Manitoba Aerospace & Defence

10/19/2026

Please join us in welcoming Colleen Holloway to the Manitoba Aerospace and Defence Association team as our new Director, Manitoba-Canada Defence Alliance.

Colleen brings extensive experience in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, organizational alignment and economic and sector development. Throughout her career, she has worked with leaders and organizations across the public, private and Indigenous contexts to bring people together, navigate complex initiatives and translate shared priorities into coordinated action.

In her new role, Colleen will lead the day-to-day development and operation of the Manitoba-Canada Defence Alliance, working with industry, governments, Indigenous organizations, the Canadian Armed Forces, post-secondary institutions and other partners to strengthen collaboration across Manitoba’s defence ecosystem and advance opportunities for our province.

We are thrilled to have Colleen join our team and look forward to the experience, perspective and leadership she will bring as we continue building Manitoba’s aerospace and defence ecosystem.

Welcome to the team, Colleen!

10/18/2026

We are deeply saddened by the tragic events at CFB Wainwright.

On behalf of Manitoba Aerospace and Defence Association, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Canadian Armed Forces members, families, friends, and the wider military community affected by this tragedy.

Our thoughts are with all those grieving during this incredibly difficult time. We stand with our Canadian Armed Forces community, united in grief, compassion, and support.

It is with profound sadness that we confirm that a fire incident at CFB Wainwright on October 17 resulted in fatalities and injuries. Our immediate priority is supporting those affected and notifying next of kin.
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2026/10/incident-at-canadian-forces-base-wainwright.html

10/16/2026

In recognition of Small Business Week, Manitoba Aerospace and Defence CEO Beverlie Stuart was pleased to participate in an engaging roundtable discussion hosted by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce with the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State for Small Business and Tourism.

Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of our economy, and access to skilled talent remains vital. Workforce development fuels innovation, productivity, and long-term growth, and must be treated as an economic competitiveness strategy.

Thank you to the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce for bringing together business and community leaders to discuss the workforce and talent priorities that will help strengthen Manitoba's economy and support the continued success of small businesses.

10/07/2026

Last week’s Manitoba–UK Defence Summit brought together leaders from the aerospace and defence sectors to explore opportunities for trade, investment, and collaboration across the global defence supply chain.

Day 1 set the stage for meaningful dialogue through conference sessions, roundtable discussions, and networking opportunities, leading into the Journey to Churchill Reception, hosted by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and the Business Council of Manitoba.

Building on those discussions, Day 2 provided delegates with a firsthand look at some of Manitoba's industry capabilities through site visits to Boeing Winnipeg, the National Research Council, StandardAero, and Magellan Aerospace. The program also featured B2B meetings and concluded with a reception at the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada.

While the summit has come to an end, the momentum continues. Thank you to all delegates, speakers, partners, and organizers whose contributions helped advance meaningful dialogue, strengthen relationships, and lay the foundation for future opportunities.

09/30/2026

September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a time to reflect, learn, and grow together as a community. It is a day to honour the past while strengthening our commitment to building a more respectful and inclusive future.

On this day, we remember the children who never returned home from residential schools, and we honour the Survivors, their families, and their communities. We acknowledge the profound and lasting impacts of the residential school system and recognize the resilience, strength, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples across Canada.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation provides an opportunity for meaningful dialogue about the history and legacy of residential schools. It encourages all Canadians to deepen their understanding, listen with open hearts, and work together to advance truth, reconciliation, and mutual respect.

Orange Shirt Day serves as a powerful call to action. It reminds us that reconciliation requires more than reflection. It calls on each of us to recognize the truth, confront injustice, and contribute to a future grounded in equity, compassion, and understanding.

Today, and every day, Manitoba Aerospace and Defence remains committed to supporting truth, healing, and reconciliation. We actively champion learning opportunities that honour and respect the histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

Let us come together to learn, listen, and support one another as we celebrate the rich cultures, vibrant traditions, and enduring strength of Indigenous communities. Through understanding and action, we can all play a role in fostering meaningful and lasting reconciliation.

09/29/2026

The first Manitoba–UK Defence Summit is underway in Winnipeg!

Taking place yesterday and today, this summit is one of the first signature events under the new Canada-Manitoba Defence Alliance. It brings together organizations from both jurisdictions to identify opportunities for trade, investment and collaboration within the global defence supply chain.

