(OTTAWA, ON – October 6, 2026) - The Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI) is currently assessing today’s tabling of Bill C-40, Strengthening Canada's Defence Sector, and the proposal to establish the Defence Investment Agency (DIA) as a Crown corporation.
If adopted, the legislation would mark a major change in how Canada manages defence procurement and defence-related investments.
“At first glance, this is a significant departure from the status quo and reconciled with Bill C-31 that is making its way through the House of Commons," said Christyn Cianfarani, President and CEO of CADSI. "While we are still assessing the legislation, establishing the Defence Investment Agency as a Crown corporation could provide greater flexibility and support the kind of organizational culture needed to procure, produce and invest in ways that help deliver on the Defence Industrial Strategy and build a stronger, more resilient defence industrial base."
"For us, it comes down to outcomes,” added Cianfarani. “We will be looking at whether these reforms help deliver on the goals of Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy, which for industry centre around using defence procurement and production as a means by which to better the economy and reinforce the sovereignty of this country. If these changes help grow Canada's defence industrial base to the Canadian Armed Forces in a way that strengthens Canada’s long-term industry capacity, then they will have achieved what they were intended to do."
Canada's defence industry supports more than 81,000 jobs, contributes more than $11 billion to the economy, and includes companies across the country developing advanced technologies, building critical capabilities, and supporting domestic and allied supply chains.
About CADSI
The Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI) is the national voice of Canada’s defence and security industry. Representing nearly 1,800 companies from coast to coast, CADSI advocates for a competitive, innovative, and resilient industrial base that contributes to Canada’s security, sovereignty, and economic prosperity.
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For media inquiries:
Bola Adisa, Manager of Communications bola.adisa@defenceandsecurity.ca
The Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI) is the national industry voice of more than 650 Canadian defence, security and cybersecurity companies that produce world-class goods, services and technologies made across Canada and sought the world over. The industries contribute to the employment of more than 78,000 Canadians and generate $12.6 billion in annual revenues, roughly half of which come from exports. To learn more, visit defenceandsecurity.ca.
