New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt wants to expand the provincial military sector. She released a new policy framework at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown on Monday to outline this strategy.

The federal government plans to spend $81.8 billion over five years to modernize the Canadian Armed Forces. Holt views this investment as a generational opportunity for New Brunswick.

“We’re here because the world is changing,” Holt said. “We have what it takes to play an outsized role in the future of Canada’s defence.”

Four Pillars of Defence Growth

The new plan is called Defence Ready. It focuses on four main areas to stimulate growth.

• Industry and investment
• Technology and innovation
• Infrastructure and resources
• Base and community growth around the Gagetown base

Economic Targets for 2030

Holt expects the military sector to grow the provincial economy by 10 percent by 2030. The real gross domestic product for defence services reached $762 million last year. The new goal pushes that number to $1 billion.

“The other target is jobs in the defence sector,” Holt said. “New Brunswick is already the second highest defence jobs per capita place in the country. We want to be first.”

Funding the Framework

The framework release included no new provincial money. Holt stated the funding comes from existing pools of money. If you live in Saint John, you will see the impact of this strategy through local projects. Holt pointed to the recent $463 million investment to improve Port Saint John as a prime example.

The province also announced $16.2 million in joint funding last month for a new wastewater treatment facility in Oromocto. This facility supports growth at the Gagetown base.

You can read the original report on this announcement at CTV News Atlantic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the goal of the new defence framework?

The framework aims to increase the defence sector gross domestic product to $1 billion by 2030. It also seeks to make New Brunswick the top location in Canada for defence jobs per person.

Does the plan include new provincial funding?

No. The province relies on existing funding sources. Recent investments in Port Saint John and Oromocto infrastructure serve as examples of this approach.

Why is New Brunswick focusing on the military sector now?

The federal government committed $81.8 billion to modernize the Canadian Armed Forces. This massive federal investment creates a major economic opportunity for the province.