TORONTO, March 23, 2026 /CNW/ - KPMG Canada will host a webcast on April 1st offering insights into the federal government's new Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) and outlining how companies can participate and access potential funding opportunities.
The DIS, a national $6.6 billion strategy to strengthen Canada's domestic defence industrial base, supports the 2025 federal budget's unprecedented $81.8 billion defence commitment. The multi-year plan aims to transform defence investment, procurement and industrial development in Canada.
Date & Time: April 1, 2026, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET
Special Guest Speaker: Mike Mueller, President and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC)
Register: Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy Registration
"The Defence Industrial Strategy prioritizes Canadian business participation to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and drive economic growth," says David Durst, Partner-in-Charge and National Tax Incentives Leader, KPMG Canada. "Along with established defence and aerospace companies, the strategy provides opportunities for small and mid-sized enterprises, advanced manufacturing firms, and firms with dual-use technologies to participate in the defence supply chain. Through targeted funding programs and support streams, companies will be able to access resources to diversify, pivot and participate in Canada's growing defence sector and global defence supply chains."
"The Defence Industrial Strategy is a welcome approach to keep a much larger share of Defence spending in Canada," says Peter Graham, Partner, Deal Advisory and National Sector Leader, Aerospace and Defence, KPMG Canada. "The defence sector has always been a leader in driving innovation and it takes a lot of capital to succeed. For companies that get this right, there should be significant growth opportunities ahead."
Who should attend: Companies operating in one of Canada's Key Sovereign Capabilities (e.g. defence platforms, aerospace, shipbuilding, advanced technologies such as AI, quantum), industrial manufacturers and potential new entrants into the market. Further capabilities include digital systems, sensors, specialized manufacturing (land vehicles and ships), training and simulation, personnel protection, in-service support, and uncrewed systems spanning land, air, sea and space.
The DIS features four major funding and support streams: direct funding; access to capital; government procurement; and Industrial and Technological Benefits. Resources are available through the Regional Defence Investment Initiative ($244 million) and IRAP's Defence Industry Assist ($357.7 million), as well as the Strategic Response Fund, Business Development Canada, BOREALIS, the Drone Innovation Hub and other sources.
KPMG's Tax Incentives Practice has assisted thousands of organizations in securing federal and provincial government funding, grants, and tax credits that fuel capital growth.
KPMG's Aerospace and Defence practice provides strategic advisory, operational, and financial services to businesses and government, navigating a sector currently undergoing massive modernization. Working together, KPMG Canada is helping Canadian businesses access opportunities and support in the defence sector as part of the Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy.
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For media inquiries:
Nancy White
Corporate Affairs, Tax and Law
KPMG Canada
T 416 777 3306
M 416 876 1400
SOURCE KPMG LLP
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