Manitoba launches new defence alliance to attract investment, jobs
Posted September 9, 2026 2:01 pm.
The Manitoba government has launched a new alliance aimed at attracting more defence and security investment to the province.
The Manitoba-Canada Defence Alliance (MCDA) brings together government, industry, post-secondary institutions and the Canadian Armed Forces.
The province is providing $320,000 to support the alliance, which will work to attract defence projects and procurement opportunities while promoting Manitoba’s aerospace, manufacturing, research and other sectors.
The province says the initiative comes as the federal government plans to invest $81.8 billion in defence over the coming years.
“We know Manitoba businesses are ready to capitalize on the federal government’s planned $81.8-billion investment in defence over the coming years,” said Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses. “Manitoba is home to critical defence infrastructure including Norad HQ, 17 Wing, CFB Shilo and Southport Aerospace Centre. We are also home to global leaders in the aerospace sector that employ thousands of Manitobans, and with these additional investments we will continue to attract the capital and business that will help grow the sector and create more good jobs for Manitobans.”
Former New Flyer Industries CEO Paul Soubry was named executive champion of the MCDA — an appointment that was praised by Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham.
“Paul is highly regarded for his industry knowledge, experience and leadership,” Gillingham wrote in a statement Wednesday. “He has already given so much to our city, and I’m pleased he has agreed to give even more of his time and energy to this important work.
“Paul’s work building Winnipeg’s heavy vehicle manufacturing sector is nationally and even internationally respected. His 14 years in senior management roles at Standard Aerospace also give him critical experience at an aerospace company that is central to the competitiveness of Winnipeg’s Sky Economy.”
