Coast-to-Coast Indigenous Partnership Advances New Model for Participation in Canada’s Future Submarine Program

Songhees Development Corporation, Des Nedhe Group Defence and Glooscap Ventures are welcoming the selection of their partner, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems Canada Ltd. (TKMS), as the preferred supplier for Canada’s landmark Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, calling it an important milestone for Canada’s future naval capability, sovereign defence capacity and Indigenous economic participation.

Earlier this year, the three Nation-owned economic development organizations entered into a cooperation agreement with TKMS to establish a Pan-Canadian framework to advance Indigenous participation in support of Canada’s future submarine capability.

The agreement creates structured pathways for Indigenous participation across industrial activities, workforce development, Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) delivery, governance and long-term sustainment initiatives connected to the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project.

As the project moves from supplier selection toward negotiation, industrial planning and implementation, the partners say the next phase will test how early Indigenous engagement is translated into delivery, workforce development, governance and long-term economic outcomes.

“This partnership demonstrates what commercially focused Indigenous participation can look like in a major national program,” said Rob Dick, Director, Songhees Development Corporation Board of Directors.“It brings Indigenous economic partners into the structure of the work from the outset, with shared accountability and a focus on delivery. This is a disciplined business approach to building value and strengthening Canada’s industrial base.”

The Canadian Patrol Submarine Project is one of the most significant defence procurement initiatives in a generation. It is intended to strengthen Canada’s maritime security, support Arctic and coastal sovereignty, and create long-term industrial and sustainment opportunities across the country.

“Canada is making generational investments in its sovereign defence capability, and Nation-owned businesses have the expertise, relationships and delivery capacity to be full partners in that work,” said Sean Willy, CEO of Des Nedhe Group “This opportunity goes beyond participation targets or subcontracting. It is about Indigenous leadership helping shape the long-term industrial benefits that come from these investments.”

The Pan-Canadian framework brings together Indigenous economic partners from the West Coast, the Prairies and Atlantic Canada. The partners say that national reach is critical to ensuring Indigenous participation reflects the scale, geography and long-term nature of Canada’s submarine program.

For Glooscap Ventures, the agreement represents an opportunity to build durable economic value for Indigenous communities and workers in Atlantic Canada and across the country.

“The value of a program like this is measured by the careers it creates, the businesses it helps grow and the opportunities it opens for the next generation,” said Michael Peters, CEO of Glooscap Ventures. “We want more Indigenous people building careers, starting businesses and helping lead the industries that will shape Canada's future.”

The future of Canadian naval sovereignty is taking shape, and the partners say Indigenous economic leadership has an important role to play in helping build it.

Songhees Development Corporation, Des Nedhe Group Defence and Glooscap Ventures look forward to continuing their work with TKMS as the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project moves into its next phase.