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: 2026-02-15 to 2026-02-21

📋 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

• National Defence Committee: Nexus Between National Defence, National Security and Canada’s Critical Minerals Sector: On February 23, 2026, witnesses from the Business Council of Canada, Mining Association of Canada, NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines, and Vale Base Metals will appear before the National Defence Committee for a study on the critical minerals sector’s defence relevance, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., webcast available.
• Public Safety and National Security Committee: Bill C-8, Cyber Security Act Clause-by-Clause: On February 24, 2026, the Public Safety Committee will conduct clause-by-clause consideration of Bill C-8 concerning cyber security, with officials from Communications Security Establishment, Industry, and Public Safety attending. Session is from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., webcast available.
• National Defence Committee: Appointment of Defence Investment Agency CEO: On February 25, 2026, Doug Guzman, Chief Executive Officer, Defence Investment Agency, will appear before the committee to discuss his appointment, 4:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m., webcast available.
• Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Committee: Modernizing Ports, Rail, and VIA Rail Safety: On February 23, 2026, the committee will examine strategies for modernizing ports and improving rail safety, with witnesses from major Port Authorities and Minister of Transport Steven MacKinnon. The session runs 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., webcast available.
• Industry and Technology Committee: Canada’s Productivity Gaps and Defence Industrial Strategy: On February 23, 2026, the Industry and Technology Committee will consider reports on productivity gaps and the Defence Industrial Strategy from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Room 425, Wellington Building.
• Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs: Bill C-12, border and immigration security: On February 23, 2026, the Senate National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs Committee conducts clause-by-clause review of Bill C-12 regarding security measures for borders and immigration, 3:00 p.m., Room C128, Senate of Canada Building.
• Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade: National Security Strategy of the United States: On February 26, 2026, witnesses from academic and research organizations, including Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada and Balsillie School of International Affairs, will discuss the US National Security Strategy, 10:30 a.m., Room C128, Senate of Canada Building.
• Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade: Situation in Ukraine: On February 25, 2026, the committee will hear testimony from Kristy Ironside and representatives from CGAI, CSIS, and ISW regarding the Ukraine situation, 4:15 p.m., Room C128, Senate of Canada Building.
• Senate Committee on Transport and Communications: Update on Canada’s critical transportation infrastructure: On February 24, 2026, Transport Canada and Public Safety Canada will address updates on Canada’s transportation infrastructure, 9:00 a.m., Room B45, Senate of Canada Building.
• Senate Committee on Human Rights: Impact of artificial intelligence on economic security: On February 23, 2026, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and independent experts will discuss artificial intelligence impacts on economic security and human rights, 4:00 p.m., Room B45, Senate of Canada Building.

Federal Government News

Carney strategy for defence industry pledges 125,000 jobs, sweeping policy changes

Mark Carney’s new strategy for the Canadian defence industry forecasts the creation of 125,000 jobs and broad policy changes intended to strengthen national resilience and support growth in sector-specific manufacturing. The plan brings forward a series of measures to encourage domestic manufacturing of equipment and technology, seeking to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and increase long-term procurement certainty. The associated policy changes are expected to drive investment in domestic production facilities, with potential indirect effects across related sectors, such as advanced manufacturing and research. The strategy’s focus on local job creation signals a shift in Canada’s industrial approach, with policymakers targeting high-skill opportunities and workforce development. Industry stakeholders will monitor changes in procurement timelines and regulatory guidance as plans are implemented. The new measures coincide with government statements about sovereignty and readiness.

Sources: www.thestar.com

Canada bets on 'Build at Home' defence strategy to reclaim sovereignty

The federal government has committed to a 'Build at Home' defence strategy aimed at strengthening national sovereignty and enhancing military readiness. The plan proposes increased investment in domestic shipbuilding, aeronautics, and advanced combat systems manufacturing. Sector priorities include supporting Canadian supply chains and workforce development. The shift toward domestic production is intended to address existing gaps in capability and reduce reliance on international procurement. This approach aligns with announced objectives to foster innovation and ensure competitive access to emerging defence technologies.

Sources: www.cbc.ca

New defence industrial strategy will jump-start investment, sector leaders and analysts say

Industry executives and analysts report that the launch of the federal defence industrial strategy is expected to stimulate investment activity in aerospace, shipbuilding, and military technology. The strategy is structured to attract new capital into manufacturing and research, with sector-specific targets for growth by 2035. Observers expect increased funding for collaborative innovation projects and modernization programs. The federal government's commitment to rapid rollout is seen as a catalyst for expanding integrated defence infrastructure and platform development.

Sources: www.theglobeandmail.com

A new defence industrial strategy to reduce US dependence

Canada's defence industrial policy shifts toward reducing reliance on US supply chains, with a focus on building sovereign capability in high-value platforms and components. The government’s new framework targets both procurement diversification and supply chain resiliency, including measures for risk mitigation and technology transfer. Industry participants anticipate changes in cross-border export controls, regulatory alignment, and joint manufacturing partnerships, positioning Canada for more autonomous defence production.

