Why South Vancouver Island Must Act Now on Defence, Marine & Workforce Opportunity

Global security pressures, national defence priorities, and local economic realities are converging faster than many realize.

In this conversation, we explore why South Vancouver Island—and the Central Island ecosystem—are uniquely positioned at a pivotal moment. With accelerating defence modernization, major marine and naval investments, and growing workforce, productivity, and affordability challenges, the region must move quickly and collaboratively.

As Canada invests in new naval vessels, submarines, and advanced maritime technologies, the local defence and marine community—centered around CFB Esquimalt—has a rare opportunity to lead. The question is not if this shift is happening, but whether we are prepared to seize it before others do.