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Ottawa's sluggish bureaucracy leaves critical gaps in Canadian military ammo supply: AG
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-29 21:57:13.0
Tags: [National, Defence, Public Safety, Governance, Industry]A federal audit by Auditor General Karen Hogan revealed that Canada's strategic military ammunition stockpile has critical gaps and fails to support war readiness or NATO commitments, citing sluggish restocking by Public Services and Procurement Canada and poor inventory management by the Department of National Defence. Despite a previously announced $9.2-billion federal funding pledge over 13 years and a March $1.4-billion framework scaling up domestic production—including $305 million to IMT Precision in Ingersoll, Ontario, and nearly $1 billion to General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems in Quebec—resolving the shortfalls will take several years. The audit noted that regular-use ammunition contracts took an average of nearly 19 months from signature to final delivery, while equipment unreliability and limited training further reduced operational utilization.
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N.S. government announces funding to grow boatbuilding industry
Source: Nova Scotia - Halifax & Regional News
Date: 2026-10-26 19:55:08.0
Tags: [Nova Scotia, Economy, Industry, Trade, Defence, Fisheries]The Nova Scotia government is investing over $350,000 from its Community Economic Development Fund into the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association to help local boatbuilders and repair businesses expand into new markets. The funding will be used to promote local companies at trade shows, in trade publications, and through online communications and strategic partnerships. Established in 1998, the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association aims to diversify the industry beyond the domestic fishing boat market, helping local firms compete internationally for naval contracts and meet national defence priorities.
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Carney’s Turkish defence tango: A dance of dollars, drones and overcoming distrust
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-25 20:01:24.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Defence, Industry, Technology]Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a new strategic trade and defence partnership between Canada and Turkey during a visit to Istanbul and Ankara, aiming to reduce Canadian procurement reliance on the United States. The agreement follows the 2024 lifting of a de facto Canadian arms embargo—which had been imposed after Wescam camera equipment meant for NATO operations in Syria was illicitly diverted to Azerbaijan—and establishes that future military exports will undergo strict case-by-case permit reviews. Turkish officials and private companies, including drone manufacturer Baykar, have also expressed interest in making direct investments in Canada's aerospace and defence manufacturing sectors.
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Premier Wakeham tours Bull Arm Site as OilCo Issues Request for Proposals for Floating Dry Dock Engineering Study
Source: Newfoundland & Labrador - Government Releases
Date: 2026-10-23 13:18:27.0
Tags: [Newfoundland and Labrador, Infrastructure, Energy, Industry, Defence, Labour]The Oil and Gas Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador (OilCo), acting on behalf of Bull Arm Fabrication Inc. (BAF), has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP Reference No. 926000006 via merx.com) seeking qualified proponents to conduct a Pre-Front End Engineering and Design (Pre-FEED) study for a floating dry dock at the 25-square-kilometre Bull Arm Fabrication Site in Trinity Bay. The initiative follows a June 2026 request for expressions of interest that drew 19 submissions from four countries, with over half originating from entities operating within Newfoundland and Labrador. The proposed floating dry dock aims to expand the site's industrial capacity for ship repair, marine construction, offshore support, decommissioning, and defence-related projects. Interested companies must submit their proposals by February 26, 2027.
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Carney’s Turkish balancing act must include business, defence and human rights
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-21 08:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Defence, Energy, Industry, Economy]Prime Minister Mark Carney is undertaking a three-day official visit to Turkey to negotiate a free trade agreement, expand bilateral energy and strategic industry cooperation, and rebuild defence-industrial ties with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan following the easing of a prior Canadian arms embargo. The bilateral relationship currently involves approximately $4.3 billion in trade, with active discussions focusing on potential commercial opportunities for Candu nuclear reactor technology and joint defense initiatives in ammunition production, drones, and counter-drone systems led by Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr. Simultaneously, the diplomatic mission navigates foreign policy challenges regarding Turkey's recent domestic crackdowns on civil society and 2SLGBTQ+ organizations, which test the federal government's stated balance of economic pragmatism and human rights values.
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NATO's race against time: Senior commander warns alliance must adapt faster to deter Russia
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-19 08:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Defence, Industry, Technology]NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation French Admiral Pierre Vandier warned during a visit to Ottawa that the Western military alliance's greatest vulnerability in deterring Russia is the slow speed of its defence procurement and a lack of manufacturing depth, rather than a shortage of raw weapons. Commenting alongside Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Jennie Carignan, Vandier noted that Russia has adapted its military tactics and drone technology under fire during the conflict in Ukraine, while Western procurement institutions still take years to acquire software and hardware. The warning arrives as Canada's federal government pursues an unprecedented expansion of defence spending and industrial base modernization to meet broader NATO responsibilities.
