September 20, 2026 to September 26, 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

• 🏛️ This Week's Parliamentary Calendar
• 🇨🇦 Federal Government News
• 🗺️ Provincial Government News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• Senate Committee to Review Defence Investment Provisions in Bill C-31: The Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs will meet September 28 to elect a Deputy Chair and study the defence investment-related portions of Bill C-31. Testimony will feature representatives from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, industry associations, technology firms, and defence sector experts.

Federal Government News

Canada Begins Negotiations with Saab for GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning & Control Capability

On September 25, the Government of Canada, through the Defence Investment Agency, announced a non-binding term sheet with Saab for the potential acquisition of the GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEWC) platform. Canada intends to procure six GlobalEye aircraft, which will deliver enhanced airborne surveillance, command, and control for the Royal Canadian Air Force, including the capacity to detect and prioritize a range of threats across the Arctic and beyond. The term sheet serves as the foundation for forthcoming detailed negotiations, covering Canadian-specific requirements and industrial participation. The proposed project is intended to support NORAD modernization, strengthen Canada's industrial base, and align with priorities under the Defence Industrial Strategy, including future missionization activities leveraging the Canadian-manufactured Bombardier Global 6500 platform. The framework also addresses schedules and technology integration and aims to position Canada as a hub for GlobalEye support and future export opportunities. The arrangement adopts a "Build-Partner-Buy" approach centred on off-the-shelf procurements from allied nations.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada and Germany Sign General Security of Information Agreement Enabling Closer Defence Collaboration

Ministers Joël Lightbound and Anita Anand announced the signature of a General Security of Information Agreement (GSOIA) between Canada and Germany during the German Foreign Minister's visit in Gatineau. The agreement lays the foundation for secure bilateral exchange of classified operational and technical data, creating eligibility for Canadian industry to compete for German defence contracts involving sensitive information. The Canadian Patrol Submarine Project is among the initiatives enabled by this framework. With Germany being Canada’s top EU trading partner and a key NATO ally, the GSOIA seeks to expand economic engagement in defence, aerospace, marine, and space sectors and aligns with Canada’s European Engagement Strategy.

Sources: www.canada.ca

International Counter-Drone Technologies Put to the Test at CUAS Sandbox 2026

The Department of National Defence is hosting the Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems (CUAS) Sandbox 2026 at Canadian Forces Base Suffield, Alberta. The Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security program has selected 22 innovators from six countries to demonstrate and field test emerging counter-drone solutions on October 6, 2026. Participating technologies will be evaluated in operational scenarios, with a focus on capability development for the Canadian Defence Team. Media are invited to observe the demonstrations, which provide insight on future requirements and procurement priorities for CUAS in Canada’s defence architecture.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Champagne to Announce Strategic Defence Investment in Shawinigan, Québec

The Department of Finance has scheduled an event for September 28 in Shawinigan, Québec, where Minister François-Philippe Champagne is expected to detail a defence-related investment affecting the Mauricie region. The initiative aims to enhance the regional economy and contribute to local job creation while supporting national defence procurement priorities. The announcement will be followed by facility tours for media attendees.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada-Germany Ministerial Meeting Spotlights Strategic Partnership Expansion

Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand met in Ottawa with Germany’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Johann Wadephul, highlighting 75 years of diplomatic relations. The meeting addressed increased collaboration in transatlantic defence, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, economic security, and digital supply chains. Both countries reaffirmed support for Ukraine and exchanged views on strengthening NATO collective defence, with special mention of the recently signed General Security of Information Agreement to facilitate secure intelligence sharing and deeper defence-industrial ties.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian Coast Guard Advances Arctic Security with Exercise ARCTIC GHOST

The CCGS Des Groseilliers, alongside HMCS Robert Hampton Gray, the Canadian Armed Forces, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, successfully completed Exercise ARCTIC GHOST near Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. Conducted from September 15 to 19, the operation featured joint patrols, security drills, and the interception of simulated security threats in Arctic waters. The exercise supports Canadian security authorities under the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act and demonstrates joint operational readiness for Arctic sovereignty and response.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CBSA-Led Investigation Yields Major Firearm Seizure in Essex County, Ontario

