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MASS 2026 Conference Showcases Atlantic Canada's Defence and Technology Strengths

The 13th annual Maritime & Arctic Security & Safety Conference (MASS) is taking place in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, hosted by the Atlantic Canada Aerospace & Defence Association (ACADA) and sponsored by Saab Canada, Inc. This year's conference, featuring 600 participants, is the largest to date and focuses on leveraging Atlantic Canada's capabilities in environmental management and workforce development. Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Tony Wakeham highlighted the province's strategic geopolitical position as a gateway to the Arctic and Atlantic, emphasizing its qualified workforce and unique military and civil capabilities. He stated that the region's diverse strengths create a robust defence and security ecosystem that Canada and its allies can depend on for Arctic and North Atlantic security. The conference has underscored the significance of partnerships, particularly with Indigenous communities, to foster economic participation and workforce development. Discussions included the need for advanced technology in Arctic-capable warship designs and the role of AI and machine learning in maritime surveillance, indicating a strong focus on innovation in harsh conditions.