ACOA delivering $38M in Defence Investments in Atlantic Canada
From the Springboard Content Lab
The Government of Canada is investing $38.2 million to establish the new Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) in Atlantic Canada. The program is being delivered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
Targeted regional investments are designed to expand the country’s defence industrial capacity. The government of Canada is investing a total of $357.7 million for RDII across the country.
These 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 defence businesses.
“We are investing nearly $40 million to help Atlantic Canada’s defence businesses grow, modernize, and win more global contracts. That investment stays here in the region and strengthens Canada’s defence capacity.”
– Sean Fraser, Minister responsible for ACOA
Who can apply
- Businesses (mainly SMEs) in or entering defence supply chains
- Not-for-profit organizations supporting defence-related businesses
- Indigenous-owned businesses and organizations
- Provincial and municipal governments
What RDII supports
- Ecosystem growth — strengthening regional infrastructure and expertise
- Innovation and R&D — developing military or adapting dual-use technologies
- Productivity and scale-up — modernizing facilities and equipment
- Supply-chain integration — meeting certification standards and connecting with major contractors
Atlantic Canada Advantage
- Nearly 10,000 defence and aerospace jobs
- 20% of Canada’s Defence Industry Employment
- 34% of Canada’s marine industry workforce
- Recognized strengths in shipbuilding, aerospace, sonar systems, simulation, and cyber resilience
- Backed by strategic coastal assets and a deep industrial base
