Canada Sets 70% Domestic Defence Contract Target as Syntax Adds Procurement Adviser

Canada’s proposed defence industrial strategy sets a significant long-term direction for federal procurement: a target of 70% domestic participation in federal defence contracts over the next decade. The target signals a policy emphasis on building Canadian industrial capacity, but it should not be read as a stated mandatory supplier quota or an automatic preference applicable to every competition. For contractors, the practical implication is to understand how domestic capabilities may align with future requirements and how procurement decisions will be implemented as the strategy develops. The government is also establishing a Defence Investment Agency, adding an institutional development that suppliers will want to monitor as responsibilities and processes take shape.

The appointment of Lorraine Ben as an associate at Ottawa-based Syntax Strategic brings experienced defence-industry procurement advice to companies seeking federal opportunities. Ben joined the defence and aerospace sector in the late 1990s, held senior business development and sales positions at Telus, Accenture and IBM, and returned to Lockheed Martin Canada to lead its Canadian operations in 2019. She left the company in August 2025 after 11 years as CEO. Under her leadership, Lockheed Martin Canada became a key supplier to major procurement projects, including new warships for the Royal Canadian Navy. At Syntax, Ben will advise clients on navigating federal defence procurement and understanding what resonates with senior officials at the Department of National Defence.

The advisory role is relevant to suppliers at different stages of market entry. Syntax CEO Jennifer Stewart said some clients are seasoned defence-sector businesses, while others are small and medium-sized enterprises seeking to enter the market. Ben’s experience may help companies assess procurement processes, position their capabilities, and understand how to engage with government buyers. That support does not guarantee an award; it can help suppliers prepare more effectively for opportunities by clarifying requirements, demonstrating relevant capability, and engaging early enough to inform industry’s response.

Ben emphasized the need for timely, clear communication between government and suppliers: “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.” This point has practical implications for both sides of the procurement relationship. Government buyers can improve supplier readiness by communicating requirements clearly and early, while companies can use that information to determine whether they have the technical, operational, and commercial capacity to compete. As the domestic-share target and Defence Investment Agency develop, contractors should track implementation details rather than assume the target itself specifies a particular evaluation rule or supplier obligation.

• Canada’s target: A 70% domestic share of federal defence contracts over the next decade; the source describes this as a government target, not a mandatory supplier requirement.
• Institutional change: Canada is establishing a Defence Investment Agency; suppliers should monitor its developing role and procurement processes.
• Advisory appointment: Former Lockheed Martin Canada CEO Lorraine Ben joined Syntax Strategic as an associate, advising clients on federal defence procurement.
• Relevant experience: Ben led Lockheed Martin Canada from 2019 until leaving in August 2025, after 11 years as CEO, and the company became a key supplier to projects including the Royal Canadian Navy’s new warships.
• Supplier readiness: Small and medium-sized businesses should be prepared to demonstrate relevant capability and understand federal procurement processes.
• Engagement timing: Ben called for government-industry conversations to happen early and for officials to communicate needs clearly so industry can respond effectively and quickly.
• Buyer implication: Clear, timely requirements communication can help domestic suppliers assess fit and prepare credible responses.
• Market-entry consideration: Syntax serves both established defence firms and businesses seeking to break into the sector; advisory support can improve process understanding but does not assure contract awards.