The federal government is putting more than $3.2 million into a two-year Manitoba program designed to help small and medium-sized businesses break into the defence supply chain.

Why it matters
Many capable Manitoba companies face steep barriers to entering defence procurement, from complex bidding processes to demanding cybersecurity and certification requirements. The new funding aims to close that gap and grow the province's role in Canada's defence industrial base.

Driving the news
MP Doug Eyolfson announced the funding at Manitoba Aerospace's Procurement Pathways event in Winnipeg on behalf of Eleanor Olszewski, minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada. The money flows through the Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) to RRC Polytech, which will lead the new Manitoba Defence and Dual-Use Innovation Bridge alongside Manitoba Aerospace Inc. and Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters – Manitoba.

The details
The initiative will help companies understand government purchasing requirements, strengthen cybersecurity, meet security rules for controlled goods and prepare to bid on defence contracts. It will also help businesses identify dual-use technologies and connect with larger defence firms, government buyers and other potential customers.

Over two years, organizers expect the program to support 100 Manitoba small and medium-sized businesses and create 90 jobs.

What they're saying
"Manitoba has the workers, expertise and innovation to help lead that work," Olszewski said, adding the investment will help local businesses enter defence supply chains, bring Canadian technologies to market and create jobs while strengthening sovereignty and security.

Eyolfson said Winnipeg's aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector already has the skills and technology to take on more defence work, and the partnership will help companies prepare for new opportunities and compete for contracts.

RRC Polytech's Dr. Jolen Galaugher, executive director of research partnerships and innovation, called the initiative a "force multiplier" connecting company-led research and development with procurement awareness and supply chain integration.

Manitoba Aerospace CEO Beverlie Stuart said the program will help member companies "build the capabilities, connections and readiness they need to compete and grow" in the defence sector.

Brittany Scarrow, vice-president of Prairies operations and business services at Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, said the partnership will help manufacturers "adopt new technologies and access opportunities" in both defence and dual-use markets.

By the numbers

Background
The RDII is a three-year, $379.2-million national program delivered through Canada's seven Regional Development Agencies, including PrairiesCan in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. It supports the federal Defence Industrial Strategy and Ottawa's push to rebuild, rearm and reinvest in the Canadian Armed Forces while strengthening domestic supply chains. Manitoba is home to two Canadian Armed Forces bases: CFB Shilo and CFB Winnipeg (17 Wing).

What's next
RRC Polytech and its partners begin rolling out the two-year program, connecting Manitoba manufacturers and technology firms with procurement pathways and larger industry buyers.