Monday, April 20 – The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) will be attending the Northern Ontario Road to Defence (NORD) Conference, taking place April 20–21 in North Bay, to explore new economic development opportunities for Thunder Bay’s service and supply sector while supporting local Thunder Bay businesses in attendance. The two-day event brings together Northern Ontario businesses, academic institutions, and defence sector leaders to strengthen participation in Canada’s growing defence supply chain.
CEDC’s participation reflects a proactive approach to identifying emerging sectors that align with the region’s industrial strengths, skilled workforce, and supply chain capabilities. By attending, the organization aims to deepen its understanding of the defence landscape while identifying where Thunder Bay businesses may be well positioned to support future opportunities.
“Attending NORD is an important opportunity for us to better understand where our local strengths align with Canada’s evolving defence sector,” said Jamie Taylor, CEO, Thunder Bay CEDC. “This event allows us to connect with industry leaders, learn about procurement pathways, and begin building a strategic roadmap that helps local businesses diversify, compete, and grow.”
The conference will also help inform future planning around how Thunder Bay can strengthen its role in advanced manufacturing, logistics, innovation, and supply chain support tied to defence-related opportunities.
As Canada continues to invest in domestic defence capacity and Northern supply chain resilience, Thunder Bay is well positioned to explore how its transportation advantages, industrial expertise, and regional business network can contribute to long-term sector growth.
