PacifiCan Boosts B.C. Defense Innovation, Security

In today's rapidly changing world, Canada is making major investments to protect our sovereignty, strengthen security and create prosperity.

Today, the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada, announced an investment of over $46.6 million for eight B.C. projects that accelerate defence innovation and help local businesses grow and integrate into domestic and international defence supply chains. These projects are part of Canada's first-ever Defence Industrial Strategy and represent foundational investments in B.C.'s defence capabilities.

An investment of over $40.6 million will support five projects - three at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and two at Simon Fraser University (SFU) - to build test facilities and advance research in defence and dual-use industries. This will help local companies speed up innovation in areas such as life sciences, quantum technologies, and artificial intelligence - moving ideas from the lab to the marketplace and the field.

In addition to these investments, over $6 million will help three organizations, including the Association of British Columbia Marine Industries (ABCMI), provide training, workforce development, and guidance to help B.C. businesses enter defence supply chains.

As part of today's announcement, the Honourable Stephanie McLean, Minister of State for Seniors and Member of Parliament for Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke, visited Barnacle Systems in Victoria to learn how ABCMI is connecting B.C.'s industrial marine businesses to defence contracts through technology development, growing exports, Indigenous business participation, workforce training, and supply-chain growth.

Together, these investments strengthen Canada's defence capacity while directly supporting B.C. businesses, creating jobs, expanding market access, and building long-term economic opportunities across the province. More details about all the projects can be found in the backgrounder.

As companies enter and grow in the defence and dual-use sectors, PacifiCan is also investing to help them succeed. PacifiCan is now accepting applications for the Regional Defence Investment Initiative in B.C. from small and medium-sized businesses developing technologies with defence applications in sectors such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and cyber security.

https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2026/02/pacifican-invests-in-defence-innovation-and-capacity-building-in-bc-to-strengthen-canadas-security.html

View Original | AusPol.co Disclaimer