Canada ’s Defence and Security Industries Welcome Federal Budget Investments in Canada ’s Military and Security Forces

Ottawa, May 2, 2006 -    The federal budget tabled today by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, while short on specifics on how the money will be allocated, indicates an important re-investment in Canadian military and security forces, which will benefit the nation and potentially create strong new opportunities for the Canadian defence and security sector, says Tim Page, President of the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI).

“CADSI welcomes the federal government’s commitment to give Canada ’s military and security forces the equipment, technology and support they need to meet their mission requirements,” says Mr. Page.  “This will enhance Canada ’s ability to operate in overseas missions, to respond to domestic emergencies and to defend our national security and sovereignty interests on Canadian soil.”

The additional investment in military and security priorities will also give the government an opportunity to support Canada ’s defence and security industries.

“We now have what we believe is the largest defence and security procurement market in Canada in 30 years,” says Mr. Page.  “The opportunities are significant and Canadian defence and security companies are ready to play their part in meeting these needs.”

CADSI will be encouraging the government to look to Canadian-based suppliers where their equipment, technologies and service solutions meet defined operational requirements and are internationally competitive.

Where Canadian-based solutions do not satisfy the government’s requirements, CADSI urges the government to make every effort to leverage off-shore purchases to deliver maximum economic, industrial and trade benefits to Canada , and to build Canadian innovation and capacity to compete internationally.

“It is important for the government to purchase what is needed by the military and security forces to accomplish their missions. In doing so, the government has a golden opportunity to make procurement decisions strategically to support other national priorities like an internationally competitive economy, technology-based employment and industrial growth,” says the CADSI President.   “ Canada ’s defence and security industries are well placed and ready to contribute to these priorities.”

The government’s new Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit for employers and new grants for apprentices are welcome economic incentives that open up the potential for additional skilled jobs in the defence and security sectors. “Overall, it is a good time to be considering a career in these industries,” says Mr. Page.

CADSI is the national association representing more than 500 member firms in the Canadian defence and security industry sector.  Canada ’s defence and security industries generate $7 billion in annual revenues and employ 70,000 people across Canada .

For more information, please contact:

Tim Page - 613-298-4779 (cell)
           613-235-5337 (office) 

Kathie Lynas – 613-850-7859