Throughout much of our history, Canadians have often talked about security and prosperity as if they were unrelated topics. Yet, it’s important to note that Canada’s defence industry currently supports 82,000 jobs. The growing trend of countries using coercive tactics to meet their goals has made it clear that these priorities go hand in hand. This understanding is central to our government’s new Defence Industrial Strategy, a groundbreaking plan that positions defence procurement as a vital part of our economy.
The Defence Industrial Strategy aims to ensure that a larger share of the defence budget spent on equipping the Canadian Armed Forces creates jobs here at home. By directing 70 percent of defence purchases to Canadian companies and boosting defence exports by 50 percent, we can generate 125,000 well-paying jobs nationwide by 2035.
Meeting these goals requires us to adopt both a timely and strategic approach to procurement. That’s why we’ve launched the Defence Investment Agency to simplify our processes and cut down on red tape. We’re also implementing a Build-Partner-Buy framework for future defence procurements; this means we will build domestically where we have or need sovereign capability, collaborate with trusted allies when working together adds value, or buy ready-made products only if it allows us to get capabilities quicker while ensuring significant benefits for Canadian industry. This strategy promotes both flexibility and maximum opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers.
This is fantastic news for industries across Canada, including Kelowna and the Okanagan region. KF Aerospace stands out as a leader in engineering along with maintenance, repair, and overhaul services in Canada. Terra Sense Analytics is pioneering AI-driven mission systems that integrate sensors and video into real-time intelligence for operators navigating complex environments.
These companies, among many others, exemplify the kind of Canadian potential our Strategy aims to enhance. When we connect clear long-term demand with local expertise, we send industry the signal it needs to create jobs, boost exports, and expand.
<p However, an industrial strategy's effectiveness hinges on the capabilities it brings forth. Four years into Ukraine’s courageous fight against Russia's unlawful invasion, Canada's support remains strong as we provide 383 Roshel Senator armoured vehicles alongside 66 LAV 6s to our ally. By supporting Ukraine in this way, we're simultaneously investing in Canadian firms that create good-paying jobs while stimulating our economy.
Our efforts toward economic diversification align closely with these objectives. Together with India, we’ve set out plans to establish a comprehensive economic partnership agreement by the end of 2026.
Canada excels as an energy and agricultural powerhouse while leading in critical minerals, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing-sectors India is rapidly developing.
The Prime Minister recently secured a $2.6 billion long-term uranium supply deal aimed at aiding India’s clean energy transition while creating substantial opportunities for Canadian workers and suppliers. This shows how we can practically link security with prosperity.
Together with Australia, we’ve signed new agreements reinforcing our collaboration across critical minerals production as well as defense sectors like artificial intelligence-opening avenues for more trade and investment between us.
This capital represents long-term financing essential for enabling businesses here to grow capacity hire additional Canadians while investing in innovative solutions.
The results are starting to materialize within our economy: foreign direct investment flowing into Canada reached $96.8 billion dollars in 2025-the highest amount since 2007-while our current account deficit sharply narrowed during the fourth quarter. These signs reflect rising global confidence regarding Canada’s industrial strategy alongside renewed dedication towards building locally.
The takeaway from recent events is straightforward: security cannot be separated from prosperity; growth relies upon diversifying partnerships alongside leveraging investments designed specifically around bolstering domestic industry resources available globally. Our allies depend heavily upon us serving reliably within supporting rules-based international order too!
In Kelowna throughout Okanagan Valley , communities across this nation understand how things are built! It falls upon us all now ensure every person has chance pursue those opportunities ahead. By building locally partnering wise allyships moving forward ensures when next crisis emerges testing resolve-Canada won’t just stand firm but actually stand ready!
This serves not only commitment but also work lying ahead; securing brighter future awaiting all Canadians!
Stephen Fuhr serves as Member of Parliament representing Kelowna
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