Canada’s renewed focus on national security, defence investment, supply chain resilience, cybersecurity and critical infrastructure is creating new opportunities for businesses in the defence ecosystem, while increasing regulatory and market complexity.
Miller Thomson’s Defence, Security and Aerospace Industry Group advises Canadian and international companies supporting defence, aerospace, technology, infrastructure and security initiatives in Canada and abroad. Our multidisciplinary team delivers practical, business-oriented advice on procurement, regulatory compliance, transactions, strategic growth and operational risk in an increasingly complex environment.
We advise prime contractors, subcontractors, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), emerging and dual-use technology companies, manufacturers, investors and private equity sponsors, infrastructure developers and businesses in adjacent sectors whose operations intersect with defence, security, aerospace or government procurement requirements.
Tailored legal support across the defence sector
Our team provides integrated legal services tailored to organizations operating in or adjacent to the defence, security and aerospace industries, including:
- Procurement, Contracting & Public Funding: Guidance on federal and provincial procurement processes, bid preparation, contract structuring, compliance and disputes, as well as government funding, grants, SR&ED and other R&D incentives, Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) obligations, and other programs supporting innovation.
- National Security, Foreign Investment & Trade Controls: Advice on national security and foreign investment including under the Investment Canada Act, Controlled Goods Program, Competition Act, and in respect of sanctions, export controls, customs and cross-border trade laws.
- Infrastructure, Real Estate & Major Projects: Counsel on defence, transportation, shipbuilding, aerospace and other major projects, spanning development, real property acquisitions, leases, and divestitures, environmental assessment and remediation, permitting, zoning, and Indigenous consultation and accommodation.
- M&A, Corporate Transactions & Financings: Counsel on M&A, joint ventures and partnerships, distribution, supply and other commercial agreements, secured and unsecured lending, acquisition and project financing, private capital and public offerings, restructurings and other corporate transactions.
- Tax: Tax-efficient structuring for transactions and supply chains, including transfer pricing and cross-border planning.
- Intellectual Property & Innovation: Protecting and commercializing proprietary technologies, software and other IP, trade secret and confidential information safeguards, and advice on controlled goods, technology transfers, and ownership of government-funded R&D.
- Cybersecurity, Data Protection & Emerging Technologies: Cybersecurity readiness and incident response, privacy and data protection, AI governance, supply chain security and controlled unclassified information safeguards, and secure technology adoption.
- Compliance, ESG & Disputes: Internal investigations, compliance and governance programs, sustainability and ESG disclosure, crisis response, regulatory proceedings, procurement disputes, and complex litigation.
- Labour, Employment & Workforce Security: Workforce mobility, security clearances, workplace investigations and labour relations in regulated environments.
How Miller Thomson can help
Miller Thomson gives defence-sector clients a coordinated Canadian platform for complex, regulated opportunities. Our lawyers combine national reach, practical business-focused advice and deep experience across the business lifecycle, helping clients move efficiently from market entry, bidding, regulatory approvals, and risk management to financing, operations, export readiness, and delivery.
Awards and accolades
- Recognized by Chambers and Partners: General Business Law, Transportation – Rail & Road, Employment & Labour (Chambers Canada)
- Recognized by Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory: Corporate Commercial Law, Mergers & Acquisitions, Transportation – Road & Rail, Litigation – Corporate Commercial, Construction Law, Labour Relations
- Recognized by The Legal 500 – Canada: Corporate M&A, Transport, Intellectual Property, Labour and Employment, Construction
- Recognized by IFLR1000: M&A
- Recognized by Best Law Firms™ – Canada: Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Corporate and Commercial Litigation, Labour and Employment Law
