Today, many of the technologies shaping global security—artificial intelligence, big data, and quantum computing, for example—are being developed by private companies, rather than governments. Canada must therefore rethink how it works with the private sector to integrate commercial technologies into defence in a regulated manner. This proposal recommends creating a new national initiative that allows government, private industry, and researchers to work together through flexible, well-regulated public-private partnerships. This would include clear rules for sharing ideas, protecting intellectual property, and ensuring ethical use of new technologies. By learning from global best practices, and embedding transparency and accountability into these partnerships from the beginning, Canada can build a defense innovation system that protects both national security and democratic values. This approach would also help Canada retain top talent, strengthen its economy, and reduce reliance on foreign technologies.