The Defence Industry: Atlantic Indigenous Economic Opportunities RFP
Aboriginal Peoples
Arctic and Northern Regions
Community, Regional & Enterprise Development
Environment, Energy and Natural Resources
Governance and Public Policy
Information and Communication Technology
Oceans, Fisheries and Aquaculture
Deadlines
Academic Unit: Inquire with unit
Memorial Deadline: Tuesday 8th, September 2026
External Deadline: Friday 11th, September 2026
Description
This RFP’s purpose is to produce research designed to analyze how Atlantic Indigenous communities and businesses can realize economic opportunities in the defence industry.
In October 2025, the Government of Canada announced a commitment to increase defence spending by 2% of the gross domestic product (GDP), which amounts to approximately $63 billion in 2025-2026. The plan is to have this percentage up to 5% by 2035. The Canadian defence industry contributes nearly $10 billion to the GDP and it supports over 81,000 jobs. With the new Defence Investment Agency – which will overhaul and streamline Canada’s defence procurement – domestic manufacturing and supply chains will be created. This in turn will provide world-class equipment to the Canadian Armed Forces.
With this increase in spending over the next several years, a thorough study needs to be undertaken on how Atlantic First Nations can become involved in this reinvigorated commerce. This is an important opportunity for Atlantic First Nations especially in light of federal procurement openings for Indigenous businesses and Economic Reconciliation. Exploring this area would help Canada achieve its spending goals, foster and support Atlantic Indigenous Economic Reconciliation, and strengthen Canada’s Department of National Defence.
The research activities will include, but are not limited to, exploring economic development opportunities for Atlantic Indigenous communities and businesses, both by literature review and interviews/focus group meetings with Atlantic Indigenous economic development leaders and stakeholders. Such research activities and engagements will have defence industry opportunities for Atlantic Indigenous communities and businesses at the forefront in the economic development context. The research project will suggest how government, post-secondary institutions, and or industry can support and facilitate Atlantic Indigenous involvement and participation via best practices, recommendations, and calls to action. The research project will also advise on steps Atlantic Indigenous communities and businesses should undertake for thorough involvement.
See attached for more information.
Downloads
APC Defence Industry Opportunities 2026 RFP