Industry and Technology

The committee adopted a Liberal motion to study how a defence industrial strategy could develop sovereign capabilities in sectors like aerospace, cybersecurity, and advanced materials. The committee agreed to a Conservative amendment to also invite the ministers of National Defence and Innovation, Science and Economic Development to appear. The study will include at least six meetings and report by November 5.

The committee also adopted a Bloc Québécois motion to study artificial intelligence. Members agreed it would be the third study in the queue, after the defence and productivity studies are completed. Some members suggested revisiting the scope later to avoid duplication with the ethics committee’s planned AI study.

A Conservative motion to study financial fraud and scams was introduced but not voted on. Members expressed broad support, noting rising losses and constituent cases, but the Bloc requested more time to review the text. The chair noted the fall schedule is already full with the two adopted studies, and the fraud study would be considered later.

The committee agreed to run the defence and productivity studies concurrently, starting with the second hour of the next meeting, depending on witness availability. Draft reports for both studies are expected by December.