Vancouver: Industry Minister Mélanie Joly has announced the Defence Industry Assist initiative, with the federal government committing $244.2 million to the National Research Council of Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program beginning in the 2025–26 fiscal year.

“With this investment, our government is responding to the needs and ambitions of Canada’s defence industry. Defence Industry Assist will help Canadian companies scale up, commercialize cutting-edge dual-use technologies, and secure their place in global supply chains.” Said minister Joly.

As announced in Budget 2025, the Government of Canada has put into action initial investments to support Canada’s defence industrial base and is allocating $6.6 billion over 5 years on a cash basis. These initial investments will drive research and innovation, strengthen domestic supply chains, grow critical resource stockpiles, and improve access to funds for Canadian small and medium-sized businesses wanting to grow in the defence market.

“The best way to shape a secure and prosperous future for Canada, is to create it. Defending Canada starts with identifying global challenges and harnessing the innovation and expertise already found across our country to create solutions.”said David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence.

In 2024-2025, NRC IRAP’s network of more than 250 ITAs across Canada delivered advisory services and funding to more than 9,100 innovative Canadian SMEs.

“For over a century, the National Research Council of Canada has advanced research and innovation that has strengthened our nation’s defence, security and industrial development.”Said Mitch Davies, President, National Research Council of Canada.

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