Strengthening Atlantic Canada’s defence capabilities in Nova Scotia

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News release

Regional Defence Investment Initiative supports businesses to grow, innovate and scale up for global defence opportunities

February 19, 2026 · Dartmouth, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

The world is changing rapidly. The international rules-based order is fading, and technological change is expanding the fields of conflict. The Government of Canada is responding by rebuilding and reinvesting in the Canadian Armed Forces and strengthening the defence industrial base. Through Canada’s first Defence Industrial Strategy, the government is aligning long-term defence investments with industrial capability to support Canadian businesses, strengthen supply chains, and reinforce Canada’s role as a trusted ally. These generational investments will modernize Canada’s defence ecosystem, create good, well-paying jobs, and ensure the Canadian Armed Forces have the equipment they need to keep Canada safe, and sovereign.

In Atlantic Canada, this includes targeted investments that are supporting local companies, creating jobs, and building long-term industrial capacity.

Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, announced a federal investment of more than $4 million to support nine projects in Nova Scotia under the Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII).

The investment will help the following organizations to develop and manufacture critical equipment and technologies here in Nova Scotia, as well as create 24 new highly skilled jobs and strengthen local companies within Canada’s defence and security supply chains:

  • Sensor Technology Ltd.
  • Mathers Logistics Ltd.
  • Salient Energy Inc.
  • AML Oceanographic Ltd.
  • GALAXIA Mission Systems
  • Marine Thinking Inc.
  • Atlantic Hardchrome Limited
  • L & M Highland Outfitters Limited
  • Leeway Marine

As a pillar of Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy, the RDII is building a strong, resilient defence industrial base by helping small and medium-sized businesses scale up and adopt advanced technologies. These investments are strengthening Atlantic Canada’s industrial capacity, growing Nova Scotia’s role in Canada’s defence industry, and ensuring Canada has the capabilities it needs to respond to evolving global security challenges while supporting long-term economic growth.

Quotes

“Good jobs here at home and Nova Scotia helping build the future of Canada’s Armed Forces. That is the real impact of this $4 million investment, creating 24 skilled jobs across our province. We could not be prouder of the role Nova Scotia is playing in strengthening Canada’s defence capabilities. Through Canada’s new Defence Industrial Strategy, local companies are growing, innovating, and building more of what Canada needs at home to stay secure, sovereign, and economically strong.”

- The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

“Local companies are scaling up to meet the increased demand in Canada’s defence supply chain. Whether it’s developing next-generation batteries, expanding production space, upgrading logistics equipment, or making specialized components these projects are about getting more done and doing it better. This funding supports innovation, good jobs, and long‑term competitiveness for our region.”
- Braedon Clark, Member of Parliament for Sackville—Bedford—Preston

“Companies here in Dartmouth—Cole Harbour are doing big things in defence and marine innovation, and I’m proud to see our government support them to take the next step. Sensor Technology Ltd. is pushing forward advanced AI-enabled sensing solutions, while Leeway Marine is building a clear path toward a new unmanned surface vessel, work that strengthens our local economy and our national defence capabilities. These investments are about backing homegrown talent and helping Atlantic Canadian companies compete on the world stage.”
- Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth—Cole Harbour

“Halifax is the home of innovation for Canada's ocean and defence sectors. Companies like Marine Thinking and GALAXIA Mission Systems are just two examples of what our city can contribute as we work nationally to strengthen the Canadian Armed Forces and increase our defence capabilities. I'm excited about what the Regional Defence Investment Initiative means for Halifax, it's a key component of our larger Defence Industrial Strategy that is building up our local industry and economy.”
- Shannon Miedemia, Member of Parliament for Halifax

Quick facts

  • The $379.2 million Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) is a three-year initiative delivered by Canada’s Regional Development Agencies (RDAs). 

  • Today’s announcement is part of ACOA’s $38.2 million allocation, over three years, under the Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII). 

  • This announcement builds on the $997,000 Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) investment announced for Vimy Forge on February 9, 2026.

  • With more than 200 firms in the defence industry, Atlantic Canada delivers advanced shipbuilding, aircraft and engine maintenance, sonar and acoustic systems, training and simulation, ground vehicle technologies and cyber resilience. 

  • Atlantic Canada is home to nearly 10,000 direct aerospace and defence jobs, representing 20% of national defence industry employment.

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Contacts

Lola Dandybaeva
Manager of Media Relations
Office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
lola.dandybaeva@justice.gc.ca

Media Relations   
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency  
mediaroom-salledesmedias@acoa-apeca.gc.ca  

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2026-02-19