Feds’ defence industrial strategy promises much potential for Canada, but it will need public and private-sector champions

Increases in federal R&D spending and new initiatives through the Bureau of Research, Engineering and Advanced Leadership in Innovation and Science—BOREALIS—are important. The strategy also promises $4-billion in new venture funding through the Business Development Bank of Canada. 

Japanese Ambassador to Canada, Kanji Yamanouchi, left, and Defence Minister David McGuinty at the signing of the Canada-Japan Equipment and Technology Transfer Agreement in Ottawa on Jan. 27, 2026. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade