Minister Eleanor Olszewski announces PrairiesCan funding to expand defence industry jobs and advanced manufacturing in Alberta

Canada is taking strategic steps to strengthen its defence capabilities while also growing its domestic economy.

Central to this effort is a strong and resilient defence industry, which underpins the country’s sovereignty, security, and long-term prosperity.

The first-ever Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) seeks to align defence investments with Canadian industrial strengths, ensuring that critical equipment is produced at home, supply chains remain robust, and high-quality jobs are created for Canadians.

The Role of PrairiesCan in Regional Defence Growth

Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), recently highlighted how the DIS will impact the Prairie Provinces.

Alongside this announcement, she unveiled the first Alberta projects to receive funding through the Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII).

This initiative focuses on integrating small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into the national defence supply chain, leveraging regional expertise, and accelerating technological development.

Alberta Businesses Leading Defence Innovation

The RDII is providing over $6.5 million in repayable investments to two Alberta-based companies, supporting Canadian production of critical defence technologies.

This funding is expected to generate more than 145 high-quality jobs in the Edmonton region and bolster economic growth while reinforcing Canada’s defence capabilities.

Logican Technologies is expanding its advanced manufacturing capabilities for defence-related technologies.

The company specializes in sonar systems, sensors for submarine detection, naval communications, and other electronic control systems.

The investment of $1,504,231 from PrairiesCan will help Logican adopt automated manufacturing technologies, build product testing facilities, and support the readiness of the Canadian Armed Forces and NATO partners.

Zero Point Cryogenics is accelerating the commercialization of sub-kelvin cryogenics, which are essential for defence prototypes and mission-critical systems in quantum sensing, computing, and communications.

The $5 million investment from PrairiesCan will scale domestic production, enhance technological sovereignty, and ensure Canada’s defence industry remains competitive globally.

Strengthening Jobs and Skills in Alberta

These investments not only reinforce Canada’s defence industrial base but also support a skilled workforce in advanced manufacturing, research, and high-tech defence technologies.

By creating and maintaining over 145 jobs in the Edmonton area, the projects will provide meaningful opportunities for Canadians and help the Prairie Provinces play a central role in national defence efforts.

What’s Next?

The Defence Industrial Strategy and RDII are only the beginning.

Officials plan to continue identifying regional opportunities across Canada where SMEs can contribute to defence projects, ensuring supply chains remain secure, and advancing technological innovation.

This approach aims to position Canada as a leader in domestic defence production while maintaining international partnerships.

Summary

Canada’s first Defence Industrial Strategy, supported by PrairiesCan investments, is driving economic growth and strengthening national security.

Alberta-based companies Logican Technologies and Zero Point Cryogenics will expand production of critical defence equipment, creating skilled jobs and reinforcing the country’s technological sovereignty.

With over $6.5 million invested and more than 145 jobs supported, these initiatives signal a major step toward a resilient, self-reliant Canadian defence industry.