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: 2026-03-01 to 2026-03-07

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• Industry and Technology Committee: Opportunities, Risks, and Regulation of AI in Canada’s Strategic Industries: Scheduled for March 9, 2026, (3:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.), witnesses include David Duvenaud, Dugan O'Neil, Wyatt Tessari L'Allié, James Elder, Teresa Scassa, Julien Billot. The Committee will also consider a draft report on Defence Industrial Strategy in camera.
• Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Committee: Supporting, Diversifying, and Modernizing Quebec and Canada’s Ports: Meeting on March 9, 2026, (11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.), witnesses include representatives from Montreal Port Authority, Saguenay Port Authority, Trois-Rivières Port Authority, Vigie Citoyenne Port de Contrecoeur, and Windsor Port Authority.

Federal Government News

Defence Investment Agency launches industry engagement for Canadian Patrol Submarine fleet sustainment

On March 6, 2026, the Defence Investment Agency (DIA) announced a Request for Information (RFI) for Canadian industry participation in sustaining the future submarine fleet. Canada is pursuing a sovereign solution for its long-range, under-ice capable submarine fleet, with two qualified suppliers—Thyssen Krupp Marine Systems and Hanwha Ocean Co., Ltd.—already selected. Proposals for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP) were received and are under review, with a supplier decision expected by summer 2026. Industry feedback through the RFI will influence the national supply chain model for in-country sustainment near homeports. The program is expected to contribute significantly to domestic defence and marine manufacturing, aligning with the Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) and supporting job creation and innovation. DIA’s earlier engagement aims to build resilient supply chains and accelerate delivery of submarine capability to the Royal Canadian Navy.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada to announce new investments under Defence Industrial Strategy

A March 6, 2026 advisory from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, alongside the National Research Council Canada, confirmed that Ministers Mélanie Joly, David J. McGuinty, and Stephen Fuhr will announce new investments to strengthen defence industrial capacity on March 9 in Ottawa. Details of the investment, set to be unveiled next week, are expected to target sectors within the Defence Industrial Strategy—potentially impacting cyber security, border security, and advanced manufacturing. The event is open to accredited media and will require government-issued identification for attendance.

Sources: www.canada.ca, www.canada.ca

Minister McGuinty and Australian Defence Minister commit to structured industrial collaboration

Minister David J. McGuinty met with Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles during a March 5 visit to Canberra, focusing on expanding bilateral defence relations and operational cooperation. Both officials agreed to initiate a Defence Ministerial Dialogue for regular meetings, aimed at advancing science, technology, and operational collaboration—including removing barriers to defence equipment and personnel movement. Joint initiatives will be explored to facilitate defence trade and integration, as well as joint innovation projects. A notable point of discussion was ongoing collaboration in Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar technology (A-OTHR), with commitment to further development and IP advances benefitting both Canadian and Australian defence sectors.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Landing Zones Canada receives repayable federal investment for AI-driven Remotely Piloted Aircraft System

Prairies Economic Development Canada allocated $1,161,500 under the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) to Landing Zones Canada in Medicine Hat. The investment supports enhancement and commercialization of AI technologies embedded in the GITPO Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS). Designed for high-altitude atmospheric data sampling, GITPO leverages AI for autonomous return-to-base functionality, reducing waste typical in single-use weather balloons. The federal support aims to refine drone solutions applicable to weather data and defence operations. Alberta’s innovation push in AI, drone, and machine learning technology aligns with wider federal objectives for dual-use applications and supply chain modernization.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Joly to showcase federal support for the defence industry at Manitoba event

On March 3, 2026, Minister Mélanie Joly is scheduled to speak in Winnipeg, detailing Government of Canada support initiatives for the defence sector at a Manitoba Chambers of Commerce event. While specifics of the support were not announced, the event provides a forum for industry interaction and is open to registered media.

Sources: www.canada.ca

HMCS Yellowknife concludes Operation CARIBBE deployment

His Majesty's Canadian Ship Yellowknife completed its patrol in the Caribbean Sea as part of Operation CARIBBE, ending its mission in early March 2026. The vessel partnered with the US Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) to conduct maritime monitoring in key trafficking zones. The deployment supported multinational efforts to track suspicious activity and uphold maritime law in regional waters, contributing to Canada’s multinational counter-narcotics strategy.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Anand to deliver keynote at Ottawa Conference on Defence and Security

Minister Anita Anand is set to give the opening keynote for the 94th Ottawa Conference on Defence and Security, themed 'The road to five per cent,' on March 4, 2026. The event will assemble stakeholders from various defence domains for discussion on future priorities and capability development.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal support boosts advanced manufacturing and aerospace supply chains in British Columbia

PacifiCan, under Minister Gregor Robertson, announced more than $13 million in investments across BC’s Southern Interior, supporting ten projects in sectors including forestry, manufacturing, metalworking, electric vehicle production, and aerospace. SKYTRAC, a Kelowna-based avionics supplier, is among the recipients, expected to advance domestic aerospace capabilities. The funding is directed at strengthening supply chain resilience and expanding production facilities within Canada.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Weekly aircraft movements dataset released for February 14–20, 2026

On March 4, 2026, Statistics Canada published national-level data on aircraft itinerant movements for the week of February 14–20. The dataset delivers granular operational visibility to airlines, operators, and military aviation planners.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario expands its Critical Minerals List

Ontario’s government added high-purity iron and aluminum to its Critical Minerals List on March 3, 2026, aiming to bolster supply chains for key manufacturing sectors, including defence, aerospace, and automotive.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Alberta develops new incentive program for critical minerals sector

Alberta announced plans for a new incentive program, targeted for launch in 2027, that will support investment in mineral processing and exploration, with a focus on lithium and other critical minerals.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

British Columbia increases WorkBC eligibility for military families

BC expanded WorkBC services to allow military spouses and adult children moving to the province with a Canadian Armed Forces member to access employment supports before establishing residency.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• From the Tarmac to the Stars: Defense Budgets Fueling the Next Aerospace Boom: Canadian news outlet spotlights the surge in aerospace spending amid rising defence budgets.
• Business Brief: Canadian defence takes off: Brief coverage of the uptick in Canadian defence sector activity.
• Opinion: Canada’s submarine conundrum: Buying a few boats is harder than it looks: Commentary examines challenges in Canada’s submarine procurement program.
• Stantec selected to deliver multidisciplinary engineering and design services for Canada’s Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar project: Stantec will provide engineering services for Canada’s A-OTHR initiative.
• Anand’s outline of new defence strategy surrounds NATO commitments: Media reports detail Minister Anand's approach to aligning Canadian defence strategies with NATO targets.
• New details revealed about Canada's defence strategy: Additional context provided on federal defence strategy developments.
• Carney signs defence, trade agreement with Japan in final stop of 10-day trip: Agreement marks deepening Canadian defence and trade links with Japan.
• Ukraine’s drone interceptors draw U.S. and Gulf interest, but wartime ban blocks sales: Export controls restrict supply of Ukrainian drone defence systems to US and Gulf buyers.

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