On May 27, General Vice President (GVP) of the IAM Union in Canada, David Chartrand, joined national leaders at a closed-door session hosted by the Canadian Club of Toronto and the Business Council of Canada. This meeting brought together CEOs from major firms like Bombardier, ATCO, and Nokia, alongside government officials, union representatives and business representatives to discuss how to build a modern, sovereign industrial strategy for Canada.

With Canada preparing to boost defence spending and meet its NATO commitments, including a pledge to invest 2% of GDP in defence by 2030, the timing of the conversation couldn’t be more critical.

Speaking on behalf of labour, GVP Chartrand stressed that Canada’s defence base has been neglected for too long. “This isn’t just about national security,” he said. “It’s about economic opportunity, strategic independence, and good Canadian jobs.”

He called for urgent action to:

• Strengthen Canada’s ability to defend itself without relying on foreign infrastructure
• Invest in domestic manufacturing and workforce development
• Source steel, aluminum, and critical components from within Canada
• Rebuild supply chains to support long-term innovation and global competitiveness

During the meeting, the federal government was also urged to increase investment in Canada’s military capacity not just to reduce dependence on foreign allies, but to strengthen our own readiness and become a more capable, strategic partner on the world stage.

Canada is one of only four countries that can design and assemble a full aircraft. “We were once an industrial powerhouse, and there’s no reason we can’t be again. We’ve got the skilled labour and the institutional knowledge – we just need to activate it with the right strategy,” he added.

“To succeed, we’ll need a whole-of-nation approach. Our government cannot do it alone. Business cannot drive this in a vacuum. And, of course, workers must be part of the solution from day one,” Chartrand emphasized, highlighting the importance of collaboration in building a resilient industrial future.

The event highlighted a growing consensus: Canada must take bold steps to secure its place in a changing world and steps that will require vision, coordination, and a commitment to invest in the talent and capacity that already exists across the country.

One thing is clear if Canada wants to protect its sovereignty and economic future, the time to act is now.