The Atlantic Canada Aerospace and Defence Association (ACADA) is a collaborative SME-focused organization representing the interests of the aerospace, defence, and security industries in Atlantic Canada. ACADA is comprised of approximately 170 industry members and organizations.

ACADA works collaboratively with industry members, provincial and federal government agencies, and other key stakeholders to facilitate strategic industry development on behalf of the region while promoting the Atlantic Canada brand locally, nationally, and internationally.

ACADA members are delivering products and services to the global marketplace in land, marine, air, and space domains for both commercial and defence applications.

Our Vision

ACADA is nationally recognized as the catalyst for the enhancement of Atlantic Canada’s position in the global aerospace, defence and security industry.

Our Mission

We support the Atlantic Canadian aerospace, defence and security industry’s access to current and future opportunities, leading to long-term business success.

We do this by:

  • Creating opportunities for businesses to connect
  • Creating a pathway to higher competency and capability
  • Gathering and sharing intelligence on opportunities

The regional voice for Atlantic Canada’s aerospace, defence, and security industries.

Did You Know?

  • ACADA represents 170+ members
  • 85% of our members employ < 100 people
  • Regional specializations:
    • Shipbuilding
    • Sensor Technologies
    • Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO)
    • In-Service Support
    • Manufacturing
    • Cybersecurity
    • Training & Simulation
  • Atlantic Canada employs 16% of the total Canadian defence industry and 6% of the total Canadian aerospace industry
  • Atlantic Canada directly employs more than 11,000 people in aerospace & defence
  • Atlantic Canada generates $1.25B in direct GDP

Our Mandate

ACADA has a mandate to promote and facilitate the growth of our Atlantic Canadian aerospace, defence, and security industries.

ACADA plays an important leadership role as the regional voice and facilitator for strategic industry engagement and has a proven track record as an effective vehicle for harmonizing national and global promotion and advancement of the sector in Atlantic Canada.

The organization has been an instrumental contributor to the exponential growth of the SMEs involved in the industry, growing the sector (both directly and indirectly) by 150% over the last 12 years.

Our Focus

ACADA focuses on a number of key initiatives and priorities on behalf of our membership:

  • Workforce & Talent Development – Support member needs by advancing workforce capacity development in the region to build the skills of a 21st-century A&D workforce.
  • Enhanced Competitiveness – Promoting and facilitating business excellence approaches to help member companies become more competitive.
  • Business Development – Improve the economic impact of business development opportunities through effective preparation and market access.
  • Industry Promotion – Serve as a collective voice to champion Atlantic Canadian interests in the A&D sector.
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