June 28, 2026 to July 04, 2026

This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning Canada's national defence, cybersecurity, weapons systems, military commitments, and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to track GR news in industries related to Defence? Don't miss this week's updates in ICT & Cybersecurity and Foreign Affairs. Also consider subscribing to our Defense - Washington edition covering critical GR news south of the border.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Federal Government News
• 🗺️ Provincial Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Government of Canada Awards $74.7 Million Contract for New RCMP Coastal Patrol Vessels in British Columbia

On July 2, the Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement, announced a $74.7 million contract awarded to Ocean Pacific Marine Supply Ltd. and Camarc Design Ltd. for the construction of three new coastal patrol vessels for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. These vessels will be constructed at Ocean Pacific Marine’s shipyard in Campbell River, British Columbia, with 70% of the funding sourced from British Columbia under the Provincial Police Service Agreement. The new 24-25 metre jet-propelled aluminum vessels, scheduled for delivery beginning in 2028, will expand RCMP West Coast Marine Services’ operational capacity along 26,000 kilometres of Pacific coastline. The contract forms part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy, which has contributed $49.7 billion to Canada's GDP since 2012, and aligns with the Buy Canadian Policy to strengthen domestic shipbuilding and industry.

Sources: www.canada.ca

$688 Million Investment Announced to Build RADARSAT Constellation Mission Replenishment Satellite

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry, revealed on June 30 a $688 million contract to MDA Space Ltd. for developing a replenishment satellite for the RADARSAT Constellation Mission. Canadian firms will participate in design, manufacturing, and integration, expanding the sector’s supply chain. The satellite will use MDA CHORUS synthetic aperture radar technology, building on legacy RADARSAT program infrastructure. Its data will support Arctic monitoring, natural disaster response, maritime safety, and intelligence, advancing Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy and NATO spending goals. During the project life, approximately 100 high-paying jobs are anticipated to be created and maintained. The investment ensures continued access to critical satellite data for evolving national security needs.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian Armed Forces Launch Operation NANOOK-TAKUNIQ to Strengthen Arctic Awareness

The Canadian Armed Forces commenced Operation NANOOK-TAKUNIQ on June 29, with activities continuing throughout summer, fall, and winter across the North and Arctic, in locations such as Banks Island, Akpotak Island, Hudson Bay, and Labrador. Led by Canadian Rangers with support from the Army and Joint Task Force (North), the operation involves land-based patrols and reconnaissance to improve Arctic surveillance. The initiative coordinates with NATO activities, including ARCTIC SENTRY, and contributes to layered continental defence. The operation supports Canada’s sovereignty interests by enhancing situational awareness and security across its northern approaches.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Communications Security Establishment Canada Publishes 2025-2026 Annual Report

On June 29, Communications Security Establishment Canada (CSE) released its annual report, covering operations from April 2025 to March 2026. CSE produced 3,976 foreign intelligence reports, and the Cyber Centre responded to over 3,200 cyber incidents affecting federal and critical infrastructure. Additionally, 25 alerts and 995 advisories were issued, with 97,000 National Cyber Threat Notification System alerts sent to 1,363 organizations. CSE actions targeted 10 major ransomware groups and conducted 1,772 supply chain risk assessments. Over the reporting period, 13 Ministerial Authorizations were received, and new investments advanced secure digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, post-quantum cryptography, and secure international collaboration. CSE’s workforce reached 4,178 employees, marking an 8.1% increase.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Joly and German Official Sign Joint Declaration to Strengthen Semiconductor Supply Chains

On June 30 in Montréal, Canada and Germany established a framework for joint policy dialogue and cooperation in the semiconductor sector, building upon a prior declaration in February 2026 concerning auto, battery manufacturing, and critical minerals collaboration. Parliamentary Secretary Carlos Leitão and Stefan Rouenhoff, Parliamentary State Secretary at Germany’s Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, signed the latest declaration during the IEA Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency. The agreement enables enhanced bilateral activity in investment, industrial development, technology, and research, involving start-ups, scale-ups, and SMEs. The partnership aligns with Canada’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and aims to reinforce supply chains underpinning critical technologies.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister of National Defence Delivers Canada Day Statement Recognizing Service