On September 24, the Canada Border Services Agency’s Ontario Firearms Smuggling Enforcement Team (OFSET), in cooperation with RCMP and OPP, disclosed charges against an Essex County resident stemming from a 2025 firearms investigation. The operation resulted in the July seizure of 53 firearms—including two sub-machine guns and six unregistered handguns—as well as 116 cartridge magazines, several of which were over capacity, and an auto-sear device. Charges include offences under the Customs Act, Export and Import Permits Act, and multiple sections of the Criminal Code. Court proceedings are set for November 16 in Windsor.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Participates in G7 Foreign Ministers’ Statement on Red Sea and Security of Navigation

G7 foreign ministers, including Canada and the European Union High Representative, released a statement on September 22 expressing concern over Houthi attacks disrupting navigation rights and maritime security in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait. The statement condemned ongoing hostilities impacting regional trade and supply chains, called for a halt to hostilities, and reaffirmed support for UN-led efforts toward a Yemeni political settlement. The ministers underscored the importance of safeguarding global shipping routes critical for energy, fertilizer, and food supplies.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister McGuinty Hosts Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Bilateral in Ottawa

Minister of National Defence David J. McGuinty will receive Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, General Phan Văn Giang, on September 25 at the Major-General George R. Pearkes Building, Ottawa. The event includes an official honour guard and is open to accredited media. This engagement signals ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral defence relationships in the Asia-Pacific region.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Army Run 2026 Engages Thousands in Military Community Outreach

From September 20–22, the 19th edition of the Canada Army Run transformed Ottawa into a gathering point for over 17,000 participants, with races culminating on September 22. Supported by BMO and featuring multiple race categories, the event promoted engagement between the military, veterans, and civilians. It also served as a fundraising platform for Support Our Troops and Soldier On, facilitating connections between the Army and the public while showcasing contemporary Army roles.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Battle of Britain Anniversary Statement Reflects on RCAF Heritage

On September 20, Ministers David McGuinty and Jill McKnight released a joint statement recognizing the 86th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. The commemoration acknowledged the contributions of more than 100 Canadian pilots and 300 ground crew in the 1940 campaign, which remains foundational to the Royal Canadian Air Force's operational legacy.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

British Columbia Launches New Defence and Dual-Use Technology Testbed

The Government of British Columbia introduced a defence and dual-use technology testbed under its Integrated Marketplace program, providing $30 million for B.C. firms to validate emerging technologies supporting defence-sector and allied requirements.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Canada and Manitoba Fund Workforce Training in Aerospace and AI

Canada and Manitoba have allocated $500,000 to the AeroTrace Workforce Pilot program, aimed at upskilling aerospace and manufacturing sector workers in digital traceability and artificial intelligence.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Alberta Promotes Defence and Aerospace Partnerships Through North American Trade Mission

Alberta’s Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration will travel to Mexico and Texas beginning September 27 to strengthen ties with defence and aerospace stakeholders and showcase Alberta’s industrial capabilities.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Ontario Invests in AI and Technology Workforce Development

Ontario committed $30 million to the Vector Institute as part of a broader $107 million Critical Technologies Initiative, supporting provincial advancement in artificial intelligence and technology workforce growth.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation: High Security Facilities, Volume I – Nuclear Response Force (REGDOC-2.12.1)

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission invites comment until September 30 on REGDOC-2.12.1, specifying requirements for the training, testing, and equipping of onsite nuclear response forces at high-security sites.

Sources: www.cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca

Consultation: Site Access Security Clearance for Protected Areas (REGDOC-2.12.2)

CNSC seeks feedback through September 30 on guidance for the process of granting security clearances for unescorted access to protected nuclear facility areas under REGDOC-2.12.2.

Sources: www.cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Bombardier CEO says defence business a significant opportunity: Bombardier's leadership comments on prospects for expanding its defence portfolio.
• Ontario Shipyards wants to build the next generation of military corvettes, but it faces rough seas ahead: Profile of Ontario Shipyards’ ambitions in military vessel construction and associated challenges.
• Spend to defend: Decoding Canada’s military spending: Article examines the trends and details of Canadian government investments in defence.
• Canada and Norway strengthen defence cooperation through government-to-government procurement model: Analysis of recent procurement cooperation between Canada and Norway in defence capabilities.

.