Newfoundland and Labrador Positions for Defence Boom
Meagan Kay-Fowlow swings open a steel door to a vast paved lot, her face lighting up with enthusiasm. She surveys the former lumberyard of a closed hardware store and outlines her ambitious plans: a secure fence along one side, a private entrance on another. While others might see an empty expanse, Kay-Fowlow envisions the expanding defence industry in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“It looks like a very basic parking lot, but in terms of a facility—having this is exciting,” she says.
Kay-Fowlow leads the Co. Innovation Centre in St. John’s, a 54,000-square-foot hub where businesses across sectors collaborate to innovate and expand. The centre invests heavily in national defence, creating a secure rear area for sensitive projects.
Federal Government Unveils Build-at-Home Strategy
The province stands ready following the federal announcement of a “build at home” strategy. Ottawa targets 70 percent of defence contracts for Canadian firms over the next decade, projecting 125,000 new jobs.
Prime Minister Mark Carney describes this as a bold shift during the rollout. Canada must develop domestic capabilities rather than depend on U.S. proximity for security.
“Companies in Newfoundland and Labrador already operate in these areas,” Kay-Fowlow notes. “We’ve built the capabilities and infrastructure to meet these demands.”
The province has long exceeded expectations, with firms like Kraken Robotics, Genoa Design, Bluedrop, and PAL Aerospace securing investments and contracts domestically and internationally.
Atlantic Canada’s Growth Opportunities
Victoria Belbin, CEO of the Atlantic Canada Aerospace and Defence Association (ACADA), affirms that all four Atlantic provinces will gain from the strategy. From Luxembourg, where she attended NATO meetings to promote regional public-private partnerships, Belbin praises the announcement.
“The tone is right. It’s a very optimistic tone,” she says. “Government shows clear interest in expanding this industry at home.”
The defence and aerospace sector employs around 10,000 people across Atlantic Canada—20 percent of the national total. Belbin expects growth, especially in Newfoundland and Labrador, home to about 40 of ACADA’s 200 members.
“Opportunities abound for Atlantic Canada, particularly Newfoundland and Labrador,” she adds. “Each province brings unique strengths, and more investments will flow to all four.”
Key Advantages Drive Provincial Readiness
Newfoundland and Labrador’s strengths shine through its resource-driven economy and robust marine sector, adept at extreme and remote operations. Technologies developed here excel globally, including in Arctic defence.
Two NATO DIANA sites in Holyrood and St. John’s bolster sovereign capabilities highlighted in the strategy, Kay-Fowlow explains.
The influx of federal funds could transform the province’s economy amid ongoing challenges. “I’m very hopeful,” Kay-Fowlow says. “This drives economic development, jobs, resilience, and benefits our people and province.”
