Tuesday, April 28
10:00am – 11:00am
Virtual – Webinar

The Honourable Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, invites Ontario defence and security companies to join a webinar focused on global market opportunities and Ontario’s defence export initiatives.

Canada’s new Defence Industrial Strategy is creating expanded opportunities for domestic firms to grow and export internationally. As Canada’s largest defence and security hub, Ontario is well positioned to lead, with strengths across aerospace, land systems, advanced manufacturing, electronics, and dual use technologies. 

Ontario is strengthening its efforts to connect Ontario companies with new international partners to expand export opportunities, drive economic diversification, and attract job creating investment. These efforts include leading delegations to major global defence trade shows and the appointment of Ontario’s first ever Ontario Military Defence Representative (OMDR).

IN THIS SESSION, PARTICIPANTS WILL:

• Hear from Minister Fedeli on the government’s commitment to supporting Ontario companies in global markets
• Gain insights from Bernie Derible, Ontario’s Military Defence Representative, on global defence trends, priority markets, and international opportunities for Ontario companies
• Learn about upcoming FY 2026–27 Defence Export Business Missions and available Ontario government supports
• Receive guidance on how to apply and participate in Ontario led missions
• Engage in a live Q&A with the OMDR.

Join us to learn where the opportunities are—and how Ontario can support your company’s success in global defence markets.

For any questions, please contact: Eyad Qudsi, Senior International Market Consultant, Trade Programs Branch, e-mail: Eyad.Qudsi@ontario.ca

Note: If you are a member of the Municipal, Provincial or Federal Government, please do not register via this link. Contact Kent Fitzhugh directly to participate in the event at Kent.Fitzhugh@ontario.ca

REGISTER

Thursday, April 16
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Register Online for Virtual Access
On-demand recording available

As costs rise and team capacity becomes stretched, many Canadian exporters struggle to take on more international work. EDC’s webinar highlights practical ways companies can use digital tools, automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to help reduce manual tasks, improve compliance and make export operations easier to scale.

REGISTER

Wednesday, April 22
9:00am – 12:00pm
City of Quinte West City Hall – Workshop Room

Be among the first employers to participate in Career Edge’s roundtable discussion on inclusive and fair chance hiring. This is your opportunity to be part of the conversation in a safe, welcoming space where you can ask questions, share perspectives, and have common myths addressed.

Email Eileen Kelly to secure your spot eileenk@careeredge.on.ca

The Food Safety Excellence program provides Ontario meat processors with access to free, National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)-delivered food safety courses designed to build confidence, strengthen food safety systems and support continuous improvement. Each session is instructor-led and each attendee will receive a certificate upon successful completion.

Eligibility: Free training is available only to provincially licensed meat plants in Ontario.

HACCP2 Online Course
April 21-22, 2026 & April 28-29, 2026
This course is designed for processors who want to build, implement and maintain a robust HACCP-based food safety system aligned with Codex and GFSI expectations.

LEARN MORE and REGISTER

June 24 – 27, 2026 – Taipei, Taiwan

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) is inviting Ontario food and beverage suppliers to participate in Food Taipei 2026, one of Asia’s most prominent international food industry trade exhibitions. This event provides Ontario businesses with a valuable opportunity to increase global visibility, engage with industry buyers, and explore export opportunities in the Taiwan market.

OMAFA staff will coordinate an Ontario booth and will showcase selected Ontario products on behalf of participating suppliers. Businesses interested in expanding their international reach are encouraged to submit product packaging for consideration.

Limited spaces are available for product packaging inclusion.

June 16 – 17, 2026 – Windsor, ON & Detroit, MI

Are you interested in exporting food and beverage products to the USA? Do you want to investigate the potential in the USA market?

If you answered “yes,” then consider attending PROFIT (Program to Raise Ontario Food International Trade) New-to-Exporting Seminar in person from June 16 – 17, 2026, in Windsor, ON, and Detroit, MI. Topics include, export planning, USA Food and Drug Administration regulations, USA Tax laws, custom brokers and more!

REGISTER TODAY at the EARLY BIRD PRICE of $250 per person!
This cost includes the program, transportation, accommodation in Windsor, ON, and some meals.
Please note the cost goes up to $300 after April 10, 2026. Spaces are limited.

At last week’s NGen N3 event in Toronto, the Quinte Economic Development Commission (QEDC) met Kavodax, an Oshawa-based Canadian fintech company that uses blockchain to accelerate cross-border B2B financial transactions worldwide.

Kavodax reports offering a flat 1% fee, transaction times of about one minute (rather than days), and reach across more than 50 countries.

To learn more, please join a virtual session hosted by the Northumberland Manufacturing Association.

DATE/TIME: Thursday, April 23, 2026 | 1:00–2:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Virtual
REGISTRATION: Visit the NMA Event Calendar to register for this no-cost session.

Note: This message does not constitute an endorsement of this business. It is being shared because it aligns with ongoing manufacturer engagement activities and interest in new technologies that support business growth.

