Message from Executive Director
I wish to extend my sincere thanks to Heather Pilot, John Ball, and Greg Burton. You took a vision that many would have argued was impossible not long ago and turned it into something both inspiring and timely.
This vision is equally carried by our Board of Directors. I am deeply grateful for your time, commitment, and leadership in establishing the foundation of this organization and advancing the work ahead. I look forward to continuing our efforts together to build the conditions necessary for a strong, globally competitive, Ontario‑based defence and dual‑technology industry.
Thank you to each member and to our ecosystem partners. The complexities facing industry today—and those we will continue to face—are historic. What unites our association is our willingness to confront challenges directly and embrace discomfort. These are the conditions that have always enabled meaningful change. As many entrepreneurs say: it’s only delusional until it works. Over the past 18 months, you have proven that it is working.
Leading an organization with a mandate to unite industry, speak truth to power, and build a lasting association is a responsibility I hold close. I remain deeply aware of the trust placed in me by ODA’s founders, our Board, and all of you. Growing an Ontario‑based defence industry is a complex undertaking—one that requires collaboration, courage, and optimism. It is in that spirit that I continue this work.
Coming out of the Best Defence Conference, I am encouraged by the clarity and urgency shared across industry, government, and academia. The conversations underscored what many of us already know: Ontario has the talent, the industrial base, and the innovation capacity to lead—what we need now is continued coordination, disciplined execution, and a shared commitment to scaling dual‑use and defence technologies.
The conference reinforced that ODA’s role is not only timely but essential. Our ecosystem is ready to grow; our members are ready to build; and the province is ready to compete globally. The next phase is about alignment, acceleration, and ensuring Ontario’s innovators have the conditions to succeed.
In the coming weeks, I will share updates on new opportunities for members to engage directly with ODA.
I leave you with this – “Progress belongs to those willing to stand in the uncertainty between what exists and what must exist.” “Capability is built by people who choose to act before the path is obvious.”
In the coming weeks I will be providing more updates on opportunities to engage directly with membership.
Fabiola Stevens
Executive Director
Ontario Defence Association