New initiative harnesses Manitoba expertise to strengthen Canada's defence industrial base and defend our sovereignty

RRC Polytech-led project will help businesses become defence-ready and strengthen Canada's domestic supply chains

WINNIPEG, MB, Sept. 16, 2026 /CNW/ -- Canada is facing a more dangerous and uncertain world. To protect our sovereignty and keep Canadians safe, Canada must strengthen both its military capabilities and the industries that support them.

A man is working on a machine at RRC Polytech, with text: “Over $3.2 million to help more Manitoba companies enter Canada’s defence industry”

That's why the federal government is acting with urgency to rebuild, rearm and reinvest in the Canadian Armed Forces while growing Canada's defence industrial base. By building more of what we need here at home, we can ensure our women and men in uniform have the equipment they need while making Canada stronger, more secure and better prepared for the challenges ahead.

Manitoba is well positioned to help meet that challenge. With deep strengths in aerospace, advanced manufacturing and technology, Manitobans have the expertise and capacity to help strengthen Canada's defence industrial base. Yet many capable companies face significant barriers to entering defence supply chains, including complex procurement processes and demanding cybersecurity, testing and certification requirements.

Today, Doug Eyolfson, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg West attended Manitoba Aerospace's Procurement Pathways event in Winnipeg on behalf of the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada. Here, he announced over $3.2 million in federal funding through the Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) for RRC Polytech to establish the Manitoba Defence and Dual-Use Innovation Bridge, a two-year initiative led by RRC Polytech in partnership with Manitoba Aerospace Inc. and Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters – Manitoba.

Through this initiative, Manitoba businesses will receive practical support to prepare for work in the defence sector. This includes helping companies understand government purchasing requirements, strengthen cybersecurity, meet security rules for handling controlled goods and technology, and prepare to participate in defence contracts.

Businesses will also receive support to identify dual-use technology. This initiative will help connect companies with larger defence businesses, government buyers and other potential customers, giving them a clearer path to new contracts and supply-chain opportunities.

Over two years, this is expected to support 100 Manitoba small- and medium-sized businesses and create 90 jobs. It will also help more Manitoba companies become defence-ready, connect with customers, and compete for contracts in domestic and international defence supply chains

Quotes

"Canada's security depends on our ability to build at home. As our government rebuilds, rearms and reinvests in the Canadian Armed Forces, we must also rebuild the domestic industrial capacity. Manitoba has the workers, expertise, and innovation to help lead that work. Through RRC Polytech and its partners, this investment will help more Manitoba businesses enter defence supply chains, bring Canadian technologies to market and create good jobs--all while strengthening our sovereignty and security."
-The Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)

"Winnipeg has a strong aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector, with local companies that have the skills, technology and expertise to take on more defence work. Through this partnership between RRC Polytech, Manitoba Aerospace and Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters – Manitoba, more businesses will get the support they need to prepare for new opportunities, connect with customers and compete for contracts. This will help local companies grow, create skilled jobs and strengthen our city's role in Canada's defence industry."
-MP Doug Eyolfson, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg West

"We are thrilled by PrairiesCan's investment in Manitoba's innovation and defence ecosystem. Through the Manitoba Defence and Dual-Use Innovation Bridge, RRC Polytech is bringing together applied research, industry innovation, and business readiness supports to help Manitoba companies develop new technologies and access opportunities within the defence supply chain.  This unique model serves as a true force multiplier by connecting company-led research and development with supplier readiness, procurement awareness, and supply chain integration. By combining RRC Polytech's applied research capabilities with the expertise of Manitoba Aerospace and Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, we are creating an accelerated pathway from innovation to commercialization and market growth. Together we are strengthening Manitoba's role in Canada's defence industrial base while creating new opportunities for businesses, investments, and economic growth throughout the province."
-Dr. Jolen Galaugher, Executive Director Research Partnerships & Innovation, RRC Polytech

"Manitoba Aerospace is excited to play a key role in the Defence and Dual-Use Innovation Bridge, helping Manitoba companies build the capabilities, connections and readiness they need to compete and grow in Canada's defence supply chain. This initiative brings industry, research and expertise together in a practical way that will strengthen our aerospace and defence ecosystem, create new opportunities for Manitoba businesses, and position our province for long-term growth in this rapidly expanding sector."
-Beverlie Stuart, CEO, Manitoba Aerospace

"Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters is proud to partner on the Defence and Dual-Use Innovation Bridge to help Manitoba manufacturers strengthen their capabilities, adopt new technologies, and access opportunities in Canada's growing defence supply chain. This initiative will support companies in building the skills, connections and operational readiness needed to compete in both defence and dual-use markets, while also helping to grow a stronger, more innovative manufacturing ecosystem in Manitoba"
-Brittany Scarrow, VP, Prairies Operations and Business Services, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters

Quick facts

• The Canadian defence industry contributes nearly $10 billion to our gross domestic product and supports more than 81,000 jobs.
• Manitoba is home to two Canadian Forces bases: CFB Shilo and CFB Winnipeg (17 Wing).
• The RDII is a three-year, $379.2 million national program delivered by Canada's seven Regional Development Agencies including through PrairiesCan in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. It aligns with the Defence Industrial Strategy, and advances Canada's ability to rebuild, rearm and reinvest in its military while strengthening supply chains, readiness, and international partnerships.

Associated links

• Prairies Economic Development Canada
• Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) in the Prairie provinces
• Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) in the Prairie provinces
• Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy - Canada.ca

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SOURCE Prairies Economic Development Canada

Contacts: Soraya Lemur, Press Secretary, Office of the Hon. Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, [email protected], 343-574-6781; Tunde Oyateru, Manager, Communications, Prairies Economic Development Canada, [email protected], 639-382-3753