Canadian Private Lenders’ Podcast

Ep.111 | How $82 Billion in Defense Spending Could Reshape Halifax

Neal Andreino and Ryan MacNeil Episode 111

In Episode 111 of the Canadian Private Lenders Podcast, Ryan and Neal bring the focus home to Halifax and Nova Scotia, breaking down how Canada’s newly announced $82 billion in defense and aerospace spending over the next five years could transform the local economy, job market, industrial landscape, and housing demand.

From Irving Shipbuilding’s growing footprint to the surge in military procurement, the hosts explore who the major winners may be, what risks still exist, and how private lenders and investors can prepare for shifting real estate and lending opportunities. They also discuss commute times, bike lanes, regional development, industrial growth, and insights from the Atlantic Real Estate Forum.

This is a must-listen for brokers, lenders, investors, and anyone watching the future of Atlantic Canada’s economy.


Show Notes:

00:00 – Halifax commute times & caffeine banter

01:21 – Episode overview: Halifax outlook & defense spending

02:03 – Canadian city congestion rankings

03:32 – Bike lanes, EV micromobility & transport shifts

05:20 – Overview of Canada’s $82B defense budget

07:21 – Irving Shipbuilding expansion & aerospace ecosystem

09:55 – Economic impacts: jobs, wages & supply chain

12:13 – Defense spending stability & long-term growth

15:04 – Housing impacts: income, purchasing power, density

17:27 – Global conflict considerations

18:12 – Industrial real estate demand

20:04 – Will defense spending fill Halifax’s new rental supply?

21:28 – Procurement timing risks & delays

22:30 – Private lending opportunities

23:25 – SME procurement opportunities

24:44 – Atlantic Real Estate Forum insights

26:20 – CMHC policy shifts & developer sentiment

28:00 – Cap rates, rent pressures & vacancies

29:35 – Strategic caution for lenders & investors

31:10 – Closing remarks & disclosures

Resources:
Keystone Capital Group
CPLP Instagram: @cplpodcast
Keystone Instagram: @keycapgroup

Find Neal On:
Instagram: @neal.andreino
LinkedIn: Neal Andreino

Find Ryan on:
LinkedIn: Ryan MacNeil
E-mail: ryan@keycap.ca