In a world now defined by geopolitical instability, Canada has identified defence and its supporting industries as a top national priority.
Investment in this area is accelerating – not just in military capability, but the upstream sectors that make sovereignty possible. This convergence of events and investment – including the urgent need to reshore manufacturing, mine and process critical minerals, and develop skilled workers and leaders – has created a once-in-a-generation opportunity for stakeholders in Eastern Ontario.
Understanding Eastern Ontario’s defence network
In addition to National Defence Headquarters (NDHQ) in Ottawa, the region is home to three of Canada’s largest military installations:
Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Trenton in Quinte West is the nation’s largest air force base and gateway for overseas deployments, humanitarian missions, and disaster response
Garrison Petawawa in Renfrew County is Canada’s largest army base, specializing in mechanized infantry, combat engineering, artillery, and rapid-deployment operations, with a broader community exceeding 18,500
CFB Kingston, one of Canada’s primary training and support bases
Together, these bases are critical to Canada’s sovereignty, global mobility, NORAD commitments, and rapid-response capability. They are also major economic engines that support local businesses, generating thousands of jobs and sustaining communities across the region.
A CC-177 Globemaster aircraft departs Canadian Forces Base, 8 Wing Trenton. Photo: Canadian Armed Forces
A multiplying economic impact
Chris King, CEO of the Bay of Quinte Economic Development Commission, notes that new opportunities extend beyond defence and manufacturing into related spinoff industries.
“As Canada looks to increase its percentage of made-in-Canada procurement to 70 per cent by 2035, we’ll see a multiplier effect on growth opportunities in the region,” he explains. “In addition to the impact on the defence sector, there is also strong demand for infrastructure development.
“For example, as CFB Trenton grows, runways and hangars require upgrades. So growth is not just in defence and manufacturing, but in construction as well.”
The Bay of Quinte region – which includes Belleville, Quinte West and Brighton – is already a key part of the ecosystem driving the region’s growth, but is poised for even greater expansion. “Many people travel to our region for recreation and outdoor experiences, and they don’t always see how massive our industrial base is,” King adds.
“These new strategic investments will provide great opportunities for companies and job seekers in the Bay of Quinte and across Eastern Ontario.”
Manufacturing in Eastern Ontario: Strong today, ready for growth
Eastern Ontario’s advanced manufacturing sector is already a major player. About 46,000 people across the region work in manufacturing, including advanced production, technology, and related fields. With its proximity to NDHQ and bases in Trenton, Petawawa and Kingston, the sector is well positioned to grow even further as connections between industry and the military strengthen.
Renewed spotlight on critical minerals
After decades of offshoring, Canada’s mining sector is returning to the spotlight. Growing demand for electric vehicles, batteries, aerospace, and clean-energy infrastructure has created a race to secure domestic sources. Eastern Ontario is well-positioned to play a central role.
David Wybou, business development officer at the County of Renfrew, explains. “The Renfrew County region hosts promising sites such as Northern Graphite’s Bissett Creek mine, set to produce high-quality graphite, and the old Haley magnesium mine site, originally tied to Canada’s aerospace development and manufacturing and now poised for redevelopment,” he says.
“Government support, along with streamlined permitting under initiatives such as ‘one process, one permit,’ aims to reshore mining and processing, to rebuild and develop new industrial hubs.”
With significant resources still in the ground, Renfrew County is ready to emerge as a supplier of critical minerals.
Your role in the region’s future
The question is clear: how can businesses, talent, governments, and investors work together for success?
Job seekers can find well-paying and challenging careers in defence, advanced manufacturing, and critical minerals. Businesses and investors can seek out opportunities in these high-demand sectors. Municipalities and local governments can create the environment needed to attract talent and investment.
Jay Amer, executive director of the Ontario East Economic Development Commission (Ontario East EDC), sees his organization as a key connector in this task. “Ontario East EDC is prioritizing the defence sector to align with federal and provincial investments in this important growth sector,” Amer explains.
“Our region is home to a diverse group of companies with a long and proud history of supplying the aerospace, defence and manufacturing sectors. As new opportunities arise, we’re committed to helping our members and manufacturers in eastern Ontario connect with government programs and opportunities, and other key partners in the defense industry supply chain.”
For more information on how you or your organization can get involved, contact info@ontarioeast.ca