OTTAWA -- June 9, 2025 -- Christyn Cianfrani, President and CEO of the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries, today issued the following statement in response to the Carney government's announcement on defence spending and investing in Canada's defence industry.
"For several years, CADSI has been calling on the Canadian government to spend the amounts on defence that it had committed to through NATO, while making bold investments in the defence industrial base that reflect the realities of our global security environment. Today Prime Minister Mark Carney answered that call.This announcement represents a dramatic course-correction for our nation; one that will hopefully see the government and Canada's defence industry working more closely together toward a common set of goals. The path will not be smooth, and Canada is starting several paces back from where it should be in relation to our allies. We will need flexibility and fearlessness -- the likes of which haven't been seen in many decades -- to turn today's stated ambitions into reality. It's time to dig deep."
"A rapid increase in defence spending will not translate into economic prosperity unless we are smart about how and where we spend that money. The Prime Minister acknowledged this and explicitly committed to investing every dollar wisely -- prioritizing Canadian-made technologies, services, and raw materials wherever possible. His government has also committed to producing a Defence Industrial Strategy in close consultation with the private sector. A mechanism for regular, strategic dialogue between Canadian industry and the government will build trust and help to implement those promises and get the details right."
"Moving forward, industry will do all it can to contribute to the plans unveiled today, and will be watching for signed contracts and a fully costed federal budget this fall. The defence sector stands ready to support the government's ambitious timeline, but success will require unprecedented coordination between federal departments, provincial governments, and industry partners across the country.""CADSI looks forward to working with the government on several key implementation priorities, including streamlined procurement processes, enhanced security clearance procedures for industry personnel, and expanded research and development partnerships. The association will also advocate for regulatory modernization to ensure Canada can move at the speed of relevance in today's rapidly evolving threat environment."
"Today's announcement marks a turning point for Canadian defence policy and industrial capacity. Our member companies are prepared to deliver the capabilities our military needs, create high-value jobs for Canadians, and contribute to allied security worldwide. The time for half-measures is over -- Canada is ready to lead."
$15.7B increase in defence spending over 5 years
Achieving 2% GDP defence spending by 2028
Arctic sovereignty, cyber defence, space capabilities
of GDP
of GDP by 2028
across defence sector
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.
