Putting national security first

The Business Council of Canada calls on the government to develop and implement a Defence Industrial Base (DIB) Strategy to supercharge Canada’s broader economic security and prosperity. The Council’s report Security & Prosperity was covered widely in multiple media outlets.  

“If we don’t put our national security at the top, not near – but the top of the list, we are playing Russian Roulette with our economy. Economic security comes from national security. Our government has to make those choices.”  

Goldy Hyder, President and Chief Executive Officer, Business Council of Canada

“We’re late to the game,” he said. “You can’t enter a year in which you’re having a review and renewal of the most important trade agreement in our country on the back foot, you can’t be on the defensive — and that’s what we clearly are.” 

Goldy Hyder, President and Chief Executive Officer, Business Council of Canada

“Senior officials from the United States have repeatedly warned that Canada’s preferential access to the U.S. export market – a market which supported the livelihoods of more than three million Canadian workers in 2022 – could be jeopardized if the government of Canada fails to move with urgency to meet its NATO commitments.” 

“A foundational element of military capability is a robust industrial base.” 

“If Canada doesn’t follow suit with its key allies, then we’re going to be left behind.”  

Trevor Neiman, Vice President, Business Council of Canada

“There are serious  implications if all signals from the U.S. and others is ‘you’ve got to shape up or we will ship you out’”

Goldy Hyder, President and Chief Executive Officer, Business Council of Canada

” You can’t outsource your security. You have a responsibility as a government to the sovereignty and safety and the well being of our citizens and this is job one.”

Goldy Hyder, President and Chief Executive Officer, Business Council of Canada

“This is an opportunity for Canada to build an industrial base that is integrated with the United States.”

Goldy Hyder, President and Chief Executive Officer, Business Council of Canada

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