadian innovators.
The Minister also announced substantial new investments: $8.1 billion over the next five years and $73 billion over the next 20 years, marking a 27% increase in the defence budget next year. He stressed the importance of demonstrating value to Canadian taxpayers, emphasizing the need to spend wisely and effectively.
Blair outlined several key projects under the new policy, including specialized maritime sensors, modern and mobile helicopter capabilities, early warning aircraft, and new strategic ground stations in the Arctic. He noted that these investments would create significant opportunities, particularly for Indigenous and Northern communities, by building multi-purpose infrastructure that serves both civilian and military purposes.
“We must be strong at home so that we can be strong around the world,” Blair said, emphasizing the need for a robust year-round presence in Canada’s North to counter growing security challenges, especially in the Arctic.
In addition to the policy update, Blair announced new contracts aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Canadian Armed Forces. He revealed an $11.2 billion contract with SkyAlyne to deliver a future aircrew training program, which includes an Indigenous participation plan committing 5% of the contract value to Indigenous businesses. This program will create and maintain over 3,400 jobs in Canada over the next 25 years.
Blair also announced a $2.58 billion investment with General Dynamics Land Systems Canada and Marshall Canada for a new fleet of light and heavy logistics vehicles for the Canadian Army. This contract will include armored protection kits, containers, trailers, and interchangeable modules, and is expected to deliver over 1,500 vehicles by 2027.
Minister Blair concluded his address by emphasizing the need for a strategic partnership between the government and the defence industry. “Our partnership with industry is only becoming more crucial,” he said. “Production is deterrence, and we must do more to keep up with the increasing number of threats.”
He called for a more strategic relationship with the industry, highlighting the importance of faster and more flexible defence procurement. “Let’s ensure that this defence policy update is not the end of an important conversation but rather the beginning of a new one,” Blair urged, inviting feedback and collaboration from industry leaders to deliver on the projects outlined in the policy.
Blair’s address at CANSEC underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening Canada’s defence capabilities, supporting the defence industry, and ensuring the safety and security of the nation in an increasingly complex global landscape.