Office of the Premier of Prince Edward Island

02/18/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/18/2026 12:20

Province opens call for Islanders to participate in the Advisory Panel on National Defence Opportunities

Hon. Rob Lantz, Premier of Prince Edward Island announced today that his new government will be establishing an Advisory Panel on National Defence Opportunities to help position the province to benefit from emerging opportunities tied to Canada's growing defence and security sector.

The panel will provide strategic advice to government and Innovation PEI as the province develops a provincial approach focused on economic growth, innovation, and industry participation.

"Increased national defence spending presents opportunities for Island businesses. This panel will help us better position our province to find the economic opportunities within the increased national defence spending."

- Hon. Rob Lantz, Premier of Prince Edward Island

"Our focus is on growing Island businesses and creating high-quality jobs," said Hon. Gilles Arsenault, Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Artificial Intelligence. "By taking a coordinated approach, we can better support local companies as they explore and pursue opportunities tied to national defence investments."

Once appointed, over a three-month term the advisory panel will engage industry, post-secondary institutions, and key stakeholders to assess provincial capabilities and identify economic development opportunities.

For more information or to participate, visit Provincial Defence Strategy Advisory Panel.

Media contact:
Emily Blue
Office of the Premier
[email protected]

Office of the Premier of Prince Edward Island published this content on February 18, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on February 18, 2026 at 18:20 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]