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In Canada's drone-killing 'Sandbox,' companies compete for a $1M prize
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-17 08:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Alberta, Defence, Technology, Industry]The Department of National Defence hosted its fourth Counter-Uncrewed Aircraft Sandbox competition at the Suffield Research Centre in Alberta, offering a $1 million prize to spur domestic defence technology innovation. Two dozen companies from Canada, Australia, Finland, and the United States showcased detection and interception technologies, including laser-guided missiles developed by Calgary-based North Vector Dynamics and portable kinetic missiles by St. John's-based StrobelTEK. The initiative forms part of the federal government's Defence Drone Initiative to jump-start sovereign manufacturing capabilities in marine, underwater, ground, and aerial drone systems.
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Newfoundland and Labrador Showcases Defence-Ready Capabilities at DEFSEC Atlantic
Source: Newfoundland & Labrador - Government Releases
Date: 2026-10-09 15:20:19.0
Tags: [Newfoundland and Labrador, Defence, Economy, Industry, Technology, Energy]Premier Tony Wakeham and Minister Lin Paddock represented the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador at the 2026 DEFSEC Atlantic exhibition in Halifax to promote the province's defence, aerospace, and security capabilities. The province emphasized strategic assets including 5 Wing Goose Bay, deepwater ports, critical minerals, and clean energy access via the new Churchill Falls agreement. Additionally, local firms Avalon Holographics and SmartICE were recognized at the 2026 Atlantic Canada Aerospace and Defence Association Industry Excellence Awards for innovation and workforce culture.
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Halifax hosting defence firms at record-breaking conference amid protests
Source: Nova Scotia - Halifax & Regional News
Date: 2026-10-07 20:12:16.0
Tags: [Nova Scotia, Defence, Industry, Economy, Infrastructure]Halifax is hosting DEFSEC Atlantic 2026 at the Halifax Convention Centre, drawing over 3,000 attendees as Nova Scotia's defence and aerospace sector contributes $2.7 billion to the provincial GDP and supports 17,000 jobs. The record-breaking conference coincides with a generational wave of federal defense spending, highlighted by Prime Minister Mark Carney's announcement of $3 billion in new infrastructure and defence funding for Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, including over $2 billion dedicated to modernizing infrastructure and building facilities for new warships and aircraft. Meanwhile, the three-day event faced protests outside from groups such as the Halifax Committee Against Imperialist War And Genocide, who criticized the gathering as an arms expo profiting from global conflict.
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C-40 (45-1) - Strengthening Canada's Defence Sector Act
Source: Parliament of Canada (LEGISinfo)
Date: 2026-10-06 10:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Defence, Governance, Industry]Bill C-40, titled the Strengthening Canada's Defence Sector Act, was introduced and read for the first time in the House of Commons on October 6, 2026. Sponsored by the Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant, the federal legislation proposes new measures respecting production, procurement, and investment in relation to national defence and national security. The bill is currently at second reading in the House of Commons during the 1st session of the 45th Parliament.
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Ottawa signs preliminary deal with Swedish firm Saab for 6 GlobalEye aircraft
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-09-25 13:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Defence, Industry, Trade, Infrastructure]The federal government, represented by Secretary of State responsible for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr, signed a preliminary agreement with Swedish firm Saab and Canadian partner Bombardier to acquire and build six GlobalEye airborne early warning and control (AEWC) aircraft in Canada. The preliminary contract serves as the basis for final negotiations regarding the production schedule, Canadian configuration, and development program, though specific timelines and final procurement costs have not yet been disclosed. The GlobalEye platform was selected based on geopolitical and economic criteria to detect long-range threats like aircraft, missiles, and drones, despite reports from sources indicating the aircraft currently meets only a handful of military requirements and will require significant modifications. The Conservative Party has criticized the sole-source acquisition process and called on the Auditor General and the Parliamentary Budget Officer to investigate the project's operational readiness and adherence to defence needs.
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Carney in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon to meet with Macron
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-09-20 14:40:36.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Defence, Industry, Energy, Governance]Prime Minister Mark Carney traveled to the French territory of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron for bilateral discussions ahead of the UN General Assembly. The leaders addressed strengthening strategic partnerships in aerospace, energy, and critical minerals amid rising geopolitical tensions. The meeting follows European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's proposal for Canada to become the first associate member of the European Union, an initiative that Carney stated will be debated and voted on in Parliament. Additionally, Canada and the European Union have previously established ties through a free trade agreement and Canada's membership in the EU's defense procurement program.
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Read a transcript of Carney’s speech to the European Parliament
Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-09-17 18:21:30.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Economy, Industry, Technology, Defence]Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the European Parliament to pitch a deeper strategic and economic partnership between Canada and the European Union, focusing on cooperation in artificial intelligence, critical minerals, and defence. Highlighting existing agreements like CETA and the Strategic Partnership Agreement, Carney responded favorably to an invitation from EU leadership for Canada to become the EU's first associate member. He proposed bolstering collective resilience through seamless digital trade, joint access to frontier research programs such as Horizon and Erasmus Plus, and secure supply chains spanning over 34 critical minerals and clean energy technologies.
