Conference of Defence Associations Institute

On October 6, 2026, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-40, the Strengthening Canada’s Defence Sector Act, proposing to establish the Defence Investment Agency (DIA) as a Crown corporation. The proposed changes would give the agency greater commercial flexibility and contracting authority, while the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces would retain responsibility for defining operational requirements and accepting delivered equipment. 

In this episode of the Expert Series, Siobhan Hardy, former senior assistant deputy minister of defence and marine procurement at Public Services and Procurement Canada, examines the proposed legislation and how the new structure could cha...

Canada’s River-class destroyer program reached a major milestone on June 12, 2026, with the ceremonial keel laying of the future HMCS Fraser in Halifax. Construction of the 15-ship fleet is underway, with the first vessel expected to be delivered in the early 2030s. Designed to replace the retired Iroquois-class destroyers and Halifax-class frigates, the River-class will provide the Royal Canadian Navy with a new generation of combat capabilities.

In this episode of the Expert Series, RAdm (Ret’d) Brian Santarpia, former Commander of Maritime Forces Atlantic, discusses the capabilities of the River-class destroyers and the potential role of a pr...

The Canadian Army implemented a new mission-based structure on September 10, 2026, reactivating 1st Canadian Division as a deployable manoeuvre division designed to generate combat power for major operations and strengthen Canada’s ability to contribute to collective defence.

In this episode of the Expert Series, LGen (Ret’d) the Honourable Andrew Leslie, former Chief of the Land Staff and former Member of Parliament, discusses the rationale behind the Canadian Army’s restructuring and its implications for operational readiness and force generation.

He examines the shift away from contribution warfare toward division-level combat capability, the integration of regula...

The Canadian Armed Forces is conducting a series of Operation NANOOK activities across the Arctic to strengthen domain awareness, test joint operational capabilities, and reinforce Canada’s ability to detect, deter, and respond to potential threats in the North. 

In this episode of the Expert Series, LCol Kristian Udesen, Deputy Commander of the Canadian Ranger Group and former Commanding Officer of the 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (1CRPG), and Captain Jacob McDonald, Operations Officer for 1CRPG, discuss the role of the Canadian Rangers in exercising Arctic sovereignty and Northern defence. 

They discuss Operation NANOOK’s Nunakp...

In September 2026, the Government of Canada announced its formal application to join the United Kingdom-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), a framework designed to enable rapid cooperation among like-minded European and North Atlantic allies without requiring full NATO consensus. The move comes as Canada faces growing security demands in the Arctic and North Atlantic.

In this episode of the Expert Series, LGen (Ret'd) Stuart Skeats, former commander of the JEF’s Standing Joint Force Headquarters, and Dr. Alexander Lanoszka, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Waterloo, examine what Canadian participation could mean for defence and se...

On September 17, 2006, Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed European Parliament in Strasbourg, calling for a deeper Canada-Europe partnership as Canada responds to growing uncertainty in its relationship with the United States and a deteriorating security environment across Europe. The speech signals a broader effort to strengthen Canada’s strategic autonomy and deepen its role alongside European allies on defence and security.

In this episode of the Expert Series, Dr. Justin Massie, Professor of Political Science at UQAM, and Wendy Gilmore, former NATO Assistant Secretary General for Defence Investment, examine what closer Canada-Europe ties could mean for Canadian defence an...

Earlier this year, the Government of Canada announced a $1.4 billion investment through the Canadian Defence Industry Resilience Program to establish a domestic ammunition manufacturing supply chain, including production of 155mm artillery projectiles, propellant charges, nitrocellulose, and high-explosive shells.

In this episode of the Expert Series, Colonel Stéphane Boucher, President of the Royal Canadian Artillery Association, examines what the investment means for Canada’s ammunition stockpiles and military readiness. He discusses lessons from the war in Ukraine, the strategic importance of domestic production, the future of 155mm artillery in a drone-heavy battlefield, and the need for Canada to...

On August 24, the Government of Canada announced an $11.3 billion contract with Chantier Davie to build six new Polar Class III icebreakers for the Canadian Coast Guard. The new fleet is expected to strengthen Canada’s ability to operate in the Arctic while supporting year-round maritime activity across the country.

In this episode of the Expert Series, Jody Thomas, former Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard, Deputy Minister of National Defence, and National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister, examines what the new icebreaker fleet means for Canada’s Arctic security and sovereignty. She discusses the Coast Guard’s inte...

On July 21, Canada became the first observer nation in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), the UK, Italy and Japan’s effort to develop a sixth-generation stealth combat aircraft and an integrated networked air combat system. 

In this episode of the Expert Series, former RCAF commander LGen Yvan Blondin and former RCAF deputy commander MGen Colin Keiver discuss what Canada’s entry into the programme could mean for its future defence capabilities, industrial base, and international partnerships. 

