Unlocking Domestic & Defence Market Opportunities

The focus is practical, actionable insights – helping manufacturers replace imports with domestic production, access new B2B markets, strengthen supply chains, and build the capabilities required to scale.

Agenda

7:30 AM – Registration & Networking Breakfast
Connect with fellow manufacturers, supply chain partners, speakers, and sponsors – full breakfast included.

8:15 AM – Opening Remarks: Manufacturing Resilience & Growth in a Changing Economy

Welcome and context-setting from EMC leadership, framing the day around domestic opportunity creation, supply chain resilience, and the critical role manufacturers play in Canada’s economic future.

8:30 AM – Workshop: Defence Sector / Domestic Supply Opportunities for Canadian Manufacturers

An expert-led session outlining where manufacturers fit within Canada’s growing defence, infrastructure, construction, and resource-related supply chains.

Featuring:

• Craig McClelland, Aerospace Lead, Defence Services Team, Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
• Ted Kirkpatrick, Chair, Ontario Defence Association (ODA)
• Phil Arthurs, Executive Director, Downsview Aerospace Innovation& Research (DAIR)
• Bernie Derible, Ontario’s Agent General ASEAN and Military and Defense Representative

9:45 AM – Networking Break

10:15 AM – Panel Discussion: How Manufacturers Are Successfully Entering Defence & Domestic Supply Chains

Manufacturers share real-world experiences entering or expanding within domestic (West-East), defence, infrastructure, and industrial supply chains.

Panelists:

• Ken Mah, Director of Strategic Partnerships & Programs – Lynch Fluid Controls
• Paul Chana, President – Avion Technologies
• Jeff Killin, Director of Defence Sales – International Custom Products Inc.
• Samuel Nammari, Manager, Programs & Portfolios – L3 Harris Technologies

11:15 AM – Concurrent Breakout Sessions (Participants Select One)

 A) Controlled Goods: More details to follow.

B) Supply Flow, Trade, Tariffs & Supply Chain Access: Practical insights on navigating trade pressures, replacing imports, and strengthening domestic supply chains.

C) Cybersecurity Regulations for the Defence Sector: As cybersecurity becomes a prerequisite for participating in defence supply chains, manufacturers must navigate an evolving landscape of regulatory requirements and compliance frameworks. This session will provide a practical overview of key cybersecurity expectations tied to defence contracts, specifically the CMMC (U.S.) and CPCSC (Canada). Attendees will gain insight into what these compliance frameworks are, common challenges organizations face to align their operations with regulatory requirements, what’s required for certification and where to start, enabling organizations to securely access and compete in defence supply opportunities.

12:30 PM – Networking Lunch featuring a presentation by Dawn Hennessey, Director, Business Development, Advisory Services, Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)

1:15 PM – Applied Learning: Facilitated Manufacturer Roundtables

Participants will take part in a facilitated roundtable discussion – and may choose to stay and attend either of the following:

• Roundtable Discussion with Craig McClelland, Aerospace Lead, Defence Services Team, Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
• Roundtable Discussion with Joanna Davies, Managing Director, POLARIS ADVANTAGE Inc.

2:15 PM – Adjourn

Why Attend:

Canadian manufacturers are navigating heightened trade uncertainty – but also unprecedented domestic investment opportunities tied to defence, infrastructure, housing, and resource development. This forum brings together manufacturers, government, and industry experts to explore how manufacturers can access, compete, and grow within these markets – as suppliers, partners, and solution providers.

This is not about becoming defence primes or builders – it’s about manufacturers strengthening supply chain access, replacing imports, and scaling capabilities to meet new domestic demand.

Event Partners: