OROMOCTO (GNB) – The provincial government released Defence Ready: New Brunswick’s Defence Growth Framework today at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, outlining how the province will build on its strengths and position itself to deliver for Canada as the country invests in modernizing its armed forces and strengthening its defence industry.
“New Brunswick is where Canada’s military is made. We’ve always played a big role in Canada’s defence, and we’re ready to play a bigger one,” said Premier Susan Holt. “As Canada invests in its defence capabilities, we have an opportunity to build more of what our country needs right here at home. New Brunswick has the expertise, businesses and infrastructure to help make that happen.”
Defence is a priority in the government’s Building a Competitive and Resilient New Brunswick economic development strategy, released in April. Growing this sector is meant to attract investment, create good jobs and support the goal of growing the provincial economy by 10 per cent by 2030.
Holt said New Brunswick has important advantages to build on, including Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, the Canadian Institute for Cybersecurity, two deepwater, ice-free ports, industrial land, transportation networks and a strong critical minerals base.
“When you bring together our history in defence, our expertise in training and cybersecurity, our advanced manufacturing capabilities and our strategic infrastructure, New Brunswick is well positioned to deliver for Canada,” said Holt. “We want to see more businesses seize these opportunities, create good jobs and help build Canada’s defence capabilities right here in New Brunswick.”
The framework identifies four strategic pillars to guide the government’s approach:
- Industry and investment: build on strengths in land systems, digital and cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing.
- Technology and innovation: establish New Brunswick as a national hub for defence innovation.
- Infrastructure and resources: develop New Brunswick’s ports and critical minerals to support Canada’s security needs.
- Base and community growth: grow with Canadian Forces Base Gagetown and support those who serve and have served.
“Defence Ready gives us a foundation to bring the right partners together and turn the opportunities in Canada’s defence sector into real growth here at home,” said Post-Secondary Education and Training Minister Jean-Claude D’Amours, who is also minister responsible for military affairs. “It will take collaboration across government, First Nations, industry, our post-secondary and research institutions and communities to build the capabilities Canada needs and ensure New Brunswick is ready to deliver.”
The government will continue working with the New Brunswick defence task force and its partners to advance the framework’s priorities and identify opportunities to grow the sector.
“There is real momentum building in the defence sector, both here in New Brunswick and across Canada. It’s exciting to see government taking action on its commitment to growing the industry,” said Sean Adams, chief operating officer of Lastwall, a Fredericton-based company. “This framework is a great step toward creating more opportunities for New Brunswick companies, helping them grow their capabilities and become an even bigger part of Canada’s defence industry.”
Media Contact(s)
Corporate communications, Executive Council Office, media-medias@gnb.ca.
