FREDERICTON (GNB) – Premier Susan Holt recently attended CANSEC, Canada’s global defence and security trade show, in Ottawa, to advance defence sector opportunities in New Brunswick.
“New Brunswick has established itself as a leader in Canada’s defence sector and is uniquely positioned to seize the generational opportunities arising from Canada’s focus on defence investments,” said Holt. “From cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing to land systems expertise and access to two deepwater ports in Saint John and Belledune, to the world-class training happening at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, where Canada’s military is made, we’re ready to grow our economy, create quality jobs, and bolster Canada’s security.”
The CANSEC trade show brings together senior leaders and decision-makers in defence, security and emerging technology from around the globe.
In the government’s recently released economic development strategy, defence was highlighted as a focus area for growing the provincial economy. The strategy is focused on three pillars – improving productivity, increasing private investment and expanding into new markets – to create growth that is sustainable, durable and shared across the province.
This visit reinforces New Brunswick’s support for defence by enhancing investor confidence, strengthening federal alignment and partnerships and advancing business development interests.
Holt said New Brunswick has emerged as a competitive jurisdiction for large-scale industrial defence projects over the past decade, with local companies demonstrating the ability to support national defence objectives and secure economic benefits for the region through increased domestic production.
To ensure further integration into federal defence procurement programs, New Brunswick, anchored by CFB Gagetown, the largest military facility in Eastern Canada, is focusing on streamlining certifications, enhancing supplier development programs and targeting innovation funding.
While in Ottawa, Holt met with leading land, sea and air defence companies. She also celebrated alongside Lastwall as it announced a $16-million investment round; this is one of Canada’s biggest cybersecurity venture capital investments for New Brunswick and only the second venture investment from the Business Development Bank of Canada’s new defence innovation fund.
“This is a crucial time for our province,” said Holt. “As global economic conditions shift and uncertainty remains, our focus is on keeping our economy strong, flexible and investment-ready by seizing and supporting national opportunities that can create good-paying jobs for New Brunswickers.”
More information on New Brunswick’s economic development strategy is available on the government’s website.
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Media Contact(s)
Jason Hoyt, communications, Opportunities NB, jason.hoyt@gnb.ca.
Corporate communications, Executive Council Office, media-medias@gnb.ca.
