In the Burnaby facility of OSI Maritime Systems, engineers and technicians are actively engaged in enhancing navigation systems for naval vessels, anticipating a significant surge in workload following Ottawa’s substantial investment in defense. Jim Girard, the company’s president, highlighted the current phase as a pivotal moment for the company. OSI specializes in constructing advanced ship bridges and navigation systems for various naval forces worldwide, including the Royal Canadian Navy.
With a current workforce of around 400 employees, a notable increase from 265 three years ago, OSI foresees substantial growth within Canada over the next decade. The federal government’s amplified defense expenditure, in line with NATO’s call for enhanced military funding, has instilled optimism within shipbuilding and naval technology firms.
Canada’s defense spending, estimated at 1.37% of its GDP in 2024, is set to rise significantly with Ottawa allocating $6.6 billion over five years for the forthcoming defense industrial strategy. British Columbia is strategically positioning itself to capitalize on the economic stimulus and job creation opportunities stemming from the increased federal spending. The province aims to secure a substantial portion of federal defense vessel contracts by 2035 through initiatives like the “Look West” strategy.
Former federal defense minister Harjit Sajjan is collaborating with B.C. to facilitate the province’s competitiveness for contracts, emphasizing the need for swift action to leverage emerging prospects. The recent influx of federal investments aligns with B.C.’s evolving shipbuilding landscape, which has garnered national attention due to recent decisions like B.C. Ferries contracting a Chinese shipyard for vessel construction.
As B.C. navigates this transformative period, industry leaders stress the importance of investing in skills training and workforce development to harness the full potential of the region’s defense shipbuilding sector. The province’s commitment to doubling trades training funding underscores its proactive approach in preparing local companies for the opportunities presented by increased defense spending.
