September 8, 2026
Manitoba Government Announces Manitoba-Canada Defence Alliance
WINNIPEG, MB, September 8, 2026 – Manitoba Aerospace today welcomed the Province of Manitoba’s announcement of the Manitoba-Canada Defence Alliance (MCDA), an initiative that brings together industry, government, academia, Indigenous partners, and economic development organizations to support Manitoba’s participation in Canada’s defence economy.
The launch of the MCDA comes as Canada and its allies increase investments in defence, security, sovereign capabilities, advanced manufacturing, aerospace technologies, logistics, and innovation. The Alliance will provide a coordinated forum to support Manitoba’s interests, strengthen supply chains, encourage investment, and help businesses pursue opportunities in the defence sector.
“This announcement reflects an important opportunity for Manitoba’s aerospace and defence sectors,” said Brent Ostermann, Chair of the Board of Directors of Manitoba Aerospace. “The Manitoba-Canada Defence Alliance provides a coordinated approach to advancing Manitoba’s participation in defence-related investment, procurement opportunities, and industrial development. By bringing together government, industry, research institutions, Indigenous partners, and economic development organizations, the Alliance will support greater collaboration and long-term economic growth.”
The Alliance builds on Manitoba’s established strengths, including its aerospace sector, advanced manufacturing base, transportation infrastructure, research institutions, and expertise in emerging technologies.
Beverlie Stuart, Chief Executive Officer of Manitoba Aerospace, emphasized the importance of coordination across the sector.
“The creation of the Manitoba-Canada Defence Alliance provides a structure for organizations across Manitoba to work together in support of shared objectives. The Alliance will help align efforts, share information, promote Manitoba’s capabilities, and support growth across the aerospace and defence ecosystem.”
“This initiative also supports broader priorities including innovation, workforce development, investment attraction, Indigenous economic participation, and supply-chain development. Through the MCDA, businesses and organizations will have additional opportunities to engage in emerging defence-related activities and partnerships.”
The Province has appointed Paul Soubry as Executive Champion of the Manitoba-Canada Defence Alliance. In this role, he will support advocacy efforts and help advance Manitoba’s participation in defence-related investment and procurement opportunities.
Paul Soubry, Executive Champion of the Manitoba-Canada Defence Alliance, said the timing is right for Manitoba to strengthen its engagement in the sector.
“Canada is increasing investment in defence capabilities, technology, infrastructure, and industrial capacity. Manitoba has a strong foundation on which to build, and the Manitoba-Canada Defence Alliance will help provide a coordinated approach to pursuing opportunities and supporting growth in this sector.”
“Our focus is to help Manitoba companies access new opportunities, support investment attraction, contribute to Canada’s defence capabilities, and strengthen the provincial economy. Working together will improve our ability to compete for future projects and partnerships.”
Through collaboration, advocacy, information sharing, and strategic alignment, the MCDA will support business growth, innovation, investment attraction, and workforce development across Manitoba’s aerospace and defence sectors.
