Canadians are adapting to a new world order and making real-time decisions for the future of our country based on middle power alignment, interests-based global trading relationships, sovereign defence capabilities and a strong domestic economy. Being ready and able to defend our territory, our people, and our values is more important than ever.
A Defining Moment for a Generation
This is a moment to make generational efforts to strengthen both economic resilience and national security. Our 130 members – Canada’s public colleges, institutes, CEGEPs, polytechnics, and Indigenous Institutes of Education – are trusted institutions that have always responded with resolve in Canada’s moments of crisis. Now, we are strategic partners in Canada’s defence future.
A Bold New Direction
The federal government, last week, shared a bold new direction for a comprehensive Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS), building on a foundation that contributes over $9.6 billion in GDP and over 80,000 jobs to the Canadian economy.
Among the key priorities:
- A new Canada-first defence procurement plan that will prioritize building, buying, and making things in Canada to benefit domestic industry, ensure sovereignty, and position the defence sector as an engine for growth, innovation, and long-term national resilience;
- A new Canadian Defence Skills Agenda that will leverage collaboration with the provinces and territories to prioritize defence-related skills upgrading, improve interprovincial labour mobility, expand apprenticeships, and strengthen regional defence workforce pipelines;
- Boosting government investment and modernizing Industrial and Technological Benefits to support a comprehensive approach to defence-related research and development – from fundamental research, through applied R&D, to the demonstration of technologies in the field.
In particular, the ambitious strategy names our sector as key partners in two areas – as leaders in defence innovations and in STEM and skilled trades training and partnerships supporting the Canadian Armed Forces to strengthen regional defence workforce pipelines.
It’s clear the path to DIS success runs through our sector.
Training and Innovation to Drive Transformation
Colleges build talent, train workers, and power jobs through recognized military training, military-connected campuses, and high-quality industry-aligned education, training, and upskilling to support defence-related manufacturing and supply chain resilience.
- For example, Algonquin College has partnered with the Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Command (CAFCYBERCOM) to deliver a new foundational training program for CAF Cyber Operators;
- Seneca Polytechnic is working with the Military Personnel Generation Training Group (MPGTG) to expand training on AI-powered tools for Canadian Armed Forces members; and,
- In 2024, Fanshawe College, in partnership with the 31 Canadian Brigade Group (31 CBG), established Canada’s first-ever Army Reserve co-operative education program for post-secondary students.
- Niagara College’s new Defence Systems Engineering Technology program offers students hands-on experiential learning building and flying drones, terrestrial rovers, and submersible robots in cutting-edge labs.
- BCIT’s Legion Military Skills Conversion Program offers Canadian Armed Forces members and Veterans a pathway to accelerating and advancing their career goals.
And, our members are leaders in impact-oriented and place-based innovation. As the Defence Industrial Strategy looks to expand defence-related research and the adoption and deployment of dual-use technologies in aerospace, ship and submarine building, artificial intelligence and quantum technologies, specialized manufacturing, and uncrewed and autonomous systems, our sector is a key partner in delivery and will be around the table on the new Science and Research Defence Advisory Council.
- For example, SAIT’s Centre for Innovation and Research in Unmanned Systems (CIRUS) is home to Canada’s first remotely piloted aviation training centre;
- The Aerospace Technology Centre at the Cégep Édouard-Montpetit supports aerospace companies in the development, validation and optimization of practical technological solutions – from concept to industrialization, while helping to reduce risks;
- Innovation Maritime at the Cégep de Rimouski contributes to a strong maritime sector with particular emphasis on Acoustics & Vibrations, Marine Design & Engineering, and Maritime Intelligence; and,
- Our sector is home to four NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) test centres and accelerators designed to foster dual-use, deep-tech innovation.
Canada’s defence investments are a call to action, and our pan-Canadian network of colleges, institutes, CEGEPs and polytechnics are the key partners needed to drive the transformation – to rebuild, rearm, and reinvest in the Canadian Armed Forces and advance the goals of the new defence industrial strategy.
On the Blog: Read Defence Strength Built on People and Innovation.
A Strategic Asset
In this Strategy, the federal government will need partners – and our pan-Canadian network of public colleges and institutes is a coordinated national asset to be leveraged.
Our College Defense Training and Innovation Network – with nearly 60 participating institutions from coast to coast and in the North – builds on that strength and positions colleges to develop scalable and targeted solutions to meet Canada’s defence needs through coordinated action tables that map readiness and strategic alignment.
Through these two new action tables, the network will set to work to modernize training models, align curriculum and micro-credentials, and create clear pathways for military-connected learners, advance Military-Connected Campus models, and deepen engagement with CAF and DND partners.
Defence for a Prosperous Future
A strong Canadian defence industry and a secure and prosperous Canada go hand in hand.
What fuels our economy – skilled Canadian workers and talent, strong home-grown businesses, and a dynamic national research and innovation ecosystem – must also be put to use to defend our values and sovereignty.
We are ready to work together with governments, the Canadian military, industry, and other training and research partners to deliver on this imperative national mission.