A strong Canadian economy depends on the ability of businesses to have access to the expertise and strategic infrastructure they need to commercialize and manufacture innovative technologies at home. The Government of Canada is investing in strategic projects that helps companies bring new products to market faster, strengthen supply chains, and build the domestic capabilities needed to support Canada’s defence and security priorities.
Today, at Ontario Tech University, Ryan Turnbull, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance and National Revenue and to the Secretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions) and Member of Parliament for Whitby, on behalf of the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced an investment of $5 million to expand the capabilities of the university's Automotive Centre of Excellence (ACE) facility into a leading Canadian defence technology hub aligned with Canadian and allied military standards.
Through this project, the university will help strengthen Canadian sovereign capabilities for advanced vehicles, aerospace systems, drones and other emerging defence related technologies, helping manufacturers and innovators commercialize products domestically. As a result, companies will have access to expertise and strategic infrastructure locally to help them compete in domestic and allied markets, while strengthening supply chain resilience, boosting Canada’s defence industrial base, enhancing innovation and supporting high-skilled jobs.
The Government of Canada remains focused on building a strong and innovative defence sector that supports national security, drives economic growth, and delivers real benefits for Canadians.
Quotes
“Ontario Tech University is helping build the sovereign capabilities Canada needs in an increasingly complex global environment. By investing in domestic defence capabilities, we are strengthening Canada’s industrial base, supporting innovation, and ensuring Canadian companies can compete and grow here at home and with our allies abroad.”
- The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
“This investment will help position Oshawa and Durham Region at the forefront of Canada’s growing defence and advanced manufacturing sectors. Ontario Tech University is creating opportunities for businesses, researchers and workers while strengthening Canada’s economic resilience and security.”
- Ryan Turnbull, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance and National Revenue and to the Secretary of State and Member of Parliament for Whitby
“This investment in ACE significantly expands our testing and research capabilities across the defence, aerospace, and transportation sectors. Upgrades will enable higher-speed and higher-capacity testing, positioning Ontario Tech to better support innovation in military vehicles, heavy-duty transportation, and AI-enabled automotive technologies. As a member of the Controlled Goods Program and a NATO-DIANA designated facility, we look forward to continuing to support Canada’s homegrown defence innovation sovereignty.”
- Dr. Steven Murphy, President and Vice-Chancellor, Ontario Tech University
Quick facts
- Ontario Tech University is a research-intensive university located in Oshawa, Ontario. It provides testing, research and development services that support industry partners in mobility, clean technology and advanced manufacturing sectors.
- Ontario Tech University played a pivotal role in Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association (APMA) Project Arrow—Canada’s flagship all‑Canadian zero‑emission vehicle initiative as the primary build and testing site where the vehicle was brought from concept to reality. The university continues to drive innovation in later phases of Project Arrow 2.0 and beyond.
- Delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies, the Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) is a national $357.7-million investment supporting the growth and integration of businesses into domestic and international defence supply chains. FedDev Ontario is delivering RDII in southern Ontario and allocating additional resources to help businesses seize new defence opportunities and strengthen Canada’s industrial capacity.
Related links
Media contacts
Peter Wall
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Innovation and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
peter.wall@ised-isde.gc.ca
FedDev Ontario Media Relations
media@feddevontario.gc.ca
Patricia Pickett
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.809.1675 (mobile)
patricia.pickett@ontariotechu.ca
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