PacifiCan invests in defence innovation and capacity building in B.C. to strengthen Canada’s security
News release
February 20, 2026 - Delta, British Columbia
In today’s rapidly changing world, Canada is making major investments to protect our sovereignty, strengthen security and create prosperity.
Today, the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada, announced an investment of over $46.6 million for eight B.C. projects that accelerate defence innovation and help local businesses grow and integrate into domestic and international defence supply chains. These projects are part of Canada’s first-ever Defence Industrial Strategy and represent foundational investments in B.C.’s defence capabilities.
An investment of over $40.6 million will support five projects - three at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and two at Simon Fraser University (SFU) – to build test facilities and advance research in defence and dual-use industries. This will help local companies speed up innovation in areas such as life sciences, quantum technologies, and artificial intelligence – moving ideas from the lab to the marketplace and the field.
In addition to these investments, over $6 million will help three organizations, including the Association of British Columbia Marine Industries (ABCMI), provide training, workforce development, and guidance to help B.C. businesses enter defence supply chains.
As part of today’s announcement, the Honourable Stephanie McLean, Minister of State for Seniors and Member of Parliament for Esquimalt—Saanich—Sooke, visited Barnacle Systems in Victoria to learn how ABCMI is connecting B.C.’s industrial marine businesses to defence contracts through technology development, growing exports, Indigenous business participation, workforce training, and supply-chain growth.
Together, these investments strengthen Canada’s defence capacity while directly supporting B.C. businesses, creating jobs, expanding market access, and building long-term economic opportunities across the province. More details about all the projects can be found in the backgrounder.
New defence-related funding now available
As companies enter and grow in the defence and dual-use sectors, PacifiCan is also investing to help them succeed. PacifiCan is now accepting applications for the Regional Defence Investment Initiative in B.C. from small and medium-sized businesses developing technologies with defence applications in sectors such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and cyber security.
Applications are being accepted until April 15, 2026. To learn more, visit PacifiCan’s website.
Quotes
"British Columbia has the talent, innovation, and expertise to help protect Canada. By investing in research infrastructure and helping businesses scale up, we're ensuring B.C. companies can seize defence opportunities while building prosperity across the province and Canada."
-The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for PacifiCan
“These investments are giving local B.C. companies the momentum to scale up, break into defence supply chains, and create good jobs close to home while delivering the equipment the CAF needs. They are investments that strengthen Canadian safety, security, and sovereignty while also growing our economy at the same time.”
-The Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Delta
“Canada’s security depends on innovation, with our defence industry being more than three times as research and development‑intensive as the Canadian manufacturing sector overall. Today’s investments position B.C. businesses and researchers to deliver cutting‑edge solutions that protect our country while creating economic opportunities at home.”
-The Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State for Defence Procurement and Member of Parliament for Kelowna
“Greater Victoria's defence industry -- from our marine sector to technology innovators -- is a vital part of Canada's security. These investments help local businesses access opportunities that will serve our country for generations.”
-The Honourable Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State for Seniors and Member of Parliament for Esquimalt—Saanich—Sooke
“UBC is grateful for PacifiCan’s support for research that strengthens Canada’s sovereignty and drives economic growth. These investments will enhance research infrastructure and accelerate the development of breakthrough technologies in critical areas including life sciences, artificial intelligence, quantum, as well as marine and aerospace technologies — helping UBC develop top talent and move discoveries from our labs into real-world impact.”
-Dr. Benoit-Antoine Bacon, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of British Columbia
“Canada is investing in building the capabilities and capacities to uphold and assert our country’s sovereignty and lessen our dependence on others for our defence. These investments are building on the rapidly growing and capable marine and defence industry in the province through driving innovation and creating great jobs for B.C. workers while strengthening local supply chains and increasing exports."
-Alex Rueben, Executive Director, Association of British Columbia Marine Industries (ABCMI)
Quick facts
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The Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) is a national, three-year $379.2 million initiative delivered through Canada’s Regional Development Agencies.
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PacifiCan is delivering $67.5 million through RDII in British Columbia over three years, beginning in 2025 to 2028.
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RDII strengthens defence and dual-use industries by building industrial capacity, research infrastructure, and supply chain readiness. Dual-use industries have both military and civilian uses.
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Investments will help British Columbian businesses build capacity, strengthen supply chains, and advance technologies that support Canada’s sovereignty, security, and economic resilience.
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RDII is part of Canada’s first Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS), which is investing an initial $6.6 billion to spark the Canadian industrial base and supply chains, beginning with $2.1 billion this year.
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The DIS will create 125,000 high-paying careers, increase our defence exports by 50%, raise the share of defence acquisitions awarded to Canadian firms to 70%, and grow Canadian defence industry revenues by 240%.
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Contacts
Renée LeBlanc Proctor
Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister responsible for PacifiCan
renee.proctor@infc.gc.ca
Lynsey Brothers
Communications Manager
PacifiCan
lynsey.brothers@pacifican.gc.ca
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