The author says Trump tariffs are hollowing Canadian auto (Jeep Compass leaving Brampton for Illinois in Stellantis’s US$13 billion U.S. shift) but defense could more than offset jobs if Ottawa hits its own targets: 62,000 defense jobs now vs. 125,000 direct auto; core defense spend 150% by 2035; Defence Industrial Strategy (February) claims 125,000 new defense jobs and 70% of spend on Canadian firms (from ~50%). Exports 50% he calls a low bar. Defense is framed as mostly tariff-proof via government-to-government channels (1956 DPSA with the U.S.).

Unmanned systems are his pick to lead: geography (coast, Arctic), minerals vs. China magnet/metals choke points, idle EV-adjacent plants (Ontario; Europe already converting), and AI talent (Toronto ~24,000, Cohere). Government: C$130 million Drone Innovation Hub plus a summer uncrewed-systems acceleration hub.

Capital is the lag: Saronic’s US$1.75 billion Series D vs. Dominion Dynamics’ C$139 million Series A. Recipe he wants: a launch CAF order, an idle plant, and the new Defence, Security and Resilience Bank for 12–18 month conversions.

There’s little doubt that Canadian manufacturing is suffering under the tariff war. President Trump’s unpredictability means manufacturers will hedge by moving production south of the border. The Jeep Compass is just one example. It was supposed to restart the Brampton assembly plant but is now going to Illinois as part of Stellantis’s US$13-billion move into American manufacturing.

The opportunity amidst this crisis is that employment growth in the Canadian defense industry could overcompensate job losses in a decimated auto industry, if the Canadian government’s targets are achieved. Defense manufacturing is almost tariff-proof. Moreover, Canada holds some unique capabilities that qualify it to significantly increase defense exports.

The defense industry employs 62,000 today, versus 125,000 who work directly in the automotive industry. The latter number excludes jobs in automotive sales and services, as those jobs are needed regardless of where the vehicles are produced. The government plans core annual defense spending to rise 150% by 2035, compared to today. Over the same time span, the Defence Industrial Strategy announced by the prime minister in February anticipates the creation of........

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