Northern Ontario Firms Urged to Pursue Cybersecurity Certification for Defence Contracts
Northern Ontario businesses must engage with the Canadian Program for Cyber Security Certification (CPCSC) to access defence contracts. The program requires companies to achieve Level 1 certification, with higher levels mandated for mid-tier and major suppliers, impacting their competitive position in the defence sector.
Theia Market Signal Identification - AI AssistedJonathan Clow, a former Royal Canadian Air Force pilot, emphasized the necessity for Northern Ontario companies to obtain cybersecurity certification to engage in defence contracts. The new Canadian Defence Procurement Program mandates Level 1 certification for all suppliers, while mid-tier companies will require Level 2 by April 2027.
The certification process, which can take 3 to 12 months, covers access control, incident response, and physical protection. Clow noted that companies should assess their compliance needs early to maintain competitiveness. He anticipates that cybersecurity regulations under Bill C8, 2025, will extend to all critical infrastructure sectors in Canada, highlighting the ongoing importance of cybersecurity.
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