On April 20, 2026, more than 115 leaders from across Ontario's defence and dual-use ecosystem gathered at the Royal Canadian Military Institute in Toronto to mark the official launch of the Ontario Defence Association. To everyone who joined us — thank you.
What stood out most that afternoon was not any single moment, but the shared sense of purpose in the room. Industry, government, academia, and the innovation community came together with a collective will and momentum that made one thing clear: Ontario's defence and dual-use sector is ready to organize, connect, and move forward together. The energy and engagement in that room is exactly the foundation ODA was created to build on.
That momentum is what launches this Association. We are carrying the relationships, ideas, and commitment shared at the reception directly into ODA's work — strengthening supplier readiness, mapping Ontario's industrial capability, convening industry and partners, and supporting the province's role in Canadian and allied defence supply chains.
A Special Thank You to Minister Vic Fedeli
We extend our sincere thanks to the Honourable Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, for taking the time to share a welcome message with all participants at the inaugural ODA launch reception.
We are also grateful to the Royal Canadian Military Institute (RCMI) for hosting us in its historic Library & Reading Room — a fitting setting for the beginning of this work.
With Thanks to Our Launch Sponsors
This event was made possible by the generous support of our sponsors, whose commitment to Ontario's defence and dual-use industry helped bring the community together.
Who Was in the Room
The reception drew guests from across the ecosystem ODA exists to serve — defence primes and manufacturers, small and medium-sized enterprises, technology, cyber, aerospace and space innovators, academic and research institutions, municipal and regional economic development offices, industry associations and innovation networks, financial and professional services firms, and senior representatives from provincial and federal economic development and trade organizations. It was a genuine cross-section of Ontario's defence and dual-use community — and a strong signal of the appetite for a coordinated industry voice.
To every attendee, sponsor, and partner: thank you for being part of this milestone. We are just getting started, and we are glad to have you with us.