The Manitoba government has launched the Manitoba-Canada Defence Alliance (MCDA) to help attract defence and security investment and procurement opportunities to the province, Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses and Advanced Education and Training Minister Renée Cable announced today.
“We know Manitoba businesses are ready to capitalize on the federal government’s planned $81.8-billion investment in defence over the coming years,” said Moses. “Manitoba is home to critical defence infrastructure including Norad HQ, 17 Wing, CFB Shilo and Southport Aerospace Centre. We are also home to global leaders in the aerospace sector that employ thousands of Manitobans, and with these additional investments we will continue to attract the capital and business that will help grow the sector and create more good jobs for Manitobans.”
The alliance brings together representatives from government, industry, post-secondary institutions and the Canadian Armed Forces. The initiative is a key part of the Manitoba government’s work to build on the province’s strengths in aerospace, manufacturing, research and related sectors.
MCDA will set strategic priorities, work to attract defence projects, share information and co-ordinate initiatives between stakeholders while promoting Manitoba’s strengths in aerospace, bioscience, research, manufacturing and service.
“Manitoba’s future depends on the talent, skills and innovation of our people,” said Cable. “By building a provincewide defence innovation network, we are creating new opportunities for students, researchers and workers across Manitoba while strengthening our capacity to develop the skilled workforce needed for the jobs of tomorrow.”
An executive steering committee for MCDA has been established to set priorities, share information and feedback and identify opportunities and barriers. Paul Soubry has been appointed executive champion and will help lead MCDA efforts to attract defence procurement projects and investment opportunities to Manitoba.
“Having previously worked in the aerospace and defence sector with Standard Aero for 25 years and then 17 years with NFI Group, a global manufacturer, I’m thrilled to be part of this opportunity,” said Soubry. “The federal government’s commitment to a generational investment in Canada’s defence and industrial base opens the door to amazing opportunities for Manitoba.”
MCDA will be supported by a dedicated defence lead based at Manitoba Aerospace Inc., with $320,000 in Manitoba government funding provided through the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters to co-ordinate activities and support the alliance’s work.
“Manitoba has a world-class aerospace and defence industry, built on decades of expertise, innovation and proven capability,” said Beverlie Stuart, CEO, Manitoba Aerospace. “The Manitoba-Canada Defence Alliance will build on that strength, bringing partners together to pursue new opportunities, attract investment and position Manitoba as an even stronger contributor to Canada’s defence and security. This is Manitoba’s moment.”
An advisory committee bringing together government officials, industry stakeholders, post-secondary institutions and other key partners has been established to guide the alliance’s work. Initial meetings began in July to shape the group’s approach and investment-attraction efforts, the ministers noted.
Noah Note: I'm proud to see Manitoba step up here and throw their weight behind Industry on a Provincial level. When smaller provinces step up to support industry, we all end up better. It's a bit later than I would have liked myself, but it is better than nothing. Of course things here are still early, so I await to see how this develops before I speak more on it.