Minister highlights whole-of-government approach for military procurement to maximize benefits for Canada

For Immediate Release

OTTAWA, May 30, 2013 – The Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI) welcomed the speech today from Associate Defence Minister Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, QC at CANSEC, Canada's foremost defence technology showcase, as an example of the whole-of-government engagement with the defence and security sector that will drive innovation, exports, job creation and growth for the sector, while providing the Canadian military with the highest-quality equipment available.

“CADSI has been encouraged with Minister Findlay’s enthusiasm and engagement with industry since assuming the Associate Defence portfolio,” said Tim Page, President of CADSI.  “The Minister recognizes, in line with her government’s Budget 2013 commitment, that it is in the national interest to have a strong domestic defence-related manufacturing base that produces the best equipment for our men and women in uniform, generates exports and creates jobs for Canadians.”

In the Budget, the government committed to “better ensure that purchases of military equipment create economic opportunities for Canadians by developing key domestic industrial capabilities to help guide procurement, by promoting export opportunities, and by reforming the current procurement process to improve outcomes.”

Mr. Page applauded Minister Findlay’s affirmation that the government would implement Budget 2013 recommendations to institute a thorough and rigorous options analysis process, a challenge function for military requirements, early and frequent industry engagement, and strengthened oversight with the use of third party expertise.

Mr. Page also praised Minister Findlay’s reiteration of the government’s commitment to promote and facilitate export opportunities for the Canadian defence and security sector, by working with other government agencies like the Canadian Commercial Corporation and regional development agencies, and by better utilizing Canadian military attachés in foreign embassies and High Commissions to “highlight the value and breadth of Canada’s defence and security sector to our allies and partners.”

“CADSI welcomes a whole-of-government approach to working with the defence and security sector, through which ministers and their departments are engaged with industry on an ongoing basis,” said Mr. Page.  “This is particularly important with respect to exports in our sector.  Minister Findlay’s focus on this area, in collaboration with other departments and agencies, will help our industry continue to strengthen our international competitiveness and export growth.  We look forward to continuing to work with her to ensure government and industry achieve our mutual goals in the global defence and security marketplace.”

Minister Findlay’s speech also highlighted the government’s approach to streamlining the procurement process, with the aims of reducing the amount of time from the options analysis phase to project close; and allowing more projects to work through the system at a much faster pace. 

A two-day event, CANSEC features 120,000 square feet of indoor exhibits by Canada's leading edge defence and security companies, as well as an outdoor static display.

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CADSI is the voice of Canada’s defence and security industries. CADSI represents over 950 member companies who are essential contributors to Canada’s national defence and security. The sector employs 109, 000 Canadians and generated over 12.6 billion dollars to the Canadian economy in 2011.

For more information on CADSI visit: https://www.defenceandsecurity.ca

(For further information contact: Christel Gallant 613-235-5337 ext 29)