International Trade Committee on June 11th, 2026

[Véronique Dorval]

Indeed—we help entrepreneurs quickly understand what they need rather than having them flounder. Over the past few months, I've met with business owners who recognized the economic opportunities in the sector and were quite interested in it. We try to help them quickly understand the requirements so they can position themselves to become suppliers in the defence sector. However, we don't have a validation process per se.

[Linda Lapointe, Liberal, Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, QC]

You agree with me that defence is a very broad field. It's not just about drones. As you said, it encompasses the entire supply chain. In the Laurentians, for example, there are many companies in the aviation sector. That said, there are other businesses that revolve around all of that. It's quite broad.

Here's an example. I went to visit the Bain Magique company. I don't know if this is a company you support, but Bain Magique has branches in the United States and in my riding. Just think about military bases—which are in great need of renovation. Surprisingly, companies that might not have considered it can get into the defence sector—which includes helping to renovate military bases. It's such a broad field. Business owners don't see that. They all think it's about drones and military equipment.

Is that something you're promoting?

[Véronique Dorval]

We're gaining more and more insight into it. We're realizing that a considerable portion of the defence sector is supported by companies that only generate 10% or 20% of their revenue…. That's the case with Bain Magique, for example, but I've also met with companies that make bunk beds or bolts. All of that is needed, too. The defence sector is quite broad, after all.

We have a significant public presence. We also look at defence-related industries to inform businesses of opportunities to expand their services or products into the defence sector.

[Linda Lapointe, Liberal, Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, QC]

At the very least, we need to open their eyes and help them see that there are opportunities beyond the usual market.

[Véronique Dorval]

Absolutely.

[The Chair, Liberal, Judy Sgro]

Thank you so much to our witnesses. It's been a very valuable two hours.

For all of the answers that are outstanding, please ensure that you send the information to the clerk for distribution to the committee members.

Thank you all very much. I will move adjournment.