Try a trade at the free Quinte West Trades and Tech open house on April 21

Interested in pursuing a career in the skilled trades and technology industries? Members of the public are invited to attend the Quinte West Trades and Tech open house featuring the Skills Ontario Trades and Tech Truck on Tuesday, April 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Quinte West Operations Centre, located at 177 North Murray Street, Trenton.

The open house is a partnership between Quinte Economic Development Commission (QEDC), with support from the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program and Skills Ontario, and welcomes high school and post-secondary students, job seekers and community members who are interested in pursuing apprenticeships, career or job opportunities in the local skilled trades and technology industries. Representatives from the Centre for Workforce Development, Loyalist College, Quinte Home Builders’ Association, 8 Wing/CFB Trenton and A1 Plumbing will be on site to answer questions and provide interactive demonstrations.

The Skills Ontario Trades and Tech Truck will also be on-site, offering hands-on experiences with activities and trades available, which may include:

● Automotive electrical
● Cake decorating
● Edison bots
● Electrical wall
● Hair styling
● Heavy machinery simulator
● Pneumatics
● Tire and brake station
● Tool exploration
● Tool rigging and more
● Virtual paint simulator
● Walk-a-trade (VR Oculus experience featuring activities like forklift operating, residential electrician, powerline technician, 3D printing)
● Welding simulator

“The City of Quinte West is pleased to host this event, which supports local youth through interactive hands-on learning to explore various career options within the skilled trades and technology sectors.” “The skilled trades offer incredible value and opportunities for youth to pursue as a viable career path,” says Linda Lisle, Manager of Economic Development and Tourism.

“The skilled trades and technology sectors are vital to our region’s workforce and future growth,” says Chris King, Chief Executive Officer of the Quinte Economic Development Commission. “The open house helps students discover what’s possible by giving them an interactive introduction to in-demand careers and the innovative technologies being used locally.”

In addition to the April 21 open house, the City, in partnership with QEDC, and with support from the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program and Skills Ontario, will host students from the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board and the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board on April 21 and 22. During the two-day program, students will tour the Skills Trades and Tech Truck and visit industry sites in Quinte West, gaining a behind-the-scenes look at skilled trades and discovering opportunities available in their own community.

The Quinte West Trades and Tech open house is free to attend and open to anyone interested in learning more about careers in the trades and technology sectors. Learn more at quintewest.ca/workforce.

LINK TO OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Monday, April 13
9:00am – 5:00pm
Trent Port Marina

Discover how to turn your passion for place into an unforgettable experience that connects visitors to the Bay of Quinte region!

Join the Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board team for an immersive workshop dedicated to the art of crafting memorable visitor experiences. Led by Trevor Norris, BoQ’s Senior Manager, Destination Development, the session is designed for those developing a new concept or enhancing an existing offering, providing the tools needed to bring your vision to life.

Registration & Funding:
This workshop is free for businesses and individuals in the Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board’s partner communities of Belleville, Brighton, Greater Napanee, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte and Quinte West.

Due to limited space, a $50 deposit is required to register and will be refunded upon completion of the workshop.

Following the session, participants may apply for further funding and one-on-one coaching to launch their experience. Up to 10 participants will be granted this opportunity.

All attendees will receive a comprehensive Bay of Quinte Experience Crafting Guidebook designed as both a workshop tool and a long-term reference as you continue to develop your idea.

What to Expect:
Clear communication regarding logistics and expectations
Dynamic workshop led by experienced facilitators
Collaborative and inclusive learning environment
Constructive feedback to refine and strengthen your ideas

Why Attend?
Design experiences that create authentic connections
Collaborate and partner with like-minded local operators
Gain the confidence and tools to launch your own experience
Align your business with modern travel trends and responsible tourism

What You Will Learn:
Key elements of experience design and the art of storytelling
Costing, pricing, and marketing plan execution
Branding, content creation, and logistics like insurance, permits, and booking engines
Identifying ideal guests using Destination Canada’s Traveller Segmentation Portal
Sustainable and regenerative design principles
How to access support from local, provincial, and federal tourism partners

Participant Expectations:
Full-day attendance and active engagement in the session
A genuine interest in developing and test-piloting an experience
Professionalism and respect toward fellow participants and facilitators

Space is limited to 30 spots (first-come, first-served).
Visit bayofquinte.ca/experiences to see examples of previous experiences that have been developed!

REGISTER

Tuesday, April 14
10:00am
Webinar

Want more customers to find you? Learn practical, no-cost strategies like optimizing your Google Business Profile, using local keywords, and tapping into online community groups. Join us at 10:00am on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 for the seventh webinar in our “Let’s Grow Quinte” series, hosted by marketing expert, Cheyanne O’Driscoll.

“Let’s Grow Quinte” is a 12-month workshop series designed to help Bay of Quinte small business owners build confidence in their marketing. Each month, participants learn a practical, locally relevant skill they can put into action right away. Facilitated by Cheyanne O’Driscoll of CO’ Marketing in partnership with the Small Business Centre, the series offers independent business owners a structured path to stronger marketing and sustainable growth.

REGISTER