OTTAWA - A senior government official has noted a rise in investor interest regarding Canada's military rebuilding efforts. Stefanie Beck, the deputy minister of National Defence, stated that she has seen unprecedented engagement from banks and pension plans. "I've never had so many banks come to see me," Beck remarked during a procurement conference hosted by the Canadian Global Affairs Institute in Ottawa.

The Canadian government is planning to significantly increase defense spending, aiming for levels not seen since the Cold War. The upcoming fall budget allocates $81.8 billion for defense by the end of the decade. In addition, Ottawa is expected to unveil a new defense industrial strategy in the coming weeks, which will outline plans to enhance the domestic defense industry.

As part of these initiatives, Doug Guzman has begun his role as the head of the newly established Defence Investment Agency. This agency is designed to centralize and expedite major military purchasing decisions, reflecting the government's commitment to modernizing its defense capabilities.

Beck's comments and the government's strategic moves indicate a growing recognition of the importance of defense investment in Canada, as well as an effort to engage the private sector in these plans. The anticipated changes are expected to reshape the landscape of Canada's defense procurement and industry involvement.