Resources

Selling to Defence & Security Customers  

Canada’s defence and security sector is entering a period of unprecedented growth, creating significant new opportunities for manufacturers across Ontario and the Niagara region. Increased federal and allied defence spending, a renewed focus on domestic procurement, and growing demand for advanced manufacturing, automation, cybersecurity, aerospace, precision machining, metal fabrication, electronics, and other dual-use technologies are opening new markets for businesses of all sizes. 

Whether your company is an established defence supplier or exploring the sector for the first time, there are expanding opportunities to participate in Canadian and international defence supply chains. The Niagara Industrial Association is committed to helping members understand this evolving landscape by connecting them with programs, procurement opportunities, industry resources, and strategic partners. The information below provides an overview of key organizations, funding programs, certification requirements, and procurement resources to help Niagara manufacturers assess and capitalize on opportunities within Canada’s rapidly expanding defence industrial base. 

  

 1) Company Readiness (Quality, Controls, Capabilities) 

• • ISO 9001 (Quality Management) 

o Why it matters: Frequently expected by primes and defence buyers to ensure consistent quality. 

• • Controlled Goods Program (CGP) 

o What it is: Authorization to examine, possess, or transfer certain controlled goods in Canada. 

o Link:  https://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/pmc-cgp/armement-articles/sngp-cgp-eng.html 

• • Export/Import Controls 

o What it is: Validate whether your goods/technology require permits (e.g., EIPA, Export Controls List). 

o Link:  https://www.international.gc.ca/trade-commerce/controls-controles/index.aspx 

• • Joint Certification Program (JCP) – Canada/US 

o What it is: Access to unclassified military technical data (e.g., drawings/specs) for eligible companies. 

o Link:  https://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/pmc-cgp/armement-articles/cdel-jcp-eng.html 

  

2) Registrations & Procurement Portals 

• • CanadaBuys (federal procurement portal) 

o Why: Find federal tenders, list capabilities, and receive tailored notifications. 

o Link: https://canadabuys.canada.ca 

• • NATO CAGE Code (Commercial and Government Entity) 

o Why: Identifier used in NATO/US systems and by many primes. 

o Link: https://www.ccc.ca/ 

• • Selling to the U.S. Military via CCC 

o Why: CCC can act as prime contractor to the U.S. Department of Defense for Canadian firms. 

o Link: https://www.ccc.ca/solutions/us-dod/ 

  

3) Market Strategy & Supply Chain Entry 

• • Subcontracting to Primes 

o Why: Fastest route into major programs; many non-Canadian contracts track Canadian content and seek Canadian suppliers. 

• • Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy 

o Why: Foreign prime contractors must place economic activity in Canada—opportunity for Canadian suppliers. 

o Links: 

• • • • ITB Policy (ISED) – https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/industrial-technologicalbenefits/en 

• • • • Current ITB obligations & contacts (prospect list) – https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/industrial-technological-benefits/en/projects-andobligations/report-contractor-progress/breakdown-current-obligations-contractor 

  

4) Buyer Education & Support 

• • Procurement Assistance Canada (Ontario) 

o What they offer:  Seminars, webinars, one-on-one- guidance on selling to the Government of Canada. 

o Contact: 1-800-668-5378 | SAC-PACOntario@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca 

o Link: https://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/app-acq/pme-sme/index-eng.html 

• • Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) 

o What they offer: Government-to-government contracting support, especially for U.S. DoD and foreign governments. 

o Link: https://www.ccc.ca/ 

• • NGen (Advanced Manufacturing) – Defence Webinars 

o Why: Market briefings, supply chain insights for manufacturers. 

o Link:  https://www.ngen.ca/events 

   

5) Market Intelligence (NATO & Defence Spending) 

• • NATO Defence Expenditures (5% Commitment) 

o Why: Signals demand outlook by nation; helps target markets and partners. 

o Link:  https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_49198.htm 

• • NATO Critical Raw Materials (12-item list) 

o Why: Identifies strategic materials; useful for suppliers and risk planning. 

o Link:  https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_226639.htm 

  

6) Business Development 

Business Checklist for Creating a Working Plan 

Phase 1 – Baseline & Compliance 

Determine if products/tech are Controlled Goods; register if applicable. 

• • • • • Check Export/Import Controls and permits. 

• • • • • Enroll in JCP for access to unclassified military technical data. 

• • • • • Plan for or maintain ISO 9001 certification. 

 

Phase 2 – Registrations & Visibility 

Create/optimize profile on CanadaBuys; set notifications. 

• • • • • Obtain/confirm NATO CAGE code. 

• • • • • Ensure listings in capabilities directories (industry/regional). 

 

Phase 3 – Market Entry & Growth 

Map capabilities to ITB obligations; identify matching primes & contacts. 

• • • • • Register on prime supplier portals; pursue subcontracting. 

• • • • • Engage Procurement Assistance Canada for coaching. 

• • • • • Consult CCC for U.S. DoD or G2G routes. 

 

Phase 4 – Funding & Scale 

Speak with FedDev Ontario about defence aligned-funding. 

• • • • • Track NATO spending trends & critical materials for targeting. 

• • • • • Attend relevant tradeshows/conferences (i.e. CANSEC and Best Defence); book B2B meetings in advance. 

