The missing critical mineral underpinning Canada’s entire defence and industrial strategy

Canada cannot meet its defence and industrial goals without securing the critical steelmaking input: metallurgical coal.

In October 2025, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson said the federal government would use the Defence Production Act to safeguard critical minerals vital to Canada’s economic and national security interests, but something is missing from the list, writes W. Brett Wilson. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Opinion

BY W. BRETT WILSON

February 25, 2026

Canada is entering a decisive moment in its industrial and security future. The federal government has made clear that it intends to accelerate defence priorities, fortify critical infrastructure, and fast-track nation-building projects needed to strengthen sovereignty, resi...

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