Canada’s defence investments are strengthening the long-term capabilities of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) while also creating economic opportunities across the country.
Through strategic procurement, these investments support innovation, strengthen Canadian industry and supply chains, and build partnerships that benefit the CAF and communities from coast-to-coast-to-coast.
As part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to economic reconciliation and Indigenous participation in federal procurement, the Department of National Defence (DND) has achieved the five per cent Indigenous procurement target. Between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026, five per cent of DND’s procurement contracts were awarded to Indigenous businesses, supporting economic growth and creating opportunities for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis businesses across Canada.
Indigenous businesses have supplied a wide range of goods and services that support national priorities, including computers and electronic equipment, fuels, non-residential construction services, and specialized trade construction and maintenance.
Introduced in 2021, the Government of Canada’s Indigenous procurement target increases opportunities for Indigenous businesses to compete for and secure federal contracts.
An Indigenous business may include one that is:
registered in the Government of Canada's Indigenous Business Directory
listed on a Modern Treaty beneficiary business list
As Canada rebuilds and modernizes the CAF in response to an increasingly complex global security environment, Indigenous businesses continue to play an important role in strengthening Canada’s defence industrial base and supporting operational readiness.
Consideration of Indigenous interests begins well before a procurement process is launched. Across the Defence Team, personnel work to respect obligations under Comprehensive Land Claim Agreements and the Nunavut Settlement Area Directive when planning and executing procurement activities within applicable land claim settlement areas.
Canada’s defence policy recognizes the importance of strong and resilient defence industry in delivering the capabilities needed by the CAF. Indigenous businesses are making valuable contributions to this effort through their expertise, innovation, and participation in defence procurement.
Canada’s defence investments reflect our commitment to protecting Canadians, supporting economic growth, and fostering innovation. By creating opportunities for Indigenous businesses to participate in defence procurement, these investments contribute to national security and economic reconciliation.
As part of ongoing efforts towards reconciliation, the Defence Team will continue to promote Indigenous participation in procurement and strengthen engagement with Indigenous partners and communities across Canada. To learn more about the Government of Canada’s approach, consult the Indigenous Procurement Strategy for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. (Accessible only on the National Defence network)
I imagine that CellCore represents a good fraction of this milestone, presuming that the funding commitment for its nitrocellulose and defence-energetics manufacturing facility is what is being counted, as opposed to disbursement of funds.