PME Défense (February 2026)

An Ambitious National Strategy: The Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS)

The presentation of the new Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS), a structuring plan aimed at transforming Canada’s industrial landscape over the long term, was at the heart of the event. This strategy pursues three major objectives:

• Reindustrializing the country and strengthening national supply chains
• Increasing Canada’s sovereignty and security
• Stimulating innovation, particularly in aerospace, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing

With more than $500 billion in planned investments over the next ten years, the DIS opens exceptional possibilities for businesses—especially small and medium‑sized enterprises, which already make up 92% of the actors in the defence sector.

For Jump! Recruteurs, whose mission is to support organizational growth and performance through talent, this shift represents tangible opportunities to guide SMEs in their transformation, expansion, or strategic positioning.

An Event Grounded in the Reality of Québec SMEs

Led by recognized experts, this first event of the LA DÉFENSE SERIES provided an opportunity to explore essential topics such as financing, innovation, recruitment, certifications, contractual requirements, technological challenges, and emerging trends.

Among the guests and panelists who enriched the discussions:

• Carlos J. Leitão, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry
• Peter J. Malouf, Mayor of the Town of Mount Royal
• Richard Giguère, Brigadier‑General (Ret.) and Chair of the Defence Strategic Advisory Council | Inno‑centre
• Guy Laliberté, NRC – IRAP
• Daniel Cyr, Eng.
• Brigitte Labelle, Shockform Aeronautique
• Julie Cairns, Department of National Defence

Their contributions offered deeper insight into the concrete requirements of the sector and the steps SMEs must take to participate meaningfully.

Why Is This Event So Crucial for Québec Businesses?

Because it highlights a key reality: Québec SMEs have a strategic role to play in tomorrow’s industrial, technological, and military supply chains.

Several factors reinforce this:

• The need for innovation is exploding, particularly in AI, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing.
• Local companies provide rare agility, enabling them to respond more quickly to government and industry demands.
• The defence sector is actively seeking to integrate more SMEs, creating valuable opportunities for growth and diversification.
• The shortage of specialized labour requires a strategic recruitment approach—an area where Jump! Recruteurs can play a key role.

For our team, this morning confirmed one thing: Québec companies have everything they need to occupy a central position in the defence sector, both now and in the future. The challenge now is to build the right partnerships, develop the right skills, and seize opportunities as they arise.

A Series That Is Just Beginning

The LA DÉFENSE SERIES will continue in April with a second event. This initiative aims to be structured, pragmatic, and oriented toward concrete actions—an approach fully aligned with our mission at Jump! Recruteurs.

These gatherings reflect the strength of collaboration between organizations, decision‑makers, experts, and entrepreneurs. They also highlight the dedication and passion of the teams contributing to the dynamism of Québec’s business ecosystem.

Want to continue the conversation? Contact us:
marcandre@jumprecruteurs.ca | steeve@jumprecruteurs.ca