Whitby MP Ryan Turnbull and Ontario Tech officials at a funding announcement for the university earlier this year
The Town of Whitby has tasked its staff with figuring out how to “proactively position itself” to draw in defence contractors, defence-related manufacturers, advanced manufacturers, and businesses involved in the Canadian defence and security supply chain. This comes as Canada and its NATO allies plan to invest trillions into national security projects over the next few years.
This significant increase in defence spending and procurement is expected to bring about “substantial opportunities” for manufacturers, tech firms, engineering companies, logistics providers, and other businesses within the supply chain. Whitby aims to be part of this growth, according to a report presented to council this week.
Expanding Canada’s defence-industrial capacity is not just vital for national security but also offers an important economic development chance for Ontario communities looking to attract defence contractors and advanced manufacturers. The “uncertainty” surrounding Canada’s current relationship with the United States was also mentioned as a reason to “combat tariffs, protect the local economy, and preserve jobs.”
Councillor Niki Lundquist urged her colleagues Monday to slow down a bit and engage with the community before diving too deep into what one resident referred to as a “war machine.”
Lundquist acknowledged that jobs are important but emphasized that if defence contracts are something the town is “actively pursuing,” there should be some community consultation on it.
“We should ensure the community is aware because of the nature of the industry as this is not a neutral position,” she stated. “That is not an unreasonable request.”
“There are many members of the community who have strong views on this and I think they should be able to weigh in.”
Whitby Councillor Niki Lundquist
Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy pointed out that several businesses in town already hold defence contracts – “it’s already here” – before council unanimously approved a motion directing staff to create an interim report examining how the town can attract more military-related business.
The aim of this report is to identify which types of defence-sector businesses could realistically be drawn to Whitby, including but not limited to:
Last 30 Days: 54,532 Votes
All Time: 1,555,020 Votes
1043 VOTES
Do election debates change who you vote for?
vehicle and armoured-vehicle manufacturing automotive and military vehicle components advanced manufacturing precision machining and metal fabrication robotics and autonomous systems aerospace and defence components electronics and communications equipment drones and counter-drone technologies artificial intelligence and defence technology logistics and supply-chain operations other defence-related technologies and manufacturing activities compatible with Whitby’s employment lands
Officials from nearby Oshawa have been vocal about sharing their expertise for their own slice of future opportunities. Earlier this year they reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate with provincial and federal partners, industries, and post-secondary institutions to “turn policy into tangible capability.”
“Oshawa is uniquely positioned to support and accelerate the province’s defense industrial objectives through our Integrated National Defence Innovation Corridor,” Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter remarked. He highlighted an initiative set up in 2025 that links defense manufacturing, distribution, R&D, training, along with border security within one integrated corridor.
The Automotive Centre of Excellence at Ontario Tech University in Oshawa recently secured a $5-million federal investment aimed at expanding its capabilities into a Canadian defense technology hub. This creates potential research avenues along with testing innovations benefiting businesses throughout Durham Region.
The Canadian government announced plans for an $81 billion investment over five years aimed at fulfilling its defense commitments while striving towards meeting NATO’s five percent GDP spending goal by 2035.
In response from Queen’s Park came news about intentions for developing Ontario’s first-ever Defence Industrial Strategy designed specifically so workers’ skills align well enough that both local companies can help secure Canada’s interests while capturing long-term economic advantages such as job creation.
The province hopes that achieving these goals could result in over $6 billion added value towards Ontario’s GDP along with around $400 million yearly tax income by 2035.
A new NATO Defence Investment Pledge allows governments flexibility enabling them invest up-to one point five percent dedicated solely infrastructure projects which include cyber defenses enhancing logistics amongst others benefiting wider economies across Ontario overall positively impacting general growth potentials together where appropriate matching supplies needed efficiently without delays too often seen otherwise now ahead moving forward progressively shall we say!
The remaining three point five percent amounts approximately fifty thousand billion annually will support core expenditure focused primarily upon essential equipment procurement processes ultimately bringing forth Canadian entities eligible bidding large-scale contracts being supported various loans provided EU member states together reaching total cap two hundred forty-four billion dollars combined effort working collectively henceforth improving output quality ensuring safety amidst changing landscapes globally evermore prevalent today faced regularly daily routines worldwide coming soon directly addressed respectively!
p>INsauga’s Editorial Standards And Policies
Stay In The Loop.
Subscribe now To receive our Daily email Of today’s Top stories In your City!
Source link
