A strong defence industry is key to Canada’s national sovereignty and security as well as its economic resilience and long-term prosperity. That is why the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister Responsible for FedNor, today announced the launch of the Government of Canada’s Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII). This $357.7 million national initiative will be delivered by Canada’s Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) to support our country’s defence needs while bolstering regional economic development. The RDII will be delivered in Northern Ontario by FedNor with an investment budget of $15.8 million over three years.