“Canada’s renewed investment in defence is creating a generational opportunity, and New Brunswick is uniquely positioned to capture it,” notes Opportunities New Brunswick (ONB) CEO Traci Simmons. “With strategic assets, available industrial capacity, and a strong cybersecurity ecosystem, the province has emerged as a competitive hub for defence innovation, manufacturing, and supply chain integration.”
As New Brunswick’s lead business development agency, ONB is tasked with attracting global investment in the defence industry, and early signs point to a reinvigorated interest in the “Picture Province.” In the 1960s through to the 1980s, New Brunswick experienced an industrial boom, expanding pulp and paper operations, constructing a nuclear generating station (Point Lepreau), mining projects, smelters, oil refineries, and other significant industrial projects. Opportunities of this kind are firmly back on New Brunswick’s radar with a specific focus on defence.
Why New Brunswick?
The Government of New Brunswick, in collaboration with ONB, has released a new economic development strategy, Building a Competitive and Resilient New Brunswick, with defence highlighted as a priority focus area for growing the provincial economy.
The value proposition is simple – home to the largest military base in Eastern Canada – 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown (CFB Gagetown) – New Brunswick has long been critical in supporting Canada’s defence readiness. The province has strategically positioned itself as a competitive jurisdiction for large-scale industrial defence projects, anchored by its two deep-water, ice-free ports with room for expansion, and supported by a skilled bilingual workforce, established industrial capacity, and a strong track record of delivering complex contracts.
The significant naval presence at CFB Halifax in neighbouring Nova Scotia further strengthens New Brunswick’s value proposition, as its proximity attracts heightened interest and investment from global defence contractors – investment that New Brunswick is well positioned to capture given its strengths in advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, and strategic port access.
Multiple Advantages
New Brunswick offers lower costs than most Canadian peers in terms of labour, land, and operating costs. As the midpoint between North America and Europe, it offers firms the geographical advantage of being able to serve NATO members across the globe. It also hosts an abundance of industrial land, and a wealth of defence supply chain players able to integrate into federal procurement contracts.
New Brunswick’s most distinguishable competitive advantage is its strength in cybersecurity. As a national leader in that space, world-class cyber defence companies can find the skilled talent, high-tech infrastructure, and innovation partners they need to grow. This sector is heavily concentrated in Fredericton, a hub for cyber innovation located just 25 minutes from CFB Gagetown.
New Brunswick has also recently released its Comprehensive Mineral Strategy, highlighting the complete supply chain opportunity from exploration, mining and refining, to fabrication, manufacturing, testing and exporting, including proven deposits of some of Canada’s federally designated critical minerals associated with defence equipment manufacturing.
Buy-in from partners and industry
New Brunswick is further strengthening its commitment to defence industry development, reinforcing the sector as a strategic pillar of the province’s economic growth and long-term prosperity.
In recent months:
- The federal government committed to $1 billion in investments at CFB Gagetown.
- Fredericton-based Vimy Forge launched as a national defence innovation accelerator designed to close the gap between Canadian innovation and defence procurement.
- The University of New Brunswick signed an MOU with South Korea-based shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean Co. to further research in both marine and defence technologies.
- Strengthened collaboration between groups like ONB, ACOA, and the Atlantic Canada Aerospace & Defence Association (ACADA).
- Multiple firms with a presence in New Brunswick listed among Canadian Defence Review’s Top 100 Canadian Defence Companies, including Kognitiv Spark, Marshall Land Systems, Thales Canada, DEW Engineering, and more.
In addition, New Brunswick is currently formalizing a defence framework, and ONB is proud to be part of that work. As this framework takes shape, ONB is excited to connect with global companies, while ensuring local firms are aware of emerging opportunities in the defence sector and its supply chain.
New Brunswick will be attending CANSEC, Canada’s leading defence, security & emerging technology event to connect with defence companies with a desire to expand in Canada, and pitch New Brunswick’s compelling value proposition for why their province is Built for Business.
New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt, along with senior representatives from ONB, will be in attendance for meetings with companies interested in learning more about New Brunswick.
Let’s Connect
New Brunswick businesses are growing, hiring, and reaching new markets, and ONB is right beside them. We work closely with those companies and those looking to establish or expand their footprint in the province, providing tailored support to help them invest with confidence and grow in New Brunswick.
We are ready to help you achieve your goals. Connect with ONB at invest@onbcanada.ca or call us at +1-855-746-4662.
