P.E.I. appoints 7 experts to new defence strategy panel

New new expert defence strategy panel for P.E.I. is pictured. (Courtesy of the Government of P.E.I.)

Prince Edward Island is launching a new defence strategy expert panel.

Seven Island residents with maritime, military and defence backgrounds have been appointed to the panel to develop a provincial strategy to seize economic opportunities in the defence sector.

The panel includes:

• Tom Dunne, chair
• Allan Dale
• Chad Mooney
• Dr. Jeffrey Collins
• Jeff Minten
• Lauren Ledwell
• Lindsay Power

Dunne, a retired brigadier general with the RCAF, says it’s an honour to serve as chair in a news release from the province on Thursday.

“Particularly at a time in history when national security, sovereignty and defence are increasingly important topics of discussion,” he says.

According to the release, the expert panel was established to better position P.E.I.’s participation in national defence efforts.

The province points to the recent launch of Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy and the federal Defence Investment Agency.

Premier Rob Lantz says the Island is well-positioned to contribute to Canada’s goals.

“We have excellent post-secondary institutions training a highly skilled workforce, and well-established aerospace, renewable energy, and marine technology industries with global reach,” he says.

The panel’s mandate will focus on providing strategic insights into infrastructure, workforce, economic and partnership opportunities for the industry.

The province expects to receive a final report from the panel by early winter 2026.

For more P.E.I. news, visit our dedicated provincial page.