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Unlocking Domestic & Defence Market Opportunities
Manufacturing Excellence Forum - Saskatoon
EMC’s special half-day forum will bring Canadian manufacturers together with industry leaders, stakeholders, government, and solution providers to explore new domestic growth opportunities emerging from Canada’s increased investment in defence, infrastructure, housing, and mining, alongside trade, tariff, and supply chain shifts.
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.
8:45 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. This session will feature:
- Kelly McGilvery, Section Head – Socioeconomic Policy Team, ADM (Materiel)
- Others TBA
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. This panel will feature:
- Marilyn Peters, CEO – Atlas Industries
- Mark Cooper, CEO, Prairie Clean Enterprises (Just need to confirm)
- Peter Couture, Director of Business Development, Rockford Engineering Works Ltd.
11:00 AM – Presentation: Controlled Goods Program, by Dominic Dubé, Education Program Officer, Controlled Goods Program, Government of Canada.
A high-level overview of Canada’s Controlled Goods Program and its relevance to organizations and individuals who may handle controlled goods. It will explain what controlled goods are, how to determine whether goods fall under the program and clarify who is required to register and who is not. The presentation will also define three key concepts – examine, possess, and transfer and outline two critical roles within the program and the responsibilities associated with each. Finally, you will be provided a walk through of the registration process and required documentation.
11:45 AM – Entering Canada’s Defence Market – From Interest to Action, presented by Joanna Davies, Polaris Advantage
A practical, experience-driven session for manufacturers and companies considering opportunities in Canada’s defence sector. This breakout will help participants understand how to assess whether the defence market is right for them, where to focus, who the key stakeholders are, and how to prepare for meaningful engagement. The session will cover market entry pathways, positioning, compliance considerations, supply chain opportunities, and the importance of relationships, trust, and understanding the customer’s needs.
12:30 – Lunch Presentation: Unlock Growth Opportunities in Canada’s Expanding Defence Sector, by BDC
Event Partners:
Manufacturing Excellence Forum - Saskatoon
Hosted by Elan Buan, MCM.
