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.

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Dates: 2026-02-08 to 2026-02-14

📋 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 Bill C-12 Security Provisions: The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology will hold an in camera session on February 17, 2026, at noon, reviewing subject matter concerning Parts 5–8 of Bill C-12 and considering a draft report.

Federal Government News

Senate Committee Reviews Bill C-12, Examines National Security, Border and Defence Operations

Over three consecutive meetings, the Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs advanced its study of Bill C-12, which proposes changes to the Customs Act and Oceans Act to reinforce border security, address organized crime, and enhance cooperation among the CBSA, RCMP, Coast Guard, and Navy. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree and Immigration Minister Lena Diab spoke to operational impacts, privacy concerns, and new provisions targeting precursor chemical imports. In committee discussions, the Privacy Commissioner’s office stated that new safeguards for information sharing would comply with privacy laws. The Canadian Bankers Association offered amendments on penalty deferral and fictitious accounts. The National Police Federation described expected improvements in RCMP response to drug trafficking, noting disappointment at the removal of digital access provisions. First Nations representatives raised concerns about policing, the handling of Indigenous mobility rights, and economic impacts, while an academic expert called for more Coast Guard engagement in Arctic defence. The review also included analysis of RCMP recruitment, procurement, and Indigenous policing services.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca, senparlvu.parl.gc.ca, senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Federal Government Funds Vimy Forge Defence Accelerator to Support Canadian SMEs

On February 9 in Fredericton, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency announced $997,000 in initial funding for Vimy Forge Corp. to launch a new defence-sector accelerator. The first cohort includes ten companies drawn from New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia, focusing on a mix of aerospace, maritime technology, cybersecurity, and dual-use systems. The program aims to support Canadian SMEs in scaling, commercializing advanced technologies, and enhancing export competitiveness. Federal officials linked the accelerator to broader defence innovation and supply chain resilience efforts in Atlantic Canada.

Sources: www.canada.ca, www.theglobeandmail.com

Canada and India Agree New Security and Cyber Cooperation Measures

Between February 6 and 7 in Ottawa, Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, Deputy Clerk and National Security and Intelligence Advisor Nathalie Drouin, and India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval committed to implement a bilateral workplan on national security and law enforcement issues. The workplan establishes liaison officers dedicated to security and law enforcement cooperation, information sharing around organized crime, particularly fentanyl precursors, and formalizes regular exchanges in cybersecurity, fraud, and immigration enforcement.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Ottawa-Gatineau Launch Task Force for Defence Innovation Hub

A joint task force has been announced to create a defence innovation hub for the Ottawa-Gatineau region, as part of a bid for a proposed defence-focused bank. The initiative brings together municipal, business, and academic stakeholders to position the region as a centre for military technology development and dual-use solutions. The hub will focus on fostering partnerships between government, industry, and postsecondary institutions to advance defence innovation, modernize procurement, and support SME growth in the Canadian defence sector.

Sources: vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca, www.ctvnews.ca, www.ctvnews.ca

Federal Trilateral Meeting Advances Arctic Defence and Consular Presence

Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand met with Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt and Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen on February 8 in Nuuk. The meeting confirmed plans for a new Canadian consulate in Greenland, with Denmark/Greenland to open an office in Canada. Topics included economic opportunities, defence cooperation among the three countries, and responses to priorities in the Arctic, particularly during Denmark’s Arctic Council chairship.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Strategic Partners to Be Selected Under New National Defence Industry Policy

According to reports, the federal government plans to appoint private-sector partners as part of an updated national strategy for the defence industry. The policy aims to define roles for major primes, integrators, and suppliers in Canada’s military supply chain to improve procurement outcomes and build sectoral resilience. Industry consultations and stakeholder engagement are expected as the implementation process develops.

Sources: www.thestar.com

Canada’s Defence Sector Spurs Technology and Investment

Media coverage this week described a rapid increase in defence technology company formation as the federal government expands procurement and modernization programs. Canada’s focus on military rebuilds is driving capital investment into unmanned systems, cybersecurity, aerospace platforms, and digital command systems, with sector analysts citing a competitive funding environment for emerging technology firms.

Sources: financialpost.com

Innovation in Marine Technology Poised to Modernize National Defence

Industry observers note that increased innovation in subsea and marine-related technologies is opening new opportunities for Canada to reinforce its naval presence. Contract competition, international collaboration, and technology partnerships were described as factors accelerating Canadian defence modernization in the marine domain.

Sources: www.theglobeandmail.com

$9.8 Billion in North American Autonomy Spending Targets Defence Supply Chain

Reports estimate $9.8 billion flowing toward autonomy and AI-driven solutions in the defence supply chain, impacting manufacturing, logistics, and command & control systems. Market data indicates strong demand for AI-enabled sensing, targeting, and unmanned platform integration.

Sources: www.thestar.com

StatsCan Releases Weekly Aircraft Movement and Non-Profit R&D Data

Statistics Canada issued its latest weekly data on aircraft movements for January 24–30, 2026, covering commercial and general aviation operations. Concurrently, updated figures on research and development by private non-profit organizations for 2024–2026 were released, which could serve as references for tracking innovation and workforce trends across the aerospace and defence technology domains.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca, www.statcan.gc.ca

Quebec Company Positions Surveillance Technology for NATO Markets

A Quebec-based firm announced advances in camera and sensor technology with intended applications for NATO defence requirements. The company is preparing to market its products internationally, citing cross-alliance demand for enhanced surveillance and detection.

Sources: financialpost.com

Provincial Government News

British Columbia Champions Vancouver as Headquarters for Global Defence Bank

The B.C. government endorsed Vancouver’s candidacy to host the new Defence, Security and Resilience Bank, highlighting local AI, marine, and defence-sector strengths and forecasting significant job creation if the bid succeeds.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Manitoba Invests $1.49M in Upgrading Deloraine-Winchester Airport

Manitoba announced $1.49 million in infrastructure upgrades to the Deloraine-Winchester Airport, supporting increased emergency air ambulance access and CBSA aerial patrol operations.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Nova Scotia, NSCC Launch Institute for Skilled Trades

Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia Community College launched the Institute of Skilled Trades with a five-year investment, aiming to increase defence and manufacturing training capacity and industry alignment.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation: REGDOC-2.13.2, Import and Export

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission opened feedback on revised guidance governing the import and export of nuclear and dual-use items, with the consultation closing February 27, 2026.

Sources: www.cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca

Consultation: REGDOC-2.13.1, Safeguards and Nuclear Material Accountancy

The CNSC is soliciting comments on updated requirements for nuclear safeguards and material accounting, related to possession, mining, and research activities, with consultation running through April 27, 2026.

Sources: www.cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Exclusive: Inside Hanwha’s pitch for Canada’s lucrative defence deal: Analysis of foreign bids for major Canadian submarine procurement.
• Fredericton-based defence accelerator set to launch with $1-million in federal funding: Overview of the new Vimy Forge accelerator program.
• Canada's race to rebuild military triggers a defence-tech gold rush: Industry piece on surging investment and innovation in Canadian defence technology.
• $9.8 Billion in Autonomy Spending Hits the AI-Boosted Defense Supply Chain: Snapshot of autonomy and AI investment trends affecting the North American defence supply chain.
• Ottawa-Gatineau launch task force to create defence innovation hub, bid for proposed bank: Story on interregional measures to advance Canadian defence innovation hubs.

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