This week’s developments covered several areas that are increasingly connected: defence procurement, housing delivery, local infrastructure, and industrial capacity.
The announcements included a new long-range missile acquisition, a preferred supplier decision for airborne surveillance, targeted housing and infrastructure measures in Quebec and Ontario, and partnership-driven industrial proposals tied to shipbuilding, autonomy, and Canadian manufacturing.
Together, they reflect a broader push to build capability at home while moving key files forward more quickly.
DAVIE AND KRAKEN MOVE TO BUILD AUTONOMOUS MARITIME SYSTEMS IN CANADA
Québec-based Davie and UK-based Kraken Technology Group (Kraken) announced a strategic collaboration to establish Canadian production, integration, and development of autonomous vessels and maritime systems.
Davie would provide the shipbuilding capacity and industrial base, while Kraken would bring its uncrewed surface-vessel and autonomy technologies, positioning the partnership around maritime security, industrial sovereignty, and faster delivery of next-generation capabilities.
Read More: Davie Release
CANADA MOVES AHEAD WITH A LONG-RANGE MISSILE CAPABILITY
Canada confirmed it finalized a government-to-government agreement with the United States in January for 26 HIMARS launchers, an initial stock of munitions, spare parts, training, and support, with deliveries expected to begin in 2029.
The project is estimated at $2.6 billion CAD, and the system will give the Canadian Army the ability to engage targets at ranges of more than 300 kilometres, while also supporting future anti-ship capability for coastal defence, including in the Arctic.
Source: National Defence release.
Read More: Canada Defence Review Release
OTTAWA CHANNELS $1 BILLION IN LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING THROUGH REGIONAL AGENCIES
The federal government announced that $1 billion from the Build Communities Strong Fund will be delivered through Canada’s Regional Development Agencies under a new Local Impact Stream.
The funding is meant to support smaller community infrastructure projects — from recreation and cultural spaces to innovation hubs and building retrofits — with an emphasis on projects that can move quickly and generate visible local economic benefits
Read More: Canada Defence Review Release
SOUTH KOREAN PROPOSAL EXPANDS ITS CANADIAN INDUSTRIAL PITCH
Hanwha expanded its Canadian proposal by bringing Algoma Steel into its partnership with the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association. The move strengthens the company’s “build in Canada” message by tying its proposal to Canadian steel, Canadian manufacturing, and a wider domestic supply chain.
More importantly, it shows that the South Korean bid is being presented not just as a defence sale, but as a broader industrial package with long-term economic value for Canada.
Read More: Hanwha Release