Newfoundland and Labrador is Ready to Support Canada’s New Defence Industrial Strategy
Press Release
February 23, 2026
Newfoundland and Labrador is built for defence and is ready to support Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy.
The Honourable Tony Wakeham, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, applauds the federal government’s efforts in developing Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy and welcomes federal investment opportunities to help strengthen Canada’s sovereignty and security. This is particularly relevant today given the ever-changing global security considerations.
With the details of federal strategic priorities now in hand as presented in the national strategy, Premier Wakeham will begin a defence engagement series with provincial partners to launch a collective Newfoundland and Labrador approach that is strategic, comprehensive, and complementary to Canada’s plan.
Newfoundland and Labrador has the defence industrial capacity, infrastructure, workforce and strategic proximity to advance Canada’s national security. Premier Wakeham outlined Newfoundland and Labrador’s defence capabilities directly to Prime Minister Mark Carney and several federal ministers during his November 2025 meetings in Ottawa. He followed up in writing in December 2025 to Prime Minister Carney and federal ministers including The Honourable David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence and The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance.
As Canada strengthens its Arctic and northern presence, Newfoundland and Labrador believes sovereignty must be grounded in people as well as infrastructure. Arctic and Northern sovereignty cannot be defined solely by increased military presence or symbolic gestures – it must also include meaningful investment in northern communities, ensuring residents have the services, infrastructure, and opportunities needed to thrive.
Newfoundland and Labrador’s defence capabilities are outlined in the backgrounder below.
Quote
“Newfoundland and Labrador is a strategic anchor for Canada and its allies at the intersection of Arctic, Atlantic, and North American defence domains. We have a highly skilled workforce and significant marine and offshore experience. We are ready and able to support defence and national security as Canada increases defence spending and strengthens the Canadian Armed Forces.”
Honourable Tony Wakeham
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
BACKGROUNDER
Examples of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Defence Capabilities
Key military sites, including 5 Wing Goose Bay which is part of Canada’s NORAD modernization plan and can provide critical military training opportunities for Canada and international allies,
Strategic location, with proximity to the Arctic and North Atlantic sea lanes,
Operational and research and development expertise in cold and harsh environments,
World-leading marine and offshore expertise,
Advanced industrial capacity, significant business expertise, and cutting-edge technological innovation,
Abundant natural resources, including energy and critical minerals, to enable cleaner, more secure industrial supply chains,
Deepwater, ice-free ports and transportation infrastructure that can support economic development and defence activities, including in northern regions,
Two NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) network test centres,
A highly skilled workforce with experience in major projects and with transferable skills from the offshore oil sector, and
Strong relationships with Indigenous governments and organizations.
This is good to see for the province but, this messaging may have missed on the NL historical relevance and current contributions that the province has made to the CAF mission of today and yesterday.. If I were at the Garrison, Nav Res Unit, 103 SAR squadron, or 9 Wing Gander and even at the CCG Joint Atlantic HQ - I would be feeling slightly left out. Albeit, NL has had a rich history of US connection for land, air and maritime security, just ask anyone about Fort Pepperell, or USNS Argentia or the Crows Nest. Lets not forget the NL Expeditionary Force, or the Royal NL Naval Reserve, or the Royal Newfoundland Regiment.