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Canada, Ukraine forge 100-year pact built on drones and defence
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-09-10 18:15:05.0
Tags: [National, Alberta, Defence, Technology, Industry, Energy]Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a 100-year strategic and political partnership in Calgary, Alberta, focusing on defence production, trade, energy, and critical minerals. Ottawa plans to establish a drone marketplace to produce millions of drones within two years by pairing Canadian firms with Ukraine's battle-tested industry, while expanding cooperation on counter-drone technology, munitions, and artificial intelligence. Additionally, Canada pledged over $430 million in loan guarantees for gas purchases to support Ukraine Energy Security Fund infrastructure repairs, alongside a $350 million air defence package.
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GlobalEye gamble: Ottawa chose surveillance plane without knowing it met military needs
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-09-09 08:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Defence, Industry, Governance]The federal government initiated negotiations to acquire six GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft from Swedish defense firm Saab—built on Bombardier 6500 executive jets and produced in Toronto—without confirming whether the platform met the Royal Canadian Air Force's operational requirements. Subsequent military assessments revealed capability gaps, including a lack of 360-degree radar coverage, insufficient crew stations and NORAD connectivity, and a lack of in-flight refuelling capabilities. Defence procurement officials, including Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr, defended the purchase as a trade-off prioritizing economic stimulus, domestic job creation, and industrial benefits over complete military specifications.
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Stephen Fuhr was mocked for opposing the purchase of F-35s. Now he's in charge of Canada's defence procurement
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-09-07 08:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Defence, Governance, Industry]Prime Minister Mark Carney's federal government has appointed former Royal Canadian Air Force fighter pilot Stephen Fuhr as secretary of state for defence procurement to lead the newly formed Defence Investment Agency. Under proposed legislation Bill C-31, Fuhr is slated to oversee significant increases to Canada's defence budget and gain sweeping powers to award sole-sourced contracts to protect economic security. The appointment comes as the government reviews the purchase of Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets amid trade tensions with the United States, while accelerating other military acquisitions including Swedish GlobalEye radar planes, German-Norwegian submarines, and over 60,000 assault rifles from Colt Canada.
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Carney dismisses 'unelected' Trump officials' explanation for why trade talks fell apart
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-09-03 17:45:48.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Economy, Industry, Culture, Defence]Prime Minister Mark Carney dismissed claims by U.S. cabinet members—including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer—regarding the collapse of bilateral trade talks, maintaining that Canada walked away due to last-minute U.S. demands that undermined Canadian sovereignty, French language protections, and the integrated auto sector. Carney stated that Canada remains prepared to resume negotiations only when the U.S. respects established red lines concerning cultural protections, independent foreign trade deals, and competitive terms for key industrial sectors like steel, aluminum, and automotive manufacturing. The breakdown follows heightened cross-border rhetoric involving U.S. President Donald Trump and cabinet officials regarding tariffs, military capabilities, and geographic naming conventions.
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Carney says Trump and his cabinet should stop 'throwing shade' and get serious about a deal
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-09-01 16:46:30.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Economy, Industry, Defence]Prime Minister Mark Carney is pushing back against public insults from U.S. President Donald Trump and members of his cabinet regarding Canada's military and trade positions, urging them to drop the tough talk and return to serious negotiations. Trade talks between Canada and the United States collapsed on August 21 after the U.S. introduced last-minute demands seeking to restrict Canada's independent trade agreements, bilingual labelling, cultural subsidies, and automotive manufacturing sector. In response to the breakdown, the United States imposed 50 per cent tariffs on approximately $28 billion worth of Canadian exports, prompting Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne and Prime Minister Mark Carney to announce matching dollar-for-dollar retaliatory tariffs scheduled to begin on September 8.
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Canada ready to further distance itself from U.S. on military procurement
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-08-29 08:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Defence, Trade, Industry, Technology]Ottawa is shifting its military procurement strategy away from the United States amid ongoing tariff disputes, aiming to reduce reliance on American contractors and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) framework. Stephen Fuhr, head of the Defence Investment Agency, stated that the public has no appetite for sole-source American military contracts, putting procurements like Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets and potential Black Hawk helicopters under review. Concurrently, Canada is pursuing European and domestic alternatives, including negotiations with Swedish firm Saab for Gripen fighter jets and GlobalEye radar aircraft, and awarding a $2.3-billion Arctic military satellite communications contract to Telesat to reduce reliance on Elon Musk's SpaceX Starlink network.
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Provincial Government Invests $4 Million to Support Growth of Atlantic Spaceport Complex
Source: Newfoundland & Labrador - Government Releases
Date: 2026-08-27 13:30:22.0
Tags: [Newfoundland and Labrador, National, Economy, Industry, Technology, Defence]The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is investing $4 million consisting of a $1 million term loan and a $3 million forgivable loan into NordSpace Corporation to support the development of the Atlantic Spaceport Complex in St. Lawrence. The broader $10 million project also includes a $1 million contribution from the Government of Canada through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and a $5 million private investment from NordSpace Corporation. The provincial funding is tied to the creation of 100 new full-time permanent positions by 2033 to establish Canadian commercial space-launch capabilities.
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