Calgary Chamber releases recommendations to drive growth in Alberta’s aerospace and defence sector
Calgary, AB, June 3, 2026 – With renewed attention on protecting Canada’s sovereignty and strengthening national defence, Canada’s aerospace and defence sector is entering a period of significant opportunity. As the federal government commits more than $84 billion to national defence and works toward NATO’s spending target of five per cent of GDP by 2035, Alberta has the potential to play a key role in these national priorities while advancing economic diversification in the province.
Alberta has the key components needed for a thriving aerospace industry, from skilled labour and industrial expertise to geographic advantages for aerospace testing and training. However, this competitive advantage remains underutilized. With 80 per cent of Canada’s aerospace employment concentrated in Quebec and Ontario, these provinces receive the majority of related policy attention and investment.
“With more than 150 companies operating in Alberta’s aerospace and defence sector, our province’s competitive advantage lies in our expertise in energy systems, AI and engineering, as well as a highly skilled workforce,” says Deborah Yedlin, President & CEO at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “However, the sector’s potential is often overlooked and even, overshadowed by more dominant industries. As we seek to diversify our economy, aerospace and defence should be recognized as a significant economic opportunity in Alberta, one that leverages the scientific and technical skills in the province and attracts investment into the sector.”
The Calgary Chamber’s new report, Sky High Potential: Positioning Alberta in Canada’s aerospace and defence landscape, outlines recommendations for federal and provincial governments, as well as post-secondary institutions, to strengthen the sector. Recommendations include improving supply chain connectivity, addressing labour shortages through credential recognition and training, increasing government engagement with the sector and expanding procurement opportunities for businesses in the province.
“Alberta has the talent, industrial base and geographic advantages to play a meaningful role in Canada’s aerospace and defence future,” adds Yedlin. “As the federal government advances major defence investments, there is a clear opportunity for both the provincial and federal governments to position Alberta as a key contributor to Canada’s economic and national security objectives.”
Recommendations
Federal-Provincial
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- Fully integrate and promote Alberta within national aerospace and defence strategies.
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- Ensure infrastructure investment aligns with northern and defence priorities.
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- Align workforce strategies across jurisdictions, including immigration, training capacity and credential recognition.
Federal
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- Modernize procurement processes to reduce timelines, complexity and barriers for SMEs.
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- Update financial thresholds and program limits to reflect inflation and current market conditions.
Provincial
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- Co-develop a Provincial Aerospace & Defence Strategy with industry.
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- Coordinate with industry to advance the mandate of the Ministry of Jobs, Economy and Trade to maximize federal and private investment in defence-related infrastructure.
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- Designate aerospace and defence as a priority sector for economic diversification.
Industry & Post-Secondary Institutions
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- Develop targeted reskilling and upskilling pathways to transition talent from adjacent sectors.
Quick Facts
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- Canada’s aerospace and defence sector contributes $34B annually to Canada’s GDP and supports more than 225,000 jobs.
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- Canada’s aerospace supply chain includes over 700 SMEs.
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- Alberta has more than 150 companies operating in the aerospace and defence sector across unmanned aerial systems (UAS), satellite communications, defence systems integration and maintenance, repair and overhaul services.
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- The aerospace and defence sector is projected to require over 55,000 additional workers by 2035.
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- Approximately 80 per cent of Canada’s aerospace employment is concentrated in Quebec and Ontario.
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About the Calgary Chamber of Commerce
The Calgary Chamber exists to empower our business community to advance a prosperous Calgary and Canada. As the convenor and catalyst for a vibrant, inclusive and prosperous business community, the Chamber works to build strength and resilience among its members and position Calgary as a magnet for talent, diversification and opportunity. As an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization founded in 1891, we build on our history to serve and advocate for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors across the city.
Media opportunities
For media inquiries, please contact: media@calgarychamber.com
