Montreal launches bid to host new global defence bank

"There's no need to be shy about saying Montreal—that's the place, the destination," declared Quebec Premier François Legault. The government is endorsing Montreal's bid for the NATO defence bank, dedicated to financing military projects.

By The Canadian Press

Posted February 13, 2026 11:06 am.

Last Updated February 13, 2026 5:38 pm.

On Friday, the Quebec government joined forces with Montreal’s business community to promote the Quebec metropolis’ bid to host the new Defence, Security and Resilience Bank (DSR Bank).

Premier François Legault participated in an event Friday morning with Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada and National Bank President and CEO Laurent Ferreira to promote Montreal’s bid.

Legault described Montreal as the “perfect city” to host this new bank, which will be dedicated to financing military projects led by democratic nations.

Legault said that politicians and business leaders want to speak with “one voice” to ask the federal government to choose Quebec.

Last week, British Columbia Premier David Eby touted Vancouver’s bid as a “strategic choice” for the government.

Ottawa and Toronto have also been proposed as possible locations for the bank. Last December, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Toronto was the “strongest possible” candidate.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews

Submit a Correction

Accessibility Feedback

Top Stories

Montreal freezing rain: REM service on Brossard line won't resume Wednesday

REM service between Brossard and Gare Centrale ended early Wednesday after weather-related disruption during the evening commute. After announcing that the service on the Brossard line was during interrupted...

32m ago

Emergency services prepare as freezing rain storm moves into Montreal region

After two days of bright, beautiful weather, Montreal emergency services say they're bracing for impact in anticipation for a plot twist in the weather. Freezing rain is falling in the south, while...

1h ago

Son charged with 2nd-degree murder after man found dead in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie apartment: report

A 22-year-old man has been charged with murder in the death of a man whose body was found in an apartment building in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie on Tuesday night. Lucas Choquette is facing a second-degree...

2h ago

Quebec’s watchdog completes investigation into police shooting of 15-year-old Nooran Rezayi

Quebec’s police watchdog say they have completed their investigation into the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Nooran Rezayi and has sent its findings to prosecutors. The Bureau des enquêtes...

1h ago

Top Stories

Montreal freezing rain: REM service on Brossard line won't resume Wednesday

REM service between Brossard and Gare Centrale ended early Wednesday after weather-related disruption during the evening commute. After announcing that the service on the Brossard line was during interrupted...

32m ago

Emergency services prepare as freezing rain storm moves into Montreal region

After two days of bright, beautiful weather, Montreal emergency services say they're bracing for impact in anticipation for a plot twist in the weather. Freezing rain is falling in the south, while...

1h ago

Son charged with 2nd-degree murder after man found dead in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie apartment: report

A 22-year-old man has been charged with murder in the death of a man whose body was found in an apartment building in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie on Tuesday night. Lucas Choquette is facing a second-degree...

2h ago

Quebec’s watchdog completes investigation into police shooting of 15-year-old Nooran Rezayi

Quebec’s police watchdog say they have completed their investigation into the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Nooran Rezayi and has sent its findings to prosecutors. The Bureau des enquêtes...

1h ago

Most Watched Today

2:34

Emergency services prepare as freezing rain moves into Montreal region

"550 crews, 1100 people throughout the province," said Cendrix Bouchard, spokesperson for Hydro-Québec as the utility and emergency services gear up in preparation for another ice storm in Montreal. Zachary Cheung reports.

3h ago

2:45

Saint-Leonard residents push for upgraded flooding protections

“It’s an emergency and it needs to be rectified now,” St. Leonard citizen’s committee member Tina Di Serio said, as residents call on the borough to update the anti-flooding infrastructure with summer approaching. Zachary Cheung reports.

March 10, 2026 5:45 pm EST EST

2:41

Video shows students east of Montreal allegedly push security guard

“It's a shame,” said Marie-Lyne Painchaud, a Repentigny resident, about the video circulating on social media showing students from a high school east of Montreal allegedly pushing a security guard to the ground. Gareth Madoc-Jones reports.

March 9, 2026 6:04 pm EST EST

2:51

Montreal multidisciplinary artist creates new instrument

“There’s new ways to explore music and soundscapes,” said Montreal multidisciplinary artist Lateef Martin, about his instrument, the Lethelium, which he built from bike parts, guitar components, and household objects. Adriana Gentile reports.

March 7, 2026 12:51 pm EST EST

2:47

Six-year-old dies after sledding accident on Montreal's south shore

"This really hits us at the heart," said Alexandra Labbé mayor of Chambly on Montreal's south shore reacting to the tragic death of a six-year-old boy following a sledding accident Monday at Robert-Lebel park. Lola Kalder reports.

March 3, 2026 3:36 pm EST EST