September 28, 2026
Winnipeg to host Manitoba-UK Defence Summit to advance international trade and defence partnerships
Manitoba and UK leaders will explore opportunities in defence supply chains, Arctic security, dual-use innovation and procurement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WINNIPEG, Manitoba, September 23, 2026 – Aerospace and Defence industry leaders from Manitoba and the United Kingdom will gather in Winnipeg on September 28 and 29 for the first ever Manitoba-UK Defence Summit.
The invitation-only Summit is one of the first signature events under the new Canada-Manitoba Defence Alliance. It will bring together organizations from both jurisdictions to identify opportunities for trade, investment and collaboration within the global defence supply chain. Discussions will focus on Arctic defence and sovereignty, supply chain integration, dual-use technologies, procurement, military modernization and the practical implementation of new partnerships.
“Manitoba has industry-leading talent in the aerospace and defence sectors,” said Jamie Moses, Minister of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation. The MCDA hosting this summit allows us to strengthen longstanding alliances with our UK partners while advancing our shared goals. This summit will enhance our ability to attract investment, grow our manufacturing capabilities, and create more good jobs for Manitobans.”
The Summit comes at a time of increased international attention on defence and growing interest in strengthening economic and security relationships among trusted allies. It will showcase Manitoba’s aerospace, defence, advanced manufacturing, transportation, research and innovation capabilities while connecting Manitoba companies with UK organizations interested in developing commercial partnerships.
“Manitoba has the industrial capabilities, skilled workforce, strategic infrastructure and collaborative spirit required to make a meaningful contribution to Canada and North America’s defence and security priorities,” said Paul Soubry, Executive Champion of the Manitoba-Canada Defence Alliance and Summit host. “This Summit is designed to explore opportunities by bringing Manitoba and UK leaders together to identify complementary strengths, build trusted relationships and explore practical opportunities for our companies to participate in global defence supply chains.”
The two-day program will begin with a conference at the Manitoba Club on September 28. Sessions will examine the evolving Canadian and UK defence landscapes, opportunities for Manitoba companies in the UK market and vice-versa, Manitoba’s role in global supply chains, Arctic sovereignty, defence-related infrastructure and the opportunities and barriers associated with entering bilateral defence supply chains. The day will conclude with a Journey to Churchill reception hosted by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and the Business Council of Manitoba.
On September 29, UK delegates will visit Boeing Winnipeg at the National Research Council, StandardAero and Magellan Aerospace. The program will also include business-to-business meetings, networking opportunities and a closing reception at the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada.