Discussions are focused on Arctic defence and sovereignty, supply chain integration, dual-use technologies, procurement, military modernization and the practical implementation of new partnerships.

“The Manitoba-UK Defence Summit gives our companies an important opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities directly to prospective international partners,” said Beverlie Stuart, MA, CEO of Manitoba Aerospace & Defence. “Manitoba has a strong foundation in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, maintenance and repair, transportation, training, research and dual-use innovation. By connecting that expertise with UK organizations seeking capable and trusted partners, we can open new pathways to investment, procurement and long-term business growth.”

READ MORE: 'We've just been blown away,' U.K. defence association says during visit to Manitoba | CBC News

Manitoba is trying to position itself to capture a share of Ottawa's commitment to increase defence spending — with the ultimate goal of becoming an aerospace and military hub.

09/29/2026

The first Manitoba–UK Defence Summit is underway in Winnipeg!

Taking place yesterday and today, this summit is one of the first signature events under the new Canada-Manitoba Defence Alliance. It brings together organizations from both jurisdictions to identify opportunities for trade, investment and collaboration within the global defence supply chain.

Discussions are focused on Arctic defence and sovereignty, supply chain integration, dual-use technologies, procurement, military modernization and the practical implementation of new partnerships.

“The Manitoba-UK Defence Summit gives our companies an important opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities directly to prospective international partners,” said Beverlie Stuart, MA, CEO of Manitoba Aerospace & Defence. “Manitoba has a strong foundation in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, maintenance and repair, transportation, training, research and dual-use innovation. By connecting that expertise with UK organizations seeking capable and trusted partners, we can open new pathways to investment, procurement and long-term business growth.”

READ MORE: 'We've just been blown away,' U.K. defence association says during visit to Manitoba | CBC News

Manitoba is trying to position itself to capture a share of Ottawa's commitment to increase defence spending — with the ultimate goal of becoming an aerospace and military hub.

09/22/2026

This morning’s MBiz Speaker Series: The State of Post-Secondary brought education and industry voices together to discuss Manitoba’s talent pipeline.

Beverlie Stuart, CEO of Manitoba Aerospace & Defence, moderated a discussion on the future of Manitoba’s workforce with Dr. Michael Benarroch, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Manitoba, and Fred Meier, President and CEO of RRC Polytech. Together, they explored how strong partnerships between post-secondary institutions and industry can create opportunities for talent development, research, innovation, and economic growth.

Thank you to the organizers, speakers, and attendees for an insightful morning of conversation.

09/18/2026

What a great Manitoba moment!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Procurement Pathways 2026. From our speakers and government representatives to our industry partners and attendees, your insights and enthusiasm made this year’s event a tremendous success.

In case you missed it, here are a few highlights from an exciting day:

✈️ Manitoba Aerospace Inc. announced its official name change to Manitoba Aerospace and Defence, reflecting the continued growth and evolution of our province’s aerospace and defence sectors.

📢 Doug Eyolfson, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg West, attended Procurement Pathways on behalf of the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, to announce more than $3.2 million in federal funding through the Regional Defence Investment Initiative.
The funding will support RRC Polytech in establishing the Manitoba Defence and Dual-Use Innovation Bridge, a two-year initiative delivered in partnership with Manitoba Aerospace and Defence and Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters-Manitoba.
Over two years, this is expected to support 100 Manitoba small- and medium-sized businesses and create 90 jobs. It will also help more Manitoba companies become defence-ready, connect with customers, and compete for contracts in domestic and international defence supply chains.
Learn more: https://ow.ly/cNHZ50ZPlMq

🎥 Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism unveiled their new video created in partnership with industry to celebrate the talent, expertise and world-class capabilities that make Winnipeg and Manitoba leaders in aerospace.

Thank you once again to our speakers, partners and attendees for making Procurement Pathways 2026 a success. Together, we’re building new pathways to connection, innovation and growth across Manitoba’s aerospace and defence sectors.

09/17/2026

✈️ Where Vision Takes Flight!

A big thank you to Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism for shining a spotlight on the talent, expertise, and opportunities that position Winnipeg and Manitoba as a key destination for aerospace investment, innovation, and growth.

At Manitoba Aerospace, we’re proud to help connect, strengthen, and champion this dynamic ecosystem: locally, nationally, and around the world.

This is Manitoba’s sky economy, and together we’re reaching new heights. 🚀

From advanced manufacturing and aerospace innovation to a highly sk...