York Region earns National Economic Development Award for Defence Sector Supply Chain Diversification Initiative
York Region has received national recognition from the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC), earning a 2026 award in the Resiliency, Recovery and Mitigation category for its defence sector supply chain diversification initiative.
The award recognizes York Region Economic Development's collaborative efforts to help local manufacturers identify and pursue opportunities in Canada's growing defence and aerospace sectors amid trade uncertainty, tariff pressures and evolving global supply chains.
Left to right: Robert Unterman, Manager, Investment and Marketing; Katie Maginn, Senior Business Development Advisor; Nathan Allen, Web & Social Media Communications Specialist; and John Regan, Board President, Economic Developers Association of Canada.
Supporting businesses through economic change
Development of this initiative began in 2025, aligning with federal and provincial priorities while supporting York Region businesses that manufacture industrial products, components and electronics.
Through sector research, business engagement, strategic partnerships, targeted business development activities and sector promotion, the initiative brings together:
- Manufacturers
- Local municipalities
- Industry associations
- Government agencies
- Other sector partners
Together, these efforts are helping strengthen York Region's role in Canada's defence and aerospace supply chains while supporting local companies to:
- Explore new opportunities in aerospace and defence
- Reduce business risk related to ongoing trade uncertainty
- Strengthen supply chain connections
- Build long-term economic resilience
Through the Council-approved Tariff Response Plan, Economic Strategy has engaged nearly 300 businesses and industry stakeholders through outreach, site visits, workshops, industry events and business development activities.
Throughout 2026, the initiative has:
- Identified 80 defence-ready suppliers contributing directly to the Canadian defence supply chain, along with more than 60 high-potential manufacturers
- Connected local manufacturers with defence contractors, creating new opportunities to become suppliers in the defence sector
- Launched the Canadian Defence Market Entry Roadmap, with more than 5,000 visits since April 2026
- Created the York Region Aerospace and Defence Supplier Directory to help local businesses connect with opportunities in the sector
Strengthening York Region’s manufacturing sector
The initiative is also helping raise awareness of local defence and dual-use manufacturing capabilities and connecting York Region businesses with opportunities across Canada’s defence and aerospace sectors
Supporting York Regional economic priorities
The defence sector supply chain diversification initiative supports priorities identified in York Region's 2024-2027 Economic Development Action Plan, including sector development, business competitiveness, advanced manufacturing growth and trade diversification. It is also a key component of York Region's Tariff Response Plan, approved by Regional Council in April 2025.
Learn More
Working in collaboration with its nine local municipalities, York Region continues to support businesses as they navigate trade and tariff uncertainty. Visit YorkLink.ca/Defence for more information on the Region’s defence sector and YorkLink.ca/Trade for business resources, and federal and provincial funding programs that support companies impacted by tariffs.
