Ottawa/IBNS, Jan. 9 -- Canada will invest $244.2 million in the National Research Council of Canada's Industrial Research Assistance Program to launch the Defence Industry Assist initiative, Industry Minister Melanie Joly announced on Friday.

The programme will provide funding and advisory support to high-potential, innovative Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises to advance made-in-Canada defence and dual-use technologies.

Through targeted investments, DI Assist will seek to reduce barriers to market entry by connecting SMEs to procurement pathways and strengthening defence supply chains.

The initiative is expected to position Canadian firms to support national defence priorities and compete in global markets.

Research and deve...