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