Bringing together industry and government leaders to advance Canada’s defence manufacturing future. From left: Senator Sandra Pupatello, Ryan Donally, the Honourable David McGuinty, and Robert Cattle at The Defence Shift in Windsor. submitted photo
The Canadian Tooling & Machining Association (CTMA), in partnership with the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce and Senator Sandra Pupatello, was proud to host The Defence Shift: An Opportunity for Ontario Manufacturers Breakfast on June 29, bringing together government leaders, defence primes, and Canadian manufacturers to explore new opportunities within Canada’s growing defence sector.
The sold-out event highlighted the critical role that Canadian manufacturing will play as the country makes historic investments in defence capabilities and strengthens domestic supply chains. In his keynote address, the Honourable David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, emphasized that Windsor-Essex and Ontario’s precision manufacturing sector have an important role to play in rebuilding Canada’s military industrial capacity and supporting future procurement programs.
Minister McGuinty noted that Canada is entering a new era of defence investment, creating significant opportunities for Canadian companies to contribute to everything from advanced manufacturing and automation systems to components, tooling, and specialized equipment required across military programs.
For CTMA members, the message was clear: the capabilities developed over decades serving the automotive sector are directly transferable to the defence industry. The region’s machine, tool, die, mould, and automation companies possess the expertise, precision, and capacity necessary to support complex, high-tolerance manufacturing requirements and help strengthen Canada’s domestic supply chain.
Representatives from the Department of National Defence (DND), Defence Investment Agency (DIA), and Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) discussed Canada’s defence priorities, procurement processes, and initiatives aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities. submitted photo
The event featured valuable insights from representatives of the Department of National Defence (DND), Defence Investment Agency (DIA), Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), Boeing Canada, Bombardier Defense, CAE, General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada (GDLS-C), and GM Defense Canada. Their presentations provided attendees with a greater understanding of supplier requirements, procurement processes, Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) opportunities, and pathways for Canadian manufacturers to participate in future defence programs.
The Prime Contractors Panel brought together representatives from Boeing Canada, Bombardier Defense, CAE, GDLS-C, and GM Defense Canada to discuss supplier opportunities, procurement processes, and how Canadian manufacturers can become part of the growing defence supply chain. submited photo
A highlight of the morning was the dedicated B2B networking session, where manufacturers had the opportunity to meet directly with prime contractors and government representatives to discuss capabilities, certifications, and potential supplier relationships. These conversations are exactly what is needed to build stronger connections between Canada’s precision manufacturing sector and the growing demands of the defence industry.
CTMA would like to extend its sincere appreciation to our event partners, the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce and Senator Sandra Pupatello, whose leadership and commitment helped make this important discussion possible.
Senator Sandra Pupatello addresses attendees at The Defence Shift, highlighting the importance of collaboration between government, industry, and manufacturers to strengthen Canada’s defence supply chain and create new opportunities for Windsor-Essex businesses. submitted photo
We also thank our valued sponsors: Invest WindsorEssex, Export Development Canada (EDC), Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), Triumph Tool Ltd., Tunkers Canada, Tungaloy Canada, Pigeon Bay Strategies, and Workforce WindsorEssex for their generous support.
Most importantly, we thank the Honourable David McGuinty for joining us in Windsor and for recognizing the capabilities that exist within Canada’s manufacturing heartland. His message reinforced what CTMA members have long known—that Canadian manufacturers are ready to contribute to our country’s economic security, national resilience, and defence future.
As a token of appreciation, CTMA president Louis Jahn presented Minister McGuinty with a custom-made Turner’s Cube, crafted by Rapid Enterprises. The intricate piece represents the exceptional precision, craftsmanship, and innovation that define Canada’s toolmaking and machining sector.
CTMA President Louis Jahn presents the Honourable David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, with a custom-made Turner’s Cube, expertly crafted by Rapid Enterprises, as a token of appreciation for his keynote address and support of Canada’s precision manufacturing sector. The intricate piece showcases the exceptional skill, innovation, and craftsmanship that define Canadian toolmakers and manufacturers. CTMA photo
As Canada continues to modernize its defence strategy and strengthen its commitment to domestic procurement, CTMA remains committed to ensuring that our members are positioned to seize these opportunities, build new partnerships, and help shape the future of Canadian manufacturing.
The Defence Shift was more than an event—it was the beginning of new conversations, new connections, and new possibilities for Canada’s precision manufacturing community.
Check out the media coverage below:
🔹 CBC: https://bit.ly/4v1Q7mP
🔹 CTV News: https://bit.ly/4xYwbEg