Defence
North Bay’s strategic role in Canadian aviation and defence began in 1950, when the Royal Canadian Air Force announced the establishment of a base in the city. What started as a gravel airstrip in the 1930s evolved into a vital military installation during the Cold War, hosting fighter squadrons, the BOMARC missile program, and Canada’s underground NORAD command centre. For over 75 years, North Bay has continuously supported national defence operations, a legacy that remains today.
The Northern Ontario Road to Defence (NORD) initiative has been a FedNor‑led effort since 2012, created to connect Northern Ontario businesses and academic institutions with opportunities in Canada’s defence sector.
Industry Participation Opportunities
As part of the NORD Program, qualified northern Ontario businesses will have the opportunity to participate in key defence‑industry tradeshows and events throughout the year. These opportunities are designed for companies that are ready to serve the defence sector and already hold the essential certifications and qualifications required to bid on industry work.
Participation will be determined through an application process. All submissions will be reviewed by a Steering Committee composed of representatives from across northern Ontario, ensuring a fair and regionally informed selection process.
Application Process Open Now!
NORD Webinar Series
Stay connected and build your readiness for the defence sector with our free NORD Webinar Series, offered throughout the year. Designed for businesses across northern Ontario, these online sessions dive into the key topics you need to understand to confidently enter and grow within the defence industry.
To date the following webinars have been held:
- Understanding the Defence Market with Peter Studer
- Demystifying Defence Procurement and Compliance with Jonathan Clow
- Defence Programming for Northern Ontario hosted by the North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce
- A Practical Path to Entering the Defence Supply Chain with Greg Enns
- How to Do Business with Government with Supply Ontario and Procurement Canada
Stay tuned for more details on the next webinar with the Defence Investment Agency on November 4, 2026.
NORD Conference
The 2026 NORD Conference, held April 20-21 at Canadore College's Aviation Campus in North Bay, brought together businesses, industry leaders, government representatives, and defence sector partners to explore opportunities within Canada's defence and security industries.
The event featured networking opportunities, facility tours, industry presentations, and expert-led sessions focused on defence procurement, business development, and emerging opportunities. Attendees gained valuable insights into working within defence supply chains, learned about new initiatives and procurement programs, and participated in structured B2B meetings with suppliers, prime contractors, and Northern Ontario businesses.
The conference concluded with a reception held in partnership with MineConnect as part of their Roadshow event, providing additional opportunities to build connections and foster collaboration across the defence and mining sectors.
NODO Program
The Business Centre Nipissing Parry Sound has officially launched the Northern Ontario Defence Opportunities (NODO) Program and is now accepting applications. The program operates on a continuous intake basis, with funding allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. All applications are reviewed by an independent Steering Committee, which is responsible for final funding decisions.
The NODO Program is designed to support incorporated small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Northern Ontario that are looking to enter, grow, or diversify within Canada's defence and dual-use sectors. Through the program, eligible businesses may receive non-repayable funding covering up to 75% of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $50,000. Funding can be used to help offset costs related to:
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Industry certifications and compliance requirements
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Supplier qualification processes
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Technology and equipment upgrades
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Other activities that enhance a company's ability to participate in defence supply chains
For more information, please contact the Program Coordinator at uphar@tbcnps.ca
To stay updated on NORD activities and opportunities, sign up for our defence distribution list.
Have questions about the NORD initiative or want to learn how to get involved?
Connect with us and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.