Sources: www.cbc.ca

'Talk is cheap': Diversifying defence procurement to meet new strategy demands

Sector analysts describe the challenge of diversifying defence procurement channels beyond US sources, as Canada implements its new industrial strategy. The transition from legacy supply arrangements to expanded international partnerships requires adjustments in procurement standards and contracting processes. Industry stakeholders cite the complexity of meeting regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions, particularly for advanced systems and integrated combat platforms.

Sources: nationalpost.com

DEFENCE INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY

Ongoing industry commentary surveys the roll-out of the Defence Industrial Strategy, noting developments in procurement modernization, sector investment opportunities, and changes to the competitive landscape. The federal approach is viewed as a multi-year transition, with structural reforms expected in export controls, manufacturing incentives, and support for sector innovation.

Sources: financialpost.com

Build it here or buy it there? Canada's defence plan meets Trump's new arms agenda

Canada’s new defence plan faces intersecting pressures with US arms policy under President Trump. The Canadian government’s drive to boost local manufacturing comes amid changing US export regulations and potential co-development opportunities. Sector stakeholders are considering the effects on cross-border contracts, joint procurement, and integrated logistics as US policy shifts toward domestic prioritization.

Sources: www.cbc.ca

Marco Mendicino: Carney’s defence industrial strategy signals a new era of Canadian sovereignty

Minister Marco Mendicino states that Carney’s defence industrial strategy marks a turning point for Canadian sovereignty, with enhanced focus on local shipbuilding and advanced weapons manufacturing. The strategy is presented as a driver for economic diversification and sustained national security readiness. Observers are tracking ministerial statements for policy signals on procurement timelines and sector incentives.

Sources: www.ctvnews.ca

Canadian Defence, Aerospace, Marine and Cybersecurity Industries Survey, 2024

Statistics Canada's Industry Survey for Defence, Aerospace, Marine and Cybersecurity is now available. Data tables provide updated metrics on employment, investment, R&D expenditure, and sector output. Requested tables offer granular insights for benchmarking production and supply chain trends across defence subsectors.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Weekly aircraft movements, January 31 to February 6, 2026

The latest StatsCan report covers aircraft itinerant movement figures for January 31 to February 6, 2026. The dataset supplies operational frequency and deployment information essential for planning in aerospace logistics and air defence operations.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Justin Ling: Carney’s defence plan could transform Canadian industry

Industry reporting suggests that Carney's defence plan has the capacity to reshape Canadian manufacturing and innovation networks, though sector participants note the complexity of implementation across multiple platforms. The strategy is positioned as a potential long-term change to the competitive environment for defence and related advanced technology industries.

Sources: www.thestar.com

Provincial Government News

Built in Alberta to protect Albertans

Alberta awarded a $400-million contract to De Havilland Canada for five locally built waterbombers, expanding the province’s wildfire response fleet and supporting growth in aerospace manufacturing jobs.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Province supports research to grow B.C.’s tech economy, train future innovators

British Columbia is investing $1.9 million in research infrastructure at the University of Victoria, including funds for quantum computing, aiming to advance technology sectors relevant to defence and cybersecurity.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Defence Industrial Strategy: Minister Schow

Alberta’s Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration, Joseph Schow, issued a statement welcoming Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy, outlining Alberta’s strengths and readiness to secure sector investment.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Budget 2026: Safeguarding Critical Services and Investing in B.C.'s Future

Budget 2026 in British Columbia extends the Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Industry Tax Credit through 2027, with new investments to boost skilled trades training and support the province’s maritime sector.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Government Consultations

REGDOC-2.13.2, Import and Export

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission is consulting on REGDOC-2.13.2, guidance for import and export of dual-use nuclear items, open until February 27, 2026.

Sources: www.cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca

REGDOC-2.13.1, Safeguards and Nuclear Material Accountancy

New consultation by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission invites feedback on requirements for nuclear material safeguards programs, running from February 15 to April 27, 2026.

Sources: www.cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• New defence industrial strategy will jump-start investment, sector leaders and analysts say: Sector analysts report on the investment boost from federal defence policy.
• Canada bets on 'Build at Home' defence strategy to reclaim sovereignty — and revive readiness: Coverage on the government's commitment to domestic defence production.
• Carney strategy for defence industry pledges 125,000 jobs, sweeping policy changes: Analysis of sector job creation targets under Carney’s plan.
• Build it here or buy it there? Canada's defence plan meets Trump's new arms agenda: Implications for US-Canada defence industry relations.
• Marco Mendicino: Carney’s defence industrial strategy signals a new era of Canadian sovereignty: Minister Mendicino weighs in on the strategy’s impact.
• DEFENCE INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY: Ongoing sector updates collected under the new policy tag.
• Justin Ling: Carney’s defence plan could transform Canadian industry — but it comes with a moral cost: Column discusses sector transformation under the plan.
• 'Talk is cheap': Defence analysts say diversifying defence procurement will be a 'monumental challenge': Survey of procurement diversification challenges.
• A new defence industrial strategy to reduce US dependence: Interview about policy changes aimed at decoupling from US supply chains.
• 5 things you should know about Canada’s new defence industrial strategy: Quick guide to core elements of the strategy.

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