They examine the significance of joining the programme, opportunities for Canadian industry, as well as the operational implications of six...

On August 12, the Canadian Armed Forces hosted the Red Cobalt Uncrewed Systems Accelerator, bringing Canadian defence companies, innovators and military personnel together to test emerging autonomous technologies and provide direct operational feedback. 

In this episode of the Expert Series, Dr. Alexander Salt examines what these new initiatives mean for the rapid integration of drones and autonomous systems into the Canadian Armed Forces and the broader defence industrial base. He discusses how the Defence Drone Initiative, Red Cobalt, and the Defence Innovation Secure Hub are intended to shorten the distance between military users and industry, accelerate procurement, and h...

On August 4, the Government of Canada announced a $2.3 billion contract with Telesat to deliver the first phase of the Enhanced Satellite Communications Project, expanding its Lightspeed constellation by 69 satellites to provide secure and resilient military communications in the Arctic and other high-latitude regions.

In this episode of the Expert Series, Dr. Jessica West examines what the new capability means for Arctic sovereignty, military operations and Canada’s growing reliance on commercial space infrastructure. She discusses how satellite connectivity supports command and control, situational awareness and NORAD operations, why Canada is combining low and medium Earth orbit capabilities, an...

In this episode of the Expert Series, CDA Institute senior fellow David Borys speaks with LGen Jamieen Speiser-Blanchet, Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force, about the state of Canadian air power one year into her command and the priorities shaping the future of the RCAF.

They discuss the progress of the RCAF's modernization efforts, including fleet recapitalization, personnel growth, and training reform, as well as the challenges of recruiting, retaining, and developing the skilled workforce needed to support new capabilities. They also examine Canada's partnerships with allies and industry, the importance of interoperability, the growing role...

As Exercise RIMPAC 2026 draws to a close, our fellow David Borys speaks with CDA Institute’s Executive Director, Dr. Gaëlle Rivard Piché, and Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific and Joint Task Force Pacific, Rear Admiral David Patchell, about the strategic importance of Canada’s participation in the world’s largest multinational maritime exercise.

They discuss the factors driving the Indo-Pacific’s growing prominence in Canadian strategy, how Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy can strengthen regional stability and Canada's long-term security, as well as key lessons learned from RIMPAC 2026, and how fleet modernization, infrastructure investment, and personnel growth will shape t...

In this episode of the Expert Series, CDA Institute senior fellow David Borys speaks with Major-General (Ret’d) David Fraser about the federal government’s decision to expand Canada’s fleet of Armoured Combat Support Vehicles and what the investment means for the future of the Canadian Army.

They discuss the role combat service support plays in modern warfare, how the new vehicles will enhance maintenance, logistics, casualty evacuation, and battlefield mobility, and why strengthening the military’s logistical “tail” is essential to sustaining combat operations. They also examine lessons from Afghanistan and Ukraine, the importance of modernizing...

In today’s episode of the Expert Series, Dr. Thomas Hughes, Dr. Andrea Charron, and Dr. Malcolm Davis examine Canada’s landmark $2.5 billion bilateral agreement to adapt Australia’s proven Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) for its own Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar (A-OTHR) system.

They discuss the technical parameters of over-the-horizon radar compared to traditional line-of-sight systems, the unique scientific, logistical, and environmental challenges of adapting Southern Hemisphere sensor architectures to polar latitudes, the industrial and strategic dynamics of the bilateral alliance, and how the new sensors must eventually integrate into a broader, multi-layered "system of systems"—including space-ba...

Following the NATO summit and Canada’s commitments to increase defence spending, our senior fellow David Borys speaks with former Canadian Ambassador to NATO Kerry Buck about Canada’s role within the Alliance and the outcomes of the summit.

They discuss Canada’s progress toward NATO’s new defence spending targets, the need to translate spending commitments into military capabilities, and the role of defence procurement and industrial partnerships in supporting Canada’s contributions to the alliance. They also examine recent capability investments, including submarine procurement, and their implications for Arctic security, maritime operations, and Canada’s broader defe...

Following the Canadian government’s selection of the German-Norwegian bid from TKMS as the preferred supplier for Canada’s Victoria-Class submarine replacement, our fellow David Borys speaks with RAdm (Ret’d) Luc Cassivi and VAdm (Ret’d) Mark Norman about the strategic, operational, and industrial implications of Canada’s largest naval acquisition in decades.

They discuss the factors that shaped the decision between competing international submarine proposals, including the importance of allied partnerships, Canada’s relationship with Norway, industrial benefits, and the broader strategic signals sent by the selection. They also examine the challenges ahead, including contract negotiations...

