Canada Hiring 2026: De Havilland Doubles Waterbomber Output
Canada hiring 2026: De Havilland Canada will hire new staff in five cities after a $2.5bn financing deal to double DHC-515 waterbomber production.
CanadaIn brief
- De Havilland Canada has agreed up to $2.5 billion in financing with the Government of Canada and Export Development Canada.
- The money will double production of the DHC-515 firefighting waterbomber and fund new hiring.
- Hiring is planned at Victoria, Calgary, Toronto, Kitchener and Fort Erie, with supply-chain jobs from Newfoundland to British Columbia.
- The deal is due to close by early 2027, with extra production capacity from 2030.
| Country | Canada |
|---|---|
| Organization | De Havilland Aircraft of Canada |
| Official source | De Havilland Canada – Agreement to increase DHC-515 production ✓ dehavilland.com |
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada will hire new staff across five Canadian cities after signing a financing deal worth up to $2.5 billion to double production of its DHC-515 firefighting aircraft, the company announced on 30 October 2026. It is one of the biggest Canada hiring 2026 stories in aerospace, with the company saying the expansion will support thousands of jobs.
The deal
The Government of Canada and Export Development Canada (EDC) will provide the financing. De Havilland will use it to add production capacity for the DHC-515, also called the De Havilland Canadair 515, an amphibious aircraft that skims lakes to scoop up water and drop it on wildfires.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Financing | Up to $2.5 billion |
| Lenders | Government of Canada and EDC |
| Goal | Double DHC-515 production |
| Hiring sites | Victoria, Calgary, Toronto, Kitchener, Fort Erie |
| Deal closing | Expected by Q1 2027 |
| Extra production slots | From 2030 |
| Current orders | 38 aircraft, with slots booked to 2034 |
Where the jobs will be
De Havilland says the expansion will create thousands of jobs in Canada, both at its own sites and among suppliers stretching from Newfoundland to British Columbia. It has not given a precise number.
Separately, the company has been building De Havilland Field, a new aircraft campus east of Calgary, since May 2026. That project is not part of this financing, but it adds to the long-term hiring outlook in Alberta.
Types of roles
De Havilland's careers site lists openings in fields including:
- Production and manufacturing (assemblers, structures technicians, machinists)
- Engineering (design, stress, systems, manufacturing engineers)
- Supply chain and procurement
- Finance and administrative support
How to apply
Current vacancies are on De Havilland Canada's official careers page: dehavilland.com/careers. From there, the "View Current Openings" link opens the company's job portal, where you can filter by city.
What it means for job seekers
- Aerospace skills are in demand. Aircraft maintenance engineers, sheet metal workers and composite technicians should apply now.
- Think long term. The biggest production increase starts in 2030, so apprentices and students can plan careers around it.
- Check several cities. Roles are spread across five locations, from Victoria to Fort Erie.
- Foreign workers will need a valid Canadian work permit; see our guide to how employers hire through the LMIA.
- Tradespeople, note the $5,000 Red Seal completion bonus opening on 16 November.
More openings: all Canada jobs
Frequently asked questions
Is De Havilland Canada hiring?
Yes. The company says it will hire new staff to double DHC-515 production, and its careers site lists current openings.
Where will De Havilland Canada hire?
At its sites in Victoria, Calgary, Toronto, Kitchener and Fort Erie.
How many jobs will the deal create?
The company says thousands of Canadian jobs, including in its supply chain, but has not given an exact figure.
What is the DHC-515?
An amphibious waterbomber that scoops water from lakes to fight wildfires, also known as the Canadair 515.
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