I think you raise a very good point. If Canada does not rely on its domestic producers, it becomes difficult for them to be credible when they try to sell their products abroad if their own national government is not even depending or relying on them to equip its armed forces. That leads to difficult decisions at the political level as to when and what to procure and who to ask to supply the Canadian Forces. Do we go with the lowest bidder or do we go with the lowest bidder or a Canadian producer to ensure this becomes a national champion or a nationally recognized supplier, which can then become also recognized by other armed forces abroad and export its product? It's a delicate balancing act.
On June 9th, 2023. See this statement in context.