AEROSPACE AND DEFENCE
more than 5,000 people, with Manitoba’s aerospace sector accounting for at least $414 million of the province’s gross domestic product in 2024. In addition to StandardAero, Magellan Aerospace and Boeing all being well-established at CentrePort Canada and ready to grow, Soubry says there are another 50 to 60 com- panies that are involved in both civil aviation and military aviation. “We have a big part of the Canadian military here located in Manitoba,” Soubry adds, not- ing the NORAD headquarters, CFB Shilo, CFB Winnipeg (17 Wing) and the Canadian Forces Flying School at Southport are all located within our province. Geographically, Manitoba has an advantage, Soubry says. We are at the heart of the continent and a route to the North, which is beneficial for both national and Arctic security.
sure that we are telling our amaz- ing story and being recognized as a viable option when it comes to defence investments.” Paul Soubry, the new executive champion of the MCDA, agrees it’s Manitoba’s time to show off our aero- space and defence capability. “There's finally a serious invest- ment into the Canadian Forces with a really solid running-start capability in the province, and a desire to want to grow and diversify our economy. Now's the time — as decisions are being made, as platforms are being chosen, as suppliers are being lined up — to make sure that we get our share and more of that federal spending,” Soubry says. “We plan on rattling chains and banging on doors to make sure they know us but make sure that they understand all of what Manitoba has and can provide.” The Manitoba aerospace and defence industries directly employ
“It’s an opportunity to position Manitoba and make sure that we are telling our amazing story and being recognized as a viable option when it comes to defence investments.” — BEVERLIE STUART, CEO OF MANITOBA AEROSPACE AND DEFENCE
7 WINTER 2026
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