Ontario’s Businesses and Universities Support Toronto as Global Headquarters for the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank

(TORONTO, April 30, 2026) – The Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Council of Ontario Universities welcome the decision to designate Canada as the host country for the global headquarters of the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank (DSRB), marking a significant milestone in strengthening collective security and economic resilience.

The DSRB will provide long-term, low-cost financing for defence, security, and resilience initiatives across supply chains, helping small- and medium-sized enterprises and member governments to address critical financing gaps.

“This is a strong vote of confidence in Canada’s leadership and stability,” said Daniel Tisch, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “Toronto is the natural home for this institution. It brings together the financial depth, global connectivity, and institutional credibility to deliver on the Bank’s mission.”

As North America’s second-largest financial services hub, Toronto is home to Canada’s major banks and a globally connected capital markets ecosystem. This concentration of expertise will enable the DSRB to mobilize capital, manage risk, and support large-scale international investment aligned with its mission.

The city’s global orientation further strengthens its role as host. With more than 100 foreign consular offices and Canada’s largest international transportation hub, Toronto offers the connectivity required for a multilateral institution serving allied partners.

“Ontario’s universities are a strategic asset in supporting the success of the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank,” said Steve Orsini, President and CEO of the Council of Ontario Universities. “With a world-class talent pipeline and leading research capacity, Ontario is well positioned to support the Bank’s work in finance, engineering, cybersecurity, AI, and advanced manufacturing.”

Ontario’s broader ecosystem strengthens the case. The province is home to Canada’s largest defence sector, with more than 300 companies, including global leaders such as RTX, Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics. As allied defence spending grows, Ontario’s advanced manufacturing and innovation ecosystem is ready to support the Bank’s objectives in strengthening supply chains and accelerating investment.

Ontario’s universities reinforce this advantage by pairing research excellence with the development of highly skilled graduates in areas critical to defence, security, and resilience. These capabilities align closely with the Bank’s mandate to address financing gaps and support long-term, strategic investments.

“The decision to locate the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank’s headquarters in Canada underscores our country’s leadership, stability, and capacity to support global partners,” the organizations said. “Ontario stands ready to work with all levels of government and international partners to ensure the success of this important institution.”

– Daniel Tisch, President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce

– Steve Orsini, President and CEO, Council of Ontario Universities

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About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is the indispensable partner of business and Canada’s largest, most influential provincial chamber. It is an independent, non-profit advocacy and member services organization representing a diverse network of 60,000 members. The OCC convenes, mobilizes, and empowers business and local chambers in pursuit of its purpose: to bring inclusive and sustainable prosperity to Ontario’s businesses, workers, and communities.

For more information, please contact:

Andrea Carmona
Director of Public Affairs
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
andreacarmona@occ.ca | Mobile: 647 234 0255