Defence industry strategy under Carney pledges 125,000 jobs

Media outlets published details of a $6.6-billion strategy the article says aims to create 125,000 jobs and to reorient procurement toward Canadian-made military equipment.

The federal Liberal government is reshaping how it supports the domestic defence industry as Canada seeks to reduce reliance on U.S. suppliers. The article reports that details of the $6.6-billion plan were published by media outlets after an expected announcement was delayed. Prime Minister Mark Carney suspended travel following a mass shooting in British Columbia, which the article says pushed the announcement to later in the week. The strategy aims to help small and medium-sized Canadian businesses enter the defence sector and to shift spending toward equipment made in Canada. Key details: - The strategy is reported to cost $6.6 billion. - The document claims it will spur 125,000 jobs. - It promises to restructure Ottawa's industrial technological benefit policy, which scores firms on their contributions to the Canadian economy when competing for contracts. - The plan is described as aiming to help small and medium-sized enterprises break into the defence industry. - Media publication of the plan followed a delay after Prime Minister Mark Carney suspended travel due to a mass shooting in British Columbia. Summary: The article presents the strategy as a significant policy shift intended to boost domestic defence capacity and industry participation while aligning procurement toward Canadian suppliers. It also places the plan in the context of increased defence spending to meet NATO commitments. Undetermined at this time