Statement from Dennis Darby, President and CEO of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters on the establishment of the Defence Investment Agency Crown corporation

“Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters welcomes the introduction of Bill C-40 and its proposal to establish the Defence Investment Agency as a Crown corporation. Streamlining procurement and bringing defence purchasing and investment together can help strengthen Canada’s security while building domestic manufacturing capacity.

Defence investment is an opportunity to protect existing jobs, create new high-quality manufacturing jobs and strengthen Canadian supply chains. Delivering those benefits will require clear procurement pathways for manufacturers of all sizes, especially small and mid-sized firms supplying components, equipment and advanced technologies.

Through CME Defence, we are helping manufacturers build readiness and connect with prime contractors. CME will continue to work with government and industry partners to ensure defence investment delivers lasting benefits for Canadian workers, manufacturers and national security.”