In February 2026, Canada launched its first Defence Industrial Strategy, backed by major new funding through the Business Development Bank of Canada and the StrongNorth Fund, marking a push to modernize the country’s defence industrial base as global conflict accelerates and technology cycles compress.

In today’s episode of the Expert Series, Glenn Cowan, former JTF2 squadron commander and founder of One Nine, examines how venture capital and private investment are becoming increasingly important to national security and defence innovation in Canada.

He discusses the mismatch between traditional procurement systems and fast-moving early-stage technology companies, the...

With Ottawa expected to announce its preferred supplier for the Victoria-Class submarine replacement, Dr. Paul T. Mitchell speaks with CDA Institute Fellow Dr. David Borys about the competing German and South Korean bids and the long-term strategic, operational, and institutional implications of the decision.

They discuss the procurement process that narrowed the competition to two submarine designs, and the comparative advantages and trade-offs of each option, including range, endurance, habitability, weapons systems, and sustainment. They also discuss the operational requirements associated with Canada’s three-ocean posture, including Arctic operations, long transits, and the long-term implications for fleet re...

In this episode of the Expert Series, Colonel (Ret'd) Stéphane Boucher, President of the Royal Canadian Artillery Association, explains why Canada is reintroducing long-range rocket artillery now and how HIMARS fits into the Canadian Army’s modernization plan.

He discusses why the Canadian Army is investing in long-range precision strike capabilities now, the lessons being drawn from the war in Ukraine, and how HIMARS could strengthen Canada's ability to contribute to NATO operations, continental defence, and future multi-domain military operations.

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This episode of the CDA Institute’s Expert Series brings together perspectives from academia, the Canadian Armed Forces, and industry to examine how drones and uncrewed systems are reshaping modern warfare and Canada’s defence posture.

Dr. Alexander Salt (Canadian Global Affairs Institute), Lieutenant Colonel Cory Durant (DLR 2, Director of Land Requirements, Canadian Armed Forces) Katheron Intson (CEO, Sentinel R&D), and Bibi Imre (Lund University, and Centre for International and Defence Studies) discuss Canada’s current and emerging drone and uncrewed systems landscape, focusing first on the country’s limited operational capabilities, which are largely restricted to small...

This week there are reports that Canada is revisiting the possibility of acquiring a mixed fleet of fighter aircraft, including F-35s and Saab Gripens. The debate comes amid ongoing uncertainty over the reliability of U.S. security commitments in Europe, NATO force planning, and the strategic need to balance continental defence with international obligations.

In this episode of the Expert Series, Dr. Justin Massie and Richard Shimooka examine the strategic, operational, and industrial implications of a mixed fighter fleet and what it could mean for Canada’s defence posture both at home and abroad.

Th...

This week, Canada formally entered negotiations with Saab to purchase the GlobalEye airborne early warning system. The announcement comes amid growing political tensions between Ottawa and Washington, a review of the Lockheed Martin F-35 program, and broader efforts by the government to diversify Canada’s defence partnerships beyond the United States.

In this episode of the Expert Series, MGen (Ret'd) Colin Keiver examines the strategic, operational, and industrial implications of Canada’s potential GlobalEye purchase and what it could mean for the future of continental defence cooperation.

He discusses the role airborne early warning aircraft play...

The Permanent Joint Board on Defence (PJBD), a long-standing but low-profile mechanism for Canada–U.S. defence coordination, has recently been suspended, raising questions about the state of institutional dialogue underpinning North American security cooperation. While operational channels such as NORAD remain in place, the pause in this advisory forum has prompted broader reflection on how Canada and the United States manage strategic coordination and trust.

On this week’s episode of the Expert Series, Dr. Chris Sands examines the suspension of the PJBD and what it signals for Canada–U.S. defence relations at a time of gro...

The Liberal government plans to significantly expand the newly created Defence Investment Agency (DIA), giving it broader authority beyond standard military procurement and a wider role that could touch other areas of the economy. These plans were outlined in a ways and means motion in the House of Commons and formalized in May 2026 through the Defence Investment Agency Act, part of the Budget 2025 Implementation Act No. 2. The Act establishes the DIA as a stand-alone entity led by a dedicated minister and CEO, amends the Defence Production Act to broaden its scope, and grants the agency powers to streamline procurement...

As countries place greater focus on defence spending, supply chain security, cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure, NATO allies and partner nations are moving forward with plans for the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank, or DSRB. The proposed institution would provide long-term financing for defence, security, and resilience projects across allied countries.

Canada has played a leading role in the discussions and has been selected to host the bank’s future headquarters, with several Canadian cities being considered. Today, Jeff Tasseron and Jonathan Berkshire Miller join us to explore what the DSRB could mean for Canada, NATO allies, and th...

As the Mark Carney government marks one year since its April 28, 2025 election, its defence agenda has been defined