New Brunswick is ready to play a bigger role in national defence, according to Susan Holt.
“New Brunswick is where Canada’s military is made,” the premier said. “We’ve always played a big role in Canada’s defence.”
The provincial government released a new defence growth framework Monday, laying out how the province will build on its strengths and position itself to deliver as the federal government investing in modernizing the armed forces and strengthening its defence industry.
“As Canada invests in its defence capabilities, we have an opportunity to build more of what our country needs right here at home,” Holt said during an announcement at CFB Gagetown.
“New Brunswick has the expertise, businesses and infrastructure to help make that happen.”
The premier said the province has advantages to build on, including CFB Gagetown, the Canadian Institute for Cybersecurity and two deepwater, ice-free ports.
“We want to see more businesses seize these opportunities, create good jobs and help build Canada’s defence capabilities right here in New Brunswick,” Holt said.
The framework, titled Defence Ready, identified 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.
The chief operating officer of Fredericton-based Lastwall said the framework is a good step toward creating more opportunities for New Brunswick companies.
“There is real momentum building in the defence sector, both here in New Brunswick and across Canada,” said Sean Adams. “It’s exciting to see the government taking action on its commitment to growing the industry.”
