As the federal government increases its defence budget, a new organization has been established to assist local defence companies in seizing new business opportunities, particularly those based in Ontario. The Ontario Defence Association was officially introduced this week “to better align the province’s industrial capabilities with national priorities,” according to the organization.
In a news release on Monday, the newly formed group highlighted that Ontario’s defence industrial base “is significant but historically under-co-ordinated at the provincial level.” The ODA claims it is “the only provincial not-for-profit organization dedicated exclusively to advancing Ontario’s defence industrial base across all domains.”
Data from the provincial government indicates that Ontario’s defence sector comprises over 300 companies employing 13,000 individuals and generating $5 billion in yearly revenue, as stated by the ODA.
Despite being a major contributor to the provincial economy, Ontario “has lacked a dedicated, defence-focused body to co-ordinate industry engagement, support procurement readiness, and represent its interests at scale,” added the organization.
The ODA intends to serve as a bridge between defence and security firms and influential figures at both provincial and federal levels. It aims to enhance access to procurement and funding options, strengthen regional supply chains, and prepare small and medium-sized enterprises for participation in defence programs more effectively.
“Ontario has the industrial depth to be a decisive contributor to Canada’s defence priorities,” said ODA chair Ted Kirkpatrick, who also serves as vice-president of business development and government relations at Hamilton-based Ontario Shipyards.
“What’s been missing is a dedicated provincial co-ordination mechanism. The ODA closes that gap by bringing industry, government and partners into a more structured and aligned framework.”
According to information on the ODA’s website, membership fees range from $500 annually for companies with 50 or fewer employees up to $2,500 for larger firms with 501 or more employees. The organization welcomes businesses registered in Ontario that operate within the defence sector or in dual-use applications catering both civilian and military markets.
An ODA representative mentioned Tuesday that she didn’t immediately have information on how many companies from the National Capital Region are part of this new group. The organization features an 11-person board of directors which includes Scott Healey, a senior business development manager at Ottawa-based wastewater treatment company Blu Metric Environmental.
The formation of the ODA follows similar initiatives aimed at giving Canadian defence industry players a stronger voice regarding issues like procurement reform and industrial policy.
A group called the Alliance of Canadian Defence Companies was officially launched back in February. Based in Ottawa, this new association promotes itself as “an industry-led trade association” focused on lobbying government for its members’ interests while aiming for greater coordination within the defence supply chain as Canada seeks to enhance its domestic defense capabilities.
Additionally, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters announced earlier this month their creation of CME Defence-a new initiative intended to help members engage with defense supply chains and access procurement opportunities related to contracts with defense primes and government agencies.
The emergence of these organizations coincides with increased federal spending on defense aimed at boosting Canada’s domestic industry while reducing reliance on U. S. suppliers.
This year already saw federal Liberals introduce their updated Defence Industrial Strategy-a $6 billion initiative designed to fortify Canada’s defense sector by pinpointing areas where local firms can offer innovative solutions for the Canadian Armed Forces.
Meanwhile, cities such as Ottawa and Gatineau are launching efforts aimed at transforming their region into a national hub for defense innovation-hoping it will generate billions in economic activity.
