Bolstering defence capacity in New Brunswick through Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy
Press Release
March 31, 2026 – Fredericton, New Brunswick - Department of Finance Canada
The world is changing rapidly. The international rules-based order is fading, and technological change is expanding the fields of conflict. The federal government is responding by rebuilding and reinvesting in the Canadian Armed Forces and strengthening the defence industrial base.
Through Canada’s first Defence Industrial Strategy, the government is aligning long-term defence investments with industrial capability to support Canadian businesses and strengthen supply chains, creating thousands of well-paid jobs. In Atlantic Canada, this includes targeted investments through the Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) to strengthen the aerospace and defence sector by supporting local businesses and institutions, building long-term industrial capacity, and creating well-paid jobs here at home.
Today, the Honourable Wayne Long, Secretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions), announced federal defence investments in two New Brunswick projects on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
The two projects receiving support today under the RDII are:
The University of New Brunswick in Fredericton is receiving $813,739 to develop a Maritime 3D Digital Twin platform that will enhance port capacity, trade flow efficiency, security, and environmental monitoring. This project will advance dual use defence technologies such as AI-enabled modelling, real time ocean sensing, and critical port infrastructure monitoring to strengthen maritime domain awareness and coastal infrastructure protection.
CE3 Electronics Inc. in Dieppe is receiving $30,000 to launch a cybersecurity compliance initiative to achieve the certification needed for eligibility in U.S. and Canadian defence contracts.
The Defence Industrial Strategy will modernize the country’s entire defence ecosystem. It will create good and well-paying jobs, ensure the Canadian Armed Forces have the equipment they need to keep Canada safe and sovereign, and strengthen Canada’s role as a trusted ally.
The RDII is a pillar of the Strategy: it builds a strong and resilient defence industrial base by helping small and medium-sized businesses integrate into national and international defence and security supply chains.
Quotes
“Atlantic Canada has an important role to play in building Canada’s defence industrial base. Through the Regional Defence Investment Initiative, we’re investing in local businesses and institutions like the University of New Brunswick and CE3 Electronics so they can grow, innovate, and contribute to the capabilities Canada needs in an increasingly complex global environment.”
The Honourable Wayne Long, Secretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions)
“We could not be prouder of the role New Brunswick is playing in strengthening Canada’s defence capabilities. Through Canada’s new Defence Industrial Strategy, local companies and institutions are growing, innovating, and building more of what Canada needs at home to stay secure, sovereign, and economically strong.”
The Honourable Sean Fraser, P.C., K.C., Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Member of Parliament for Central Nova
“Today’s announcement highlights what New Brunswick does best - bringing together post‑secondary institutions, industry, and government to tackle complex challenges. From UNB’s cutting‑edge digital and maritime research to local companies strengthening Canada’s defence supply chain, these projects show how New Brunswick expertise delivers national impact. By supporting initiatives rooted here at home, we’re positioning our province as a leader in defence‑related innovation.”
David Myles, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages and to the Secretary of State (Nature) and Member of Parliament for Fredericton-Oromocto
"UNB’s Maritime 3D Digital Twin project aligns directly with Canada’s emerging security and economic priorities by strengthening domestic research capacity, reinforcing critical infrastructure and accelerating technologies that can serve both civilian and defence needs. It also positions New Brunswick—and UNB—as a national leader in next‑generation maritime innovation. Just as importantly, this work creates exceptional training opportunities for our students and emerging researchers, ensuring they are prepared to contribute to Canada’s future workforce and innovation economy.”
Dr. Kathy Wilson, acting president and vice chancellor, UNB
“CE3 gratefully acknowledges the support provided by ACOA in advancing our strategic positioning as a defence contractor. This investment enables the enhancement of our cybersecurity posture and the achievement of compliance with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 frameworks, ensuring alignment with the stringent requirements of the defence sector.”
Brendan Thompson, Director Business Systems, CE3 Electronics Inc.
Quick facts
Canada has achieved the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) 2% of gross domestic product (GDP) defence spending target in the 2025–26 fiscal year, marking a significant milestone in Canada’s approach to national defence and collective security.
Canada’s defence sector is an important contributor to the economy with close to 600 firms directly accounting for 36,000 jobs in 2022, supporting a total of 61,200 jobs across the defence value chain.
Atlantic Canada plays a critical role in advancing Canada’s economic and national security – home to nearly 10,000 direct aerospace and defence jobs, representing 20% of Canada’s defence industry employment.
Today’s announcement is part of ACOA’s $38.2 million allocation, over three years, under the Regional Defence Investment Initiative, a $379.2 million three-year initiative delivered by Canada’s Regional Development Agencies (RDAs).
With more than 200 firms in the defence industry, Atlantic Canada delivers advanced shipbuilding, aircraft and engine maintenance, sonar and acoustic systems, training and simulation, ground vehicle technologies and cyber resilience.