Minister Fraser announces nearly $40 M for Atlantic Canada’s defence sector
News release
Regional Defence Investment Initiative helps businesses grow, innovate and scale up for global defence opportunities
December 5, 2025 · Moncton, New Brunswick· Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Canada’s new government is strengthening Canada’s defence capacity while supporting Atlantic Canada’s rapidly growing aerospace and defence sector, which has become a major economic anchor for the region.
Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, announced that businesses in Atlantic Canada can now apply to the Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII). Through this major federal initiative, ACOA is delivering $38.2 million over three years, starting in 2025-2026, to help businesses, mainly small and medium sized enterprises, expand their capabilities, boost productivity, and connect to defence supply chains at home and abroad, whether they are established suppliers or just getting started in the sector.
Across Atlantic Canada, companies are already pushing the boundaries of marine, aerospace and defence technologies. Innovative manufacturers are advancing dual use solutions that serve both civilian and defence markets. Specialized firms are developing cutting edge training and simulation tools. Others are strengthening shipbuilding supply chains, improving cyber resilience or bringing new sensor and acoustic systems to global customers. The RDII will help more businesses pursue certifications, invest in advanced technologies and compete for contracts with major defence and security partners.
To support applicants and stakeholders, ACOA will be hosting information sessions to provide guidance and details on the application process. Visit ACOA’s website to register for an upcoming session.
Quotes
“We are investing nearly $40 million to help Atlantic Canada’s defence businesses grow, modernize, and win more global contracts. That investment stays here in the region and strengthens Canada’s defence capacity.”
- The Honourable Sean Fraser, P.C., K.C., Member of Parliament for Central Nova, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Quick facts
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As announced in Budget 2025, the Government of Canada has already put into action initial investments to support Canada’s defence industrial base by allocating $6.6 billion over five years on a cash basis, starting in 2025-26 under the forthcoming Defence Industrial Strategy.
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These initial investments will drive research and innovation, strengthen domestic supply chains, grow critical resource stockpiles, and improve access to funds for Canadian small- and medium-sized defence businesses.
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The Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) is a $357.7 million, three-year, initiative delivered by Canada’s Regional Development Agencies (RDAs).
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With more than 200 firms and 20% of Canada’s defence industry employment, Atlantic Canada delivers advanced shipbuilding, aircraft and engine maintenance, sonar and acoustic systems, training and simulation, ground vehicle technologies and cyber resilience.
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Atlantic Canada is home to nearly 10,000 direct aerospace and defence jobs, representing 20% of national defence industry employment.
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Atlantic Canada represents more than 34% of Canada’s marine industry employment and is recognized for strengths in shipbuilding, aircraft maintenance, sonar and acoustic systems, ground vehicle solutions, training and simulation, and cyber resilience.
Associated links
Contacts
Lola Dandybaeva
Gestionnaire, relations avec les médias
Cabinet du ministre de la Justice, procureur général du Canada et ministre responsable de l’Agence de promotion économique du Canada atlantique
343-549-0347
lola.dandybaeva@justice.gc.ca
Media Relations
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
mediaroom-salledesmedias@acoa-apeca.gc.ca