Carney to announce Canada’s defence industrial strategy
Prime Minister Mark Carney plans to unveil a $6.6-billion Buy Canadian plan to bolster Canada's defence industry, focusing on local military equipment production and job creation.
Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to announce a significant new initiative aimed at rejuvenating Canada's defence industrial strategy with a $6.6-billion investment plan. This strategy, referred to as the Buy Canadian plan, is designed to prioritize the production of military equipment within Canada, thereby increasing the share of defence contracts awarded to domestic firms. As part of this comprehensive roadmap, it is projected that up to 125,000 new jobs could be created over the next decade, which indicates a focus on fostering growth in small and medium-sized enterprises and facilitating entry for new companies into the defence sector.
The announcement has already sparked criticism from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who has referred to the plan as a "salad bowl of buzzwords" that lacks substance. Poilievre argues for a more streamlined approach to government purchasing decisions, suggesting that reducing bureaucracy would be a more effective way to support the defence industry. This critical response highlights the political debate surrounding the government's approach to economic growth in the defence sector and raises questions about the effectiveness of such strategies in achieving tangible outcomes for the Canadian economy.