On July 1, Minister of National Defence David J. McGuinty delivered a Canada Day message reflecting on the contributions of military personnel and the Canadian Coast Guard in safeguarding sovereignty and supporting national resilience. The statement expressed gratitude to those in uniform for their service during hardship, crisis, and international missions. The minister encouraged Canadians to reflect on achievements and the values that underpin military service.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister McGuinty to Present at No.2 Construction Battalion Honour Parade on July 4

Minister David J. McGuinty will provide remarks at the No.2 Construction Battalion Recognition Ceremony in Pictou, Nova Scotia, on July 4. The ceremony and honour parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. ADT at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. Media representatives are invited to attend the event, with virtual viewing options available.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Defence Minister Announces Members of External Ministerial Advisory Committee on Anti-Black Racism

On July 4, Minister McGuinty announced the nine members of the new External Ministerial Advisory Committee on Anti-Black Racism during the No. 2 Construction Battalion Remembrance Ceremony in Pictou, Nova Scotia. The committee was formed following recommendations from the National Apology Advisory Committee and will provide independent strategic guidance to senior defence leadership. The committee’s initial meeting was held on July 3. Members include Juanita DeSouza-Huletey, Raymond Edwards, Sean Foyn, Louis Edgar Jean-François, Kevin Junor, Doreen L. Gibson, Roselyne Mavungu, Rosemary Sadlier, and Craig Smith. The event marked the 110th anniversary of No. 2 Construction Battalion.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Announces Diplomatic Appointments to Latvia, Zambia, Hungary, Türkiye

On July 3, Global Affairs Canada released biographical notes for several diplomatic appointees. Timothy Edwards, formerly director of the Weapons Threat Reduction Program, Corry van Gaal, currently chargé d’affaires at the High Commission in Zambia, Judith Gelbman, previously director of European Bilateral Relations and Commercial Advocacy, and Marcel Lebleu, most recently ambassador to Senegal, were named to various international postings. The new appointees held roles in trade, human rights, and foreign policy, having served in overseas missions and at Headquarters.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Releases Federal Science and Technology Expenditures and Personnel Data for 2024/2025–2026/2027

Statistics Canada released new data covering federal science expenditures and personnel, including actual results for 2024/2025, preliminary figures for 2025/2026, and intentions for 2026/2027. The survey tracks activities in the social sciences and natural sciences, providing industry and government stakeholders with updated statistics on federal investments and workforce composition.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

StatsCan Publishes New Machinery and Equipment Price Index for April 2026

Statistics Canada has published the Machinery and Equipment Price Index for April 2026 (base year 2016=100). The release supplies updated pricing data, a reference for industry participants to assess recent trends in procurement and capital investment.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario Announces $4 Million Investment to Accelerate Critical Minerals Supply Chain Innovation

On June 30, Ontario invested more than $4 million through the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund to develop homegrown technologies for mineral extraction, battery manufacturing, and processing. Applications for project support up to $500,000 are open until August 25, 2026.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Alberta MLAs to Advance Trade, Energy and Defence Priorities with U.S. West

From July 6 to 11, Alberta MLAs will attend the Council of State Governments West meeting in Utah, engaging with U.S. lawmakers and industry to discuss defence sector growth, trade corridors, and critical infrastructure.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Ontario and Utah Sign Agreement to Enhance Trade in Critical Minerals and Defence Manufacturing

On June 29, Premier Doug Ford and Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox signed a Memorandum of Understanding to deepen trade in critical minerals, advanced manufacturing, nuclear technology, and defence. The agreement leverages Ontario’s expertise in energy and supply chain development.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• OPINION: National defence and cybersecurity: Analysis of cybersecurity trends impacting Canada's defence sector.
• Starmer Says Defense Plan Allows Burnham to Counter UK Threats: UK policy developments in national defence.
• UK boosts military spending by $20 billion but critics say it’s not enough: Examination of UK defence budget increase.
• Mark McQueen: The Liberals are finally getting things right on national defence under Carney: Commentary on Canadian defence policy direction.
• Britain to announce investment in future tech-centred defence without hitting GDP targets: UK investment plans in military technology.
• Windsor-Essex has key role in rebuilding military sector, defence minister says: Regional insights on defence sector opportunities.

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