Webinar for Companies Working in the Defence Sector
April 24, 2026Cornwall Ontario – Ontario defence and security companies are invited to join a webinar focused on global market opportunities and Ontario’s defence export initiatives. The event takes place April 28 online.
Canada’s new Defence Industrial Strategy is creating expanded opportunities for domestic firms to grow and export internationally. As Canada’s largest defence and security hub, Ontario is well positioned to lead, with strengths across aerospace, land systems, advanced manufacturing, electronics, and dual use technologies.
Ontario is strengthening its efforts to connect Ontario companies with new international partners to expand export opportunities, drive economic diversification, and attract job creating investment. These efforts include leading delegations to major global defence trade shows and the appointment of Ontario’s first ever Ontario Military Defence Representative (OMDR).
In this session, participants will:
- Hear from Minister Vic Fedeli on the government’s commitment to supporting Ontario companies in global markets
- Gain insights from Bernie Derible, Ontario’s Military Defence Representative, on global defence trends, priority markets, and international opportunities for Ontario companies
- Learn about upcoming FY 2026–27 Defence Export Business Missions and available Ontario government supports
- Receive guidance on how to apply and participate in Ontario led mission
- Engage in a live Q&A with the OMDR.
Join the webinar to learn where the opportunities are—and how Ontario can support your company’s success in global defence markets.
Webinar Agenda – April 28
- 10:00 AM– 10:05 AM – Welcome Remarks
- The Honourable Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
- 10:05 AM– 10:20 AM – Where the Opportunities Are & Why Ontario Can Win
- Bernie Derible, Ontario Military Defence Representative (OMDR)
- Global defence trends and priority markets – why Ontario companies are best positioned to compete
- Ontario’s competitive edge and key strengths
- Bernie Derible, Ontario Military Defence Representative (OMDR)
- 10:20 AM – 10:25 AM – How Ontario Can Help You: Export Missions & Supports
- Dawn Landry, Director, Trade Program Branch, MEDJCT
- Overview of FY 2026–27 Defence Export Missions
- What you gain from participation: funding, targeted B2B meetings, access to buyers, and partnership opportunities
- Dawn Landry, Director, Trade Program Branch, MEDJCT
- 10:25 AM – 10:30 AM – Getting Involved: What You Need to Know
- MEDJCT Team
- Application process and timelines
- Tips for successful participation
- MEDJCT Team
- 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM – Live Q&A and Industry Discussion Led by OMDR
- Open dialogue with OMDR and MEDJCT
- Opportunity to raise challenges, interests, and market questions
Registration Info
Register Here: https://www.eventreg.mgcs.gov.on.ca/?eventid=C2BB8E16-F954-41DB-BBA5-2AAFD8E3EBCD&lang=en
Cornwall’s Defence Sector
Cornwall’s long history as one of Canada’s key manufacturing hubs has meant that Cornwall-based companies have played a key role in supplying armed forces throughout the world with state of the art technology and equipment. At the current time the following local companies are engaged in servicing the defence sector:
- Nautel C-Tech (Sonar)
- Kontron (Contract electronics manufacturing)
- Timila (Contract electronics manufacturing)
- Seaway Yarns (Woven fabric)
- DEV Centre – (Training)
In addition to the above, the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Control (CFSACO) is located in Cornwall at the DEV Centre.