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Cabinet officials

British Columbia to Release Defence Framework, Boosting Province's Military Industry

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

British Columbia is set to release its own defence framework in October, outlining its strategy to boost the province's military industry and align with the federal government's plan to spend 5 per cent of Canada's GDP on defence by 2035. Jobs and Economic Growth Minister Ravi Kahlon stated that the province is already engaging with various stakeholders, including industry groups and First Nations, to discuss what the strategy will include.

Key Takeaways:

  • British Columbia will release its own defence framework in October, outlining its strategy to boost the province's military industry and align with the federal government's plan to spend 5 per cent of Canada's GDP on defence by 2035.
  • The province is already engaging with various stakeholders, including industry groups and First Nations, to discuss what the strategy will include.
  • Ravi Kahlon, Jobs and Economic Growth Minister, highlighted companies such as Conair Group Inc., Seaspan, and Photonic as examples of B.C.'s leading capabilities in areas like aerial firefighting, shipbuilding, and quantum technologies.
  • The province aims to contribute to the growth of Canada's defence sector through its work in critical minerals, aerospace, life sciences, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies.
  • Minister Kahlon plans to travel to Asia to continue B.C.'s mission to strengthen its trade relationships beyond the United States, with the goal of finding new opportunities in new markets for B.C.'s products.

Statistics:

  • In 2022, Western and Northern Canada accounted for 20 per cent of Canadian defence industry employment.
  • Naval shipbuilding, design, maintenance, repair, and overhaul ranked among the top defence activities in the region.
  • 75 per cent of B.C.'s wood products, 61 per cent of its fish products, and 81 per cent of its agricultural products are exported to the United States, with greater than half of B.C.'s total exports going to the U.S. in 2024.
  • Exports to South Korea and Japan decreased in B.C.'s most recent data for the year-to-date, while exports to the U.S. rose.

Sources:

  • The Globe and Mail
  • PMO (Prime Minister's Office)
  • Government of British Columbia
  • Statistics Canada
  • Western and Northern Canada Defence Industry Association

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