Series Introduction

This series will explain why Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy (“DIS”) represents a significant shift in how Canada plans, procures, and sustains its defence capabilities. By linking national security and defence readiness with broader goals such as industrial capacity, domestic supply chains, intellectual property, exports, workforce development, and partnerships, the DIS expands procurement beyond a traditionally limited focus on cost. This three-part series explores the resulting legal and business implications for organizations operating in defence, defence-adjacent, and dual-use sectors.

Series at a Glance

Part 1: Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy: What Changes for Lawyers and Industry

In the first part, authors outline the DIS’s five pillars, its ten-year policy direction, and the Defence Investment Agency’s emerging role, emphasizing the importance of ensuring appropriate governance, security readiness, intellectual property ownership, and strategic partnerships.

Read Part 1

Part 2: Build-Partner-Buy in Practice: Procurement, Deals, and IP Under the Defence Industrial Strategy

The second part of this series examines the practical application of the Build-Partner-Buy framework, including its impact on procurement pathways, bid evaluation, sustainment obligations, deal structures, and the treatment of intellectual property and commercialization rights.

Read Part 2

Part 3: Readiness, Supply Chains, and Domestic Partnerships: Managing Beyond the Bid

Lastly, part three focuses on the legal and commercial structures needed throughout the defence contract lifecycle, including organizational readiness, SME participation, supply chain assurance, continuity obligations, and Indigenous and Arctic partnerships.

Read Part 3

Final Thoughts

The series highlights how early, integrated legal advice can help businesses strengthen competitiveness, manage compliance, and support long-term success in Canada’s evolving defence sector.

This post is for information purposes only and should not be taken as legal opinions on any specific facts or circumstances. Counsel should be consulted concerning your own situation and any specific legal questions you may have.

About the Author(s)

Jordyn M. Nachtegaele is an associate lawyer in the McKercher LLP Saskatoon office with experience in entrepreneurship who maintains a general corporate commercial practice. 

Joseph A. Gill is a partner in the McKercher LLP Saskatoon office. He is the Prairie's go-to technology and startup lawyer, having assisted hundreds of Prairie startups from formation and beyond. He works with founders throughout the startup life cycle through growth, scale, and exit. Joe was named a 2025 Lexpert Rising Star - Leading Lawyer Under 40 in Canada. This prestigious national award recognizes exceptional young lawyers who demonstrate leadership, innovation, and community impact.

About McKercher LLP

For 100 years, McKercher LLP has grown deep roots across Saskatchewan, serving the community from offices in Saskatoon and Regina. As one of the province’s largest and most established full-service law firms, we proudly follow a client-first philosophy as we provide legal services and real solutions for the people who rely on us.