Defence, Security and Aerospace Defence, Security and Aerospace

Canada has long been a global leader in defence, aerospace, and advanced technologies. These sectors play a vital role in national security, infrastructure development, industrial and technological policy, and economic growth. They demand deep legal insight into how innovation intersects with regulation, procurement, and public policy.

At Osler, we have decades of experience advising companies that operate in or support strategically important and regulated industries. From aerospace manufacturers and AI startups to infrastructure developers and multinationals engaged in defence contracting, we understand the regulatory frameworks, procurement systems, and cross-border considerations that shape your business.

A pivotal moment for Canadian defence and infrastructure

Recent federal commitments to significantly increase defence and infrastructure spending have created new urgency and opportunity. With increased investment in cybersecurity, Arctic surveillance, space, AI, quantum, critical digital infrastructure, and domestic manufacturing, businesses with the right legal guidance can gain a competitive edge in a fast-evolving landscape.

Whether you’re preparing for a government RFP, scaling your operations, navigating national security reviews, managing program compliance, or protecting proprietary technology, we can help.

How we can help

We work closely with clients across sectors to provide practical, forward-looking legal advice in areas including:

• Corporate, M&A, and private equity – Advising on transactions involving regulated and defence related assets, sensitive technologies, and cross-border growth strategies.
• Financing – Complex debt, equity and structured equity financings from governmental and non-governmental investors. Both domestic and international.
• Government procurement and contracting – Supporting clients through every stage of the procurement lifecycle, from reviewing the procurement documents and preparing the proposal submission to negotiating and finalizing the contracts and meeting contract security requirements, and resolving disputes.
• Investment Canada Act and national security reviews – Guiding businesses through foreign investment reviews, particularly those involving sensitive industries or critical infrastructure.
• Export controls and economic sanctions – Helping clients comply with defence trade controls, controlled goods regulations, and cross-border data restrictions.
• Cybersecurity – Delivering end-to-end counsel on cyber resilience, incident response to cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, and advising on safeguarding obligations under defense-sector, privacy and cybersecurity laws, with a focus on protecting highly sensitive and proprietary data and critical systems.
• Critical infrastructure – Supporting complex public-private projects, defence facility development, and modernization of essential infrastructure.
• Technology, IP, and AI – Advising on protection, licensing, and commercialization of emerging technologies, especially those with national security implications.
• Employment – Security clearance requirements (ITAR/CGP) in the onboarding process, confidentiality and intellectual property agreements, workforce planning and mobility.
• Disputes, arbitration and investigations – Representing clients in high-stakes procurement disputes, litigation, regulatory matters, and investigations.

Trusted legal advisors to Canada’s strategic industries

With a multidisciplinary team and deep industry experience, Osler is uniquely positioned to support your organization in navigating today’s challenges and preparing for what’s next.