De Havilland Aircraft of Canada has agreed with the federal government and Export Development Canada (EDC) on up to $2.5 billion in financing to double production capacity for its Canadair 515 waterbombers. The Calgary-based manufacturer announced the deal on Friday, October 30. The money will fund expanded manufacturing and new hires. The company expects to open more production slots from 2030, and says the expansion will create thousands of jobs across Canada. It had 38 aircraft on order, with production slots committed through 2034. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2027. The financing does not create a national firefighting fleet or a federal waterbomber purchase.

De Havilland Canada announces agreement and De Havilland Canadair 515 production increase. CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - De Havilland Canada (DHC) is pleased to announce that the company has entered into an agreement with the Government of Canada and Export Development Canada (EDC) that will allow the company to double De Havilland Canadair 515 (DHC-515) production. Canada and EDC have agreed to provide up to $2.5 billion in financing that will allow DHC to accelerate production and bring additional aircraft slots to market starting in 2030 and ramping up to double the company's current aircraft production capacity. De Havilland Canada will use this financing to hire new staff and invest in additional production capacity across its Canadian sites in Victoria, Calgary, Toronto, Kitchener, and Fort Erie with supply chain jobs being created from Newfoundland to British Columbia. This commitment will ensure more waterbombers will be produced sooner, and will create thousands of Canadian jobs, strengthening Canada's ability to build these essential aircraft. In addition, De Havilland will work with suppliers to the DHC-515 program to accelerate delivery of aircraft components to DHC to facilitate the production of these additional aircraft. It is anticipated that the transaction will be complete by the first quarter of 2027. About De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (De Havilland Canada) is a cornerstone of Canadian aerospace innovation, proudly designing, building, and supporting aircraft in Canada for the global market. Every aircraft we produce creates high-value jobs, strengthens our national aerospace industry, and contributes to a resilient and growing economy. Built in Canada. Made for the world. With a fleet of more than 5,000 aircraft delivered to operators worldwide, De Havilland Canada has earned a global reputation for rugged, reliable performance and exceptional customer support. Our aircraft connect people and places, from the most remote communities to the busiest regional hubs, carrying millions of passengers and critical cargo every year. Built to operate in the toughest environments, De Havilland Canada aircraft are trusted for a wide range of missions, including aerial firefighting, search and rescue, medical evacuation, surveillance, and more. Our near-century-long legacy is driven by a passionate Canadian workforce dedicated to shaping the future of regional and missionized aviation.

EDC and EFA sign Memorandum of Understanding to deepen Canada-Australia trade and investment ties. Oct 27, 2026, 06:00 ET Partnership between Canada and Australia's export credit agencies opens opportunities for businesses in both countries SYDNEY, Oct. 27, 2026 /CNW/ - Export Development Canada (EDC) and Export Finance Australia (EFA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation between the two organizations. The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration on strategic financing opportunities and investment projects that support economic growth, energy security, supply chain resilience and sustainable development. Through the partnership, EDC and EFA will explore opportunities for co-financing, transaction facilitation, joint outreach and knowledge sharing, while helping connect Canadian and Australian companies and investors to pursue opportunities in areas of mutual interest. Canada and Australia share a longstanding trade and investment relationship built on strong commercial ties and common economic interests. In 2025, bilateral merchandise trade between the two countries totalled CAD$7.3 billion, with Canadian exports exceeding CAD$3 billion. Since the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) entered into force in 2018, bilateral merchandise trade has grown at an average annual rate of eight per cent. Australia is the largest destination in the Asia-Pacific region for Canadian direct investment abroad, with Canadian direct investment in Australia reaching CAD$50.1 billion in 2025, while Australia's direct investment in Canada totalled CAD$36.4 billion. Key areas of opportunity for Canadian and Australian companies include infrastructure, energy and energy transition, mining and critical minerals, agri-food and agtech, digital technologies, defence and aerospace. "Canada and Australia are trusted partners with a growing economic relationship that creates opportunities for workers and businesses in both countries. This past year, bilateral merchandise trade reached $7.3 billion, with Canadian exports exceeding $3 billion and two-way direct investment totalling more than $86 billion. This agreement between EDC and Export Finance Australia will help connect companies, attract investment and unlock opportunities in priority sectors that support long-term economic growth and resilience." The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Canada's Minister of International Trade "Canada and Australia have built one of the strongest commercial relationships in the Asia-Pacific region, underpinned by significant two-way investment and complementary economic strengths. This agreement creates new opportunities for EDC and EFA to connect businesses, share expertise and support Canadian and Australian companies as they pursue growth opportunities abroad." Alison Nankivell, President and CEO, Export Development Canada "This collaboration will deepen co-operation with an important likeminded partner, further strengthening our investment capabilities. We both have a shared interest in a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific, and bringing our two export credit agencies closer together will create more opportunities for Aussie businesses and local jobs." Senator the Hon. Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism "Australia and Canada have a shared interest in strengthening economic security and creating new opportunities across the Indo-Pacific, and the scale of investment required across infrastructure, critical minerals and the energy transition means collaboration between like-minded partners is increasingly important. This agreement gives EFA and EDC a practical framework to continue to work together, share expertise and explore opportunities where our combined capabilities can make a real difference to Australian and Canadian businesses." John Hopkins, Managing Director and CEO, Export Finance Australia About Export Finance Australia EFA is the Australian Government's trade and strategic finance agency, backing Australian exporters, supply chains and overseas investment. EFA helps Australian businesses win work overseas, expand into new markets and participate in global supply chains. EFA also deploys finance to deliver national priorities that strengthen Australia's economic security and regional partnerships. For more information visit www.exportfinance.gov.au. About EDC Export Development Canada (EDC) is a financial Crown corporation dedicated to helping Canadian businesses make an impact at home and abroad. EDC has the financial products and knowledge Canadian companies need to confidently enter new markets, reduce financial risk and grow their business as they go from local to global. Together, EDC and Canadian companies are building a more prosperous, stronger and sustainable economy for all Canadians. For more information and to learn how we can help your company, call us at 1-800-229-0575 or visit www.edc.ca. SOURCE Export Development Canada Media Contact: Media, Export Development Canada, 1-888-222-4065, [email protected]; Media Contact: Export Finance Australia, [email protected]