CMFMAG TeamMinister of National Defence Bill Blair led a series of discussions with Canadian industry leaders to drive Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy forward.
“This is a pivotal step in strengthening our defence capabilities and delivering on the commitments outlined in Our North, Strong and Free, Canada’s renewed defence policy,” stated Blair in a March 8, 2025, media announcement.
He explained that the Industrial Strategy equips Canada with the cutting-edge capabilities to meet evolving security challenges. These include enabling industry leaders to respond rapidly and effectively to growing demands, backed by Canada’s commitment to invest $8.1 billion over the next five years — and an additional $73 billion over the next two decades.
Necessary Investments
“Canada is making the necessary investments to remain a strong and reliable ally,” continued Blair. “We are taking decisive action to build a modern, innovative, and self-sufficient defence industrial base—one that ensures our military has the secure, assured, and timely access to the capabilities they need to defend Canada and support our allies. By working closely with industry, we are strengthening our defence sector, creating good jobs for Canadians, and securing our place as a leader in North American and global security.”
Through these roundtables, Minister Blair and industry partners focused on making investments more strategic through long-term partnerships, shoring up an innovative, effective, and stronger Canadian defence industrial base.
With a clear plan, transparent engagement, and targeted investments, Blair remarked that Canada is taking decisive action to secure the capabilities and resources needed to defend our country and support our allies and partners. This includes expanding Canada’s skilled workforce, fast-tracking new technologies, strengthening North American supply chains, and ensuring a reliable defence supply from Canadian industry.
Whole-of-Government Effort
Blair’s engagements launched a concerted whole-of-government effort involving Public Services and Procurement Canada, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, Global Affairs Canada, and others.
The Canadian defence industry contributed $12.6 billion in gross domestic product and 78,000 jobs across Canada’s economy in 2023.
The defence minister said Canada is on track to exceed the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) guideline of 20 per cent for equipment expenditures as a share of defence spending.
