# Canada Targets Domestic Defense Contracts

Canada is pursuing a defence industrial strategy that targets a 70% domestic share of federal defence contracts over the next decade and is establishing a Defence Investment Agency. Lorraine Ben, former Lockheed Martin Canada CEO, has joined Ottawa-based Syntax Strategic as an associate to advise clients navigating federal defence procurement. For procurement officials and suppliers, the strategy signals an emphasis on domestic industry participation, while the article highlights early engagement, demonstrated capability, and knowledge of procurement processes as important to supplier readiness.

- Canadian SMEs seeking defence work should be prepared to demonstrate relevant capability and understand federal procurement processes; the 70% domestic-share figure is a government target, not a stated mandatory supplier requirement.
- Government buyers and industry stakeholders may benefit from early, clear communication about requirements so domestic suppliers can respond effectively.
- Syntax Strategic’s appointment of a former defence-industry executive adds procurement advisory capacity for businesses seeking to engage with Canadian federal defence opportunities.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** November 13, 2026

### Government Entities
- Department of National Defence (DND)
- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED Canada)
- Defence Investment Agency (DIA)
- Royal Canadian Navy (RCN)
- Canadian Armed Forces (CAF)

### Vendors
- Syntax Strategic (Procurement advisory firm)
- Lockheed Martin Canada (Supplier to major Canadian defence procurement projects)
- Dominion Dynamics (Prospective supplier developing drone and sensor technology for military customers)
- Calian Group (Defence industry contractor)

### Key Quotes
> These conversations need to happen early, and (the federal government) needs to be able to say what it needs so industry can respond in an effective and fast way.
> — Lorraine Ben, Associate at Syntax Strategic

### Sources
- [Ex-Lockheed Martin boss Lorraine Ben ‘excited’ for new role at Syntax Strategic | Ottawa Business Journal](https://obj.ca/ex-lockheed-martin-boss-joins-syntax) - Ottawa Business Journal