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Selkirk College is exploring how our programs, research and partnerships might align with Canada’s emerging defence industrial strategy. The focus of our involvement would be on dual‑use technologies and training that also serve civil, community and sovereignty needs. 

The Defence Industrial Strategy has several pillars, some of which are about protecting Canada’s sovereignty and meeting our NATO obligations. One pillar that is of interest to post-secondary institutions in Canada is a focus on dual-use technology training. Funds are being allocated to invest in training and upskilling learners in dual-use technologies—i.e., workforce skills that have applications in both community and military settings. This includes areas such as health care, trades, cyber, disaster response, environmental monitoring and advanced manufacturing, among others. Selkirk College already hosts students in these areas who are sponsored by the Canadian Armed Forces, and this initiative could provide opportunities to attract more learners from this stream.  

Colleges and polytechnics have been identified as key partners for Canada's defence plans because they do three practical things: they train people with the hands‑on skills so employers can hire locally; they help turn new technologies into real products by doing applied research, building prototypes and testing ideas that can be used in a wide range of settings; and they strengthen emergency readiness through short courses and micro-credentials, giving communities the ability to quickly expand capacity when a crisis hits. At Selkirk College, we’re still learning about the practical, logistical and ethical implications about engaging in this strategy, and no decisions will be made until we get a sense of what our college community thinks. Thank you for taking the time to participate in this consultation.

We’re asking three core questions:

1. What are the risks?
2. What are the opportunities?
3. Under what conditions would people feel able to engage?

Along with in-person consultation, we are also asking employees who would like to provide feedback to please complete the survey by June 30.