Lapointe says Defence Procurement offers opportunities for Sudbury’s small businesses

Ottawa - At last week’s meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on National Defence, the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State for Defence Procurement, appeared before members to discuss his mandate, the newly created Defence Investment Agency, and the forthcoming Defence Investment Strategy.

Sudbury MP Viviane Lapointe used the opportunity to highlight the connection between Canada’s defence procurement priorities and the industrial strengths of Northern Ontario.

“There is a natural, symbiotic relationship between National Defence procurement and Sudbury’s critical minerals and industrial sectors,” said MP Lapointe. “There will be opportunities for Sudbury’s small and medium-sized businesses within the critical minerals sphere, as well as in component manufacturing, electrical equipment, machinery, and transportation equipment industries. The new Defence Investment Agency is a tool they can use to become part of the Canadian defence supply chain.”

Secretary Fuhr, a former pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), CF-18 fighter pilot, and NORAD/NATO operations evaluation officer, brings deep operational and technical experience to modernizing Canada’s defence procurement system.

“Secretary Fuhr has the experience and determination to make real improvements to Canada’s procurement process,” said Lapointe. “His focus on efficiency, alignment, and regional engagement will help ensure that communities like Sudbury can directly contribute to building Canada’s defence capabilities.”

Lapointe told Secretary Fuhr that Sudbury’s innovation ecosystem, which includes NORCAT, Laurentian University, CEMI, and MIRARCO, is already developing cutting-edge technologies such as automation, remote operations, underground communications, and autonomous systems. These technologies align closely with defence priorities in areas like situational awareness, mobility, and resilience in challenging environments.

Lapointe asked how the new Agency will ensure that regional innovation ecosystems like Sudbury’s are systematically connected to defence procurement planning, so that proven Canadian expertise can directly inform and supply technologies prioritized for Canada’s future defence capabilities.

Arianne Reza, Assistant Deputy Minister for Defence Procurement, appearing alongside Secretary Fuhr, emphasized that the Defence Investment Agency will make it easier for smaller and regional businesses to access government contracts.

“I’m going to use the word ‘concierge service,’” said Reza. “Better clarity, better alignment, better access, and we’re going to offer services that show businesses how to register, how to compete, and how to find opportunities.”

Lapointe said she was encouraged by the Agency’s approach and sees tremendous potential for Northern Ontario businesses to play a stronger role in Canada’s defence supply chain.

“This is an opportunity for Sudbury’s innovators and manufacturers to be part of building Canada’s security, while strengthening our local economy,” she said.