As we head into the vibrant summer months of June 2026, the Saint John business landscape is navigating a dynamic economic environment. One major sector stepping into the spotlight is defence and security. Following the recent CANSEC 2026 exhibition, it is clear that Canada’s defence boom is unlocking unprecedented opportunities for New Brunswick, and Saint John is perfectly positioned to capitalize.

Accelerating Defence Investments

One of the clearest messages from CANSEC 2026 is that defence and security are now firmly established as national priorities. Government and industry leaders emphasize that this momentum is translating into real procurement activity and long-term business opportunities. For Saint John firms, this creates an environment where organizations of all sizes can explore how they can contribute products, services, and expertise to the defence ecosystem. Crucially, several large prime contractors have expressed a strong interest in learning more about New Brunswick companies that could support their supply chains. Businesses that begin building connections and understanding procurement requirements now will be best positioned to thrive.

Aligning Local Strengths with National Priorities

New Brunswick’s inherent advantages—particularly our industrial marine infrastructure, land systems, and cybersecurity—were well represented throughout the conference. For Saint John, our deep-rooted expertise in marine infrastructure is a massive asset that aligns perfectly with current defence needs.

Furthermore, cybersecurity continues to be a major priority as organizations work to strengthen critical infrastructure. The province’s cybersecurity expertise recently took the spotlight when Fredericton-based Lastwall announced the close of a $16M financing round led by BDC, with support from the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF). Additionally, the strategic value of being located near CFB Gagetown provides a strong foundation for local businesses looking to diversify into the defence sector.

A Rising Profile for Atlantic Canada

Atlantic Canada, and New Brunswick in particular, is receiving plenty of attention from both prime contractors and government stakeholders. There is an increasing recognition of our skilled workforce, competitive operating environment, and innovation ecosystem. The Government of New Brunswick’s Economic Development Strategy has officially identified defence and dual-use capabilities as one of the province’s three priority areas for growth. By leveraging these advantages, the region is well-positioned to strengthen its role in Canada’s defence and security landscape.

Building Key Relationships

Success in this sector will heavily depend on becoming part of established supply chains led by major prime contractors. For many small and medium-sized businesses in Saint John, opportunities may come through partnerships, subcontracting, or collaborative projects rather than direct procurement contracts. Industry leaders stress the value of networking, maintaining a presence at sector events, and investing time in long-term relationship building.

For more details on these developments, you can read the full update from Opportunities NB.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CANSEC?

CANSEC is Canada’s premier global defence and security trade show, bringing together industry leaders, government officials, and businesses to discuss developments shaping the future of defence and security.

How can Saint John businesses get involved in the defence sector?

Local businesses can get involved by networking with prime contractors, attending sector events, and exploring subcontracting or collaborative project opportunities within established supply chains.

What specific industries in New Brunswick are in high demand for defence?

Key areas of demand include industrial marine infrastructure, land systems, and cybersecurity. Saint John’s strong marine industrial base makes it a particularly valuable player in this space.