Mar 26

As defence becomes a key driver of Canada’s economic and national sovereignty, new opportunities are emerging for SMEs – particularly in Western Canada. This panel brings together BDC and PrairiesCan to discuss how national defence priorities translate into regional opportunities, where demand is materializing, and how SMEs can navigate regional and national support to scale into defence markets. The discussion will focus on practical steps, sequencing of support, and what firms need to do now to position themselves for success.

This presentation will highlight Leonardo DRS’s capabilities in supporting naval readiness, including advanced computing solutions that reduce time to market, Ice Piercer technologies that future-proof computing, and pre-integrated mission equipment packages, along with other key innovations.

An overview of CAE Tech, Training and Programs directed at academic students in attendance.

Dale Unrau, Executive Director of Industry and Defence Strategy for the Government of Alberta will talk about how Alberta can leverage it’s unique assets in support of Canada’s defence posture.

Secretary of State Stephen Fuhr will speak about his work at the Defence Investment Agency to streamline procurement, along with Canada’s new Defence Industrial Strategy, which will grow the defence industrial base in Western Canada and across the country. This work will grow Canada’s economy, create good paying jobs, and deliver equipment to the Canadian Armed Forces faster.