More than $4 million in federal funding is being directed to nine defence-related businesses in Nova Scotia.
The investment, announced in Dartmouth by Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Minister Sean Fraser, comes through the Regional Defence Investment Initiative. The funding is intended to help companies scale up production, adopt advanced technologies and strengthen Canada’s defence supply chains.
In total, the projects are expected to create 24 highly skilled jobs across the province.
Among the largest investments is $1.3 million for Sensor Technology Ltd. to design and build software and hardware for its AI Thinline Towed Array system, supporting the hiring of eight engineers and project and export specialists.
Mathers Logistics Ltd. is receiving just over $956,000 to purchase specialized heavy-lift equipment to improve cargo handling and support defence logistics. Salient Energy Inc. is receiving more than $843,000 to develop a commercial-grade zinc-ion battery cell for marine defence and clean energy applications.
AML Oceanographic Ltd. will receive $387,500 to expand into a new production facility to design and test ocean data collection systems.
Other recipients include GALAXIA Mission Systems to expand satellite manufacturing, Marine Thinking Inc. to develop a launch and recovery system for remotely operated vehicles, Atlantic Hardchrome Limited to develop manufacturing plans for submarine control system components, L & M Highland Outfitters Limited to upgrade equipment tied to a Canadian defence contract, and Leeway Marine to advance development of an unmanned surface vessel.
Fraser said the funding will support job creation and industrial growth in the province.
“Good jobs here at home and Nova Scotia helping build the future of Canada’s Armed Forces. That is the real impact of this $4 million investment, creating 24 skilled jobs across our province,” he said in a statement.
Sackville—Bedford—Preston MP Braedon Clark said the projects support innovation and long-term competitiveness in the region’s defence supply chain.
Halifax MP Shannon Miedema added that companies in Halifax are contributing to national defence capabilities through marine and aerospace innovation.
The Regional Defence Investment Initiative is a three-year, $379.2 million national program delivered through Canada’s regional development agencies. ACOA’s share of that funding totals $38.2 million over three years.
Atlantic Canada is home to more than 200 defence-sector firms and nearly 10,000 direct aerospace and defence jobs, representing about 20 percent of national defence industry employment.
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