Halifax hosting defence firms at record-breaking conference amid protests

International defence companies are converging on Halifax this week for DEFSEC Atlantic 2026, the province's largest security convention to date. The gathering, which has drawn over 3,000 attendees, includes industry representatives and government officials who say the event highlights the growing defence spending in Nova Scotia.

Sheldon Gillis, Invest Nova Scotia’s managing defence director, notes that global companies are showing an increased interest in Halifax’s defence landscape. As per the province, DEFSEC Atlantic 2026 marks a record high for the event, reinforcing Nova Scotia's status as Canada’s defence capital, which currently supports more than 17,000 jobs provincewide. The sector contributes $2.7 billion to the province's GDP.

Prime Minister Mark Carney recently announced $3 billion in new infrastructure and defence spending for Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, including over $2 billion for infrastructure upgrades, training expansion, and the construction of facilities for new warships and aircraft. Colton LeBlanc, Nova Scotia’s Minister of Growth, Development, and Defence Industries, points out that Nova Scotia’s military infrastructure and location on the North Atlantic make it an attractive location for companies.

A Dartmouth-based start-up, Omnitech Electronics, is among the companies that attended the conference, hoping to connect with potential customers and collaborators. However, not everyone shares the enthusiasm for the DEFSEC Atlantic 2026.

Protesters outside the three-day event at the Halifax Convention Centre have labeled it an "arms expo," expressing their opposition to the event on the grounds that defence companies are profiting from conflict. Asaf Rashid, a member of the Halifax Committee Against Imperialist War And Genocide, argues that the arms industry contributes to destruction worldwide and has been on the rise in recent years.

In response to the protests, LeBlanc acknowledges the concerns but emphasizes his focus on supporting the event and respecting the viewpoints of those outside.