• • • • • Follow NGen for webinars & opportunities. 

  

7) Tips for Businesses 

• • • Be findable: Complete profiles (i.e. online presence) with keywords/NAICS/UNSPSC on CanadaBuys and prime portals. 

• • • Lead with evidence: Present certifications (ISO 9001/CGP/JCP) and defence relevant- past performance. 

• • • Target via ITB: Use the ITB obligations list to prioritize primes and craft tailored capability briefs. 

• • • Stack readiness: Even if ISO isn’t mandatory, having a quality system and cybersecurity baseline (e.g., NIST aligned- practices) accelerates onboarding. 

• • • Show Canadian value: Highlight Canadian content and regional impacts—primes and programs track this. 

 

Business Expansion

Southwestern Ontario Development Fund

• Supports companies investing in new facilities and equipment to advance regional priorities
• Up to 15-50% of expenses to a max of $500,000 to $5,000,000 in grant or loan funding depending on stream

FedDev Southern Ontario

• Helps to offset upfront project costs and helps southern Ontario businesses grow more quickly
• Access repayable funding from $125,000 to a max $10,000,000

Ontario Together Trade Fund

• $50 million government funding program aimed at helping businesses make near-term investments to serve more interprovincial customers
• Receive up to 75% of eligible expenses to a max of $5,000,000

Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)

• Financing, capital and advisory services to help small- and medium-sized enterprises start, grow or transition their businesses, including loans, venture capital, and business consulting

 

Export Development

EDC Trade Impact Program

• Offering financial support over two years to help Canadian exporters and their suppliers manage global economic uncertainty
• Backed by $5 billion in additional financial capacity

CanExport SMEs

• Supports global expansion projects including participation in trade shows and government-led trade missions
• Up to 50% to a max $50,000 in grants

 

Innovation and Productivity

National Research Council – Industrial Research Assistance Program

• Designed to accelerate the research and development projects of Canadian innovators
• Access up to 60-80% of costs to a max $10,000,000 per application

Ngen Advanced Manufacturing Projects

• Designed to accelerate commercialization and scale-up in the Canadian manufacturing sector
• Funding will vary by applicant

CME Technology Investment Program

• Aims to help SME manufacturers in southern Ontario automate production, reduce their environmental footprint and increase their global competitiveness
• Receive up to 50% of eligible costs to a max of $50,000

Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness

• AMIC is designed to help Ontario SMEs in advanced manufacturing industries with grant and loan support for cap & tech adoption
• Up to 15% of eligible project costs to a max of $5,000,000 in loan funding

Canada Digital Adoption Program

• Designed to support small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) that need to make digital adoptions in their businesses to be able to remain competitive in this new digital age
• Up to 90% of eligible costs up to $15,000 grant

 

Hiring and Training

Canada Summer Jobs

• Support for employers providing supervised career-related work experience for youth employees
• Up to 50% of employee minimum hourly rate; Non-profits can receive grants up to 100% of minimum wage; Amount is capped at a max $300,000 per employer

Career Ready with CTMA

• Administered by the Canadian Tooling & Machining Association (CTMA), the hiring grant supports Ontario’s precision metalworking sector with youth hires
• Funding 50% of wages paid to a max of $5,000 for each placement

Youth Employment Program (IRAP)

• Designed to assist funding of hiring young Canadian post-secondary graduates
• Provides up to $30,000 per graduate (up to two) for a period of 6 to 12 months

This information is coming soon.

The Niagara region is comprised of the Regional Municipality of Niagara and the following 12 area municipalities (in alphabetical order):

Town of Fort Erie

Town of Grimsby

Town of Lincoln

City of Niagara Falls

Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake

Town of Pelham

City of Port Colborne

City of St. Catharines

City of Thorold

Township of Wainfleet

City of Welland

Township of West Lincoln

The Niagara region has a workforce of over 250,000 people. The following includes a breakdown of the workforce by sector and occupation.

 

Workforce by Sector

Sector	People	Percentage
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting	6,230	2%
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction	487	0%
Utilities	1,793	1%
Construction	20,777	8%
Manufacturing	22,307	9%
Wholesale trade	8,339	3%
Retail trade	30,721	12%
Transportation and warehousing	11,352	5%
Information and cultural industries	2,906	1%
Finance and insurance	8,312	3%
Real estate and rental and leasing	4,169	2%
Professional, scientific and technical services	13,931	6%
Management of companies and enterprises	407	0%
Administration, waste management and remediation services	11,801	5%
Educational services	17,528	7%
Health care and social assistance	32,053	13%
Arts, entertainment and recreation	7,316	3%
Accommodation and food services	21,039	8%
Other services (except public administration)	10,335	4%
Public administration	11,287	5%
Not applicable	6,915	3%

 

Workforce by Occupation

Occupation	People	Percentage
Legislative and senior management occupations	2,542	1%
Business, finance and administration occupations	35,982	14%
Natural and applied sciences and related occupations	13,578	5%
Health occupations	20,563	8%
Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services	27,590	11%
Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport	6,251	3%
Sales and service occupations	72,622	29%
Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations	44,245	18%
Natural resources, agriculture and related production occupations	7,573	3%
Occupations in manufacturing and utilities	12,138	5%
Not applicable	6,915	3%

This information is coming soon.