Halifax hosting defence firms at record-breaking conference amid protests

International defence companies are gathering in Halifax this week for DEFSEC Atlantic 2026, one of the country's largest security conventions. Over 3,000 attendees from industry and government are in attendance, signalling a growing interest in Nova Scotia's defence sector. Sheldon Gillis, Invest Nova Scotia's managing defence director, says the conference highlights the province's increasing appeal for global defence firms.

DEFSEC Atlantic 2026 is the largest on record, further cementing Nova Scotia's status as Canada's defence capital, which supports more than 17,000 jobs. Nova Scotia's defence and aerospace sector contributes $2.7 billion to the province's GDP. The federal government recently announced $3 billion in new infrastructure and defence spending for Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, including over $2 billion for modernization and expansion of military facilities.

Nova Scotia's Minister of Growth, Development, and Defence Industries, Colton LeBlanc, praises the province's strategic location and existing military infrastructure as ideal for attracting defence companies. However, the event has drawn criticism from protesters who view it as an "arms expo" promoting conflict. Asaf Rashid of the Halifax Committee Against Imperialist War And Genocide argues that the arms industry is a major contributor to global destruction and resource consumption.

LeBlanc acknowledges these concerns but emphasizes his focus on supporting the showcased defence industry.