A Canadian drone maker with investments from a company linked to Donald Trump Jr. lobbied the federal government 44 times over the course of just over a year prior to receiving an up to $24-million contract.

On Sept. 11, the Canadian government awarded Saskatoon-headquartered Draganfly Inc. a five-year contract to supply the Canadian Armed Forces with an initial 100 drones, up to a possible 5,000, described as “low-cost tactical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance uncrewed aircraft systems.”

Federal lobbying records show Draganfly lobbied various senior government officials 44 times between Sept. 4, 2025 and Sept. 10, 2026. The officials included Defence Minister David McGuinty, deputy minister of national defence Christiane Fox, Cmdr. of the Canadian Army Lt.-Gen. Michael Wright, senior advisor to the Prime Minister's Office Lisa Jorgensen and others.

The stated focus of the bulk of the meetings was to secure drone contracts with the Canadian Armed Forces and federal government.

Draganfly’s lobbyists include Cody Welton, former deputy chief of staff to Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Andre Corbould, a retired Brigadier-General with the Canadian Armed Forces.

Shortly after receiving its federal drone contract, the company announced on Sept. 28 that it had received a US$10-million “strategic investment” from a U.S. investment fund and Unusual Machines Inc., a company where President Donald Trump’s son, Trump Jr., sits on the advisory board.

The IJF requested comment from Draganfly but did not hear back by deadline.

Draganfly previously told CBC that there are no board seats or “special rights” attached to the investment.

More Briefs

CRA revokes registration of yet another charity linked to Vancouver network

Two Saskatchewan food banks lose charity status

Google wants to influence Manitoba policy on AI and online safety

Drug traffickers smuggling more ketamine into Canada: intelligence briefing