Canada Is Uniquely Qualified To Lead The Western Alliance In Unmanned Systems - OpEd

A new op-ed argues Canada is well positioned to lead the Western alliance in unmanned systems, even as U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff moves strain Canada’s auto sector. The author points to a defense manufacturing contrast: 62,000 workers in defense versus 125,000 directly in automotive today. Ottawa’s plans include core annual defense spending rising 150% by 2035, while a February Defence Industrial Strategy targets 125,000 defense jobs and aims for 70% of procurement spending to go to Canadian firms. The paper cites the 1956 U.S.-Canada DPSA framework as “tariff-proof” and highlights drone and uncrewed-system hubs, plus a $130 million Drone Innovation Hub.