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Regional Defence Investment Initiative in British Columbia

 

 At a glance

Status Accepting applications until April 15, 2026 at 12:00 pm PT
Funding per recipient

$100,000 to $10,000,000 per project
Type of funding

Repayable contributions for incorporated businesses
Eligible organizations

Incorporated businesses.

In exceptional cases, other entities providing support to defence and dual-use small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may be considered for funding. Such organizations should contact PacifiCan.

Want more information? Check out our video.

Overview

The Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) is a $379.2 million initiative delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies to support Canada’s defence and security capabilities while boosting regional economic development.

PacifiCan is delivering $67.5 million under this initiative in British Columbia over three years, starting in 2025-26. Applications will be accepted for commercial projects seeking funding between April 1, 2026, and March 31, 2028.

The RDII in British Columbia will strengthen Canada’s defence capacity by investing in British Columbian businesses with ambition to:

  • Contribute to the capabilities of the Canadian Armed Forces as well as Canada’s allies and partners
  • Grow the production and innovation capacity of Canada’s defence and dual-use (i.e., with both military and civilian uses) industries
  • Integrate small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into domestic and international defence supply chains
  • Drive innovation in technology sectors with defence applications, including artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and cyber security
  • Grow regional economies

Expected results

Only the strongest projects that have a viable plan to produce strong outcomes will be selected. Applicants must set measurable targets, explain their rationale, and report on progress toward these indicators:

  • How many highly-qualified personnel (HQP) jobs you create in Canada
  • How many non-HQP jobs you create in Canada
  • Your revenue growth
  • Your export sales growth
  • How many defence or dual-use technologies, products, or services you develop and/or commercialize (where applicable)
  • Your business sales growth resulting from commercialization (where applicable)

Priorities

Priority may be given to projects that:

  • Target sectors in Canadian defence priority areas
  • Prioritize Canadian material and content in support of the Buy Canadian Policy
  • Demonstrate strong economic benefits
  • Demonstrate higher levels of support secured from other funding sources
  • Advance productivity, production capacity, and competitiveness
  • Advance opportunities for Indigenous and regional participation in the sector

Page details

2026-02-20