Inside EMC’s Manufacturing Excellence Forum – Ottawa

Against a backdrop of global uncertainty, trade disruption, and rising domestic investment, one message was clear throughout the day: Canada’s manufacturing sector is entering an opportunity to grow and align with evolving domestic demand.

A Turning Point for Canadian Manufacturing

Opening remarks from EMC President, JP Giroux, set the tone for the day. He emphasized resilience, supply chain independence, and the critical role manufacturers play in Canada’s economic future.

This message was reinforced by federal insights shared during the opening presentation featuring Guillaume Belisle, Director – Innovation, Science, Economic Development Canada (ISED), Col Michael Brooks, LCol Jérémie Angrignon-Dompierre, and Ms. Christena Morrell – Canadian Army and Kelly McGilvery, Section Head – Socioeconomic Policy Team, ADM (Materiel).

Canada’s newly released Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) signals a major shift toward rebuilding domestic capability, strengthening supply chains, and prioritizing Canadian suppliers.

Over the next decade, the strategy aims to:

• Significantly increase defence-related revenue and exports
• Drive billions in new investment into Canadian SMEs
• Create over 125,000 jobs across the economy
• Ensure up to 70% of defence procurement is awarded to Canadian firms

Where the Opportunities Are Emerging

During the opening presentation, featuring leaders from ISED and the Canadian Army, they unpacked where manufacturers can plug into these opportunities in a discussion about Army modernization.

Growth is accelerating across:

• Defence systems and equipment
• Infrastructure and construction supply chains
• Critical minerals and resource development
• Advanced technologies, including aerospace, digital systems, and autonomous platforms

At the same time, Canada’s defence posture is evolving. As highlighted in the Army modernization presentation, the country is shifting toward a more robust, self-reliant force capable of defending domestic interests in an increasingly complex global environment.

This transformation requires not just equipment, but integrated capabilities. Capabilities are defined by the combination of people, technology, training, and sustainment. For manufacturers, that translates into opportunity across entire ecosystems, not just single products.

Breaking Into Defence & Domestic Supply Chains

During the industry panel, speakers Jeff Ayoub, CEO – Calko Group and Chairman – Canadian Textile Association, Rhiannon Isles, President – HFI Pyrotechnics Inc., Joanna Davies, Managing Director – Polaris Advantage, and Trevor Hains, Chief Revenue Officer – Tulmar Safety Systems brought real-world perspectives from manufacturers already working in these markets.

Panelists shared practical insights on:

• How to secure initial contracts
• Navigating compliance and certification requirements
• Building relationships with primes, OEMs, and government buyers
• Scaling operations while managing risk

One of our most noted themes from this panel: you don’t need to be a prime contractor to succeed.

Instead, success often starts with:

• Identifying niche capabilities
• Partnering within existing supply chains
• Leveraging regional strengths
• Building credibility through smaller entry points

From Insight to Action with Practical Breakouts

The forum emphasized actionable learning through targeted breakout sessions, including:

Controlled Goods Program – A deep dive into regulatory requirements for handling sensitive materials, an essential step for manufacturers entering defence-related work.

Trade, Tariffs & Supply Chain Access – Strategies to navigate global trade pressures while replacing imports with domestic production.  This session featured EMC’s new Industry Connect Initiative, powered by Supplyflow.

Energy, Sustainability & Competitiveness – How energy optimization and sustainability initiatives can directly improve margins and unlock new market access.

The Shift From Global Dependence to Domestic Strength

Across every session, a larger narrative emerged. Canada is moving from a model of global dependency toward domestic capability building.

This includes:

• Securing critical supply chains
• Investing in Canadian innovation and IP
• Strengthening regional manufacturing ecosystems
• Aligning industry with national priorities

Government programs, from defence innovation funding to regional development initiatives, are being designed to accelerate this shift and make it easier for manufacturers to participate.

Growth in this new environment will depend on collaboration between manufacturers, government, and industry partners.

Canadian manufacturers are facing uncertainty, but they’re also positioned at the edge of significant domestic growth opportunities tied to defence, infrastructure, housing, and resources.

The path forward is clear:

• Strengthen capabilities
• Build strategic partnerships
• Align with domestic demand
• Act early

Catch one of our other Unlocking Domestic & Defence Market Opportunities forums this spring in GTA on April 29, 2026 and Vancouver on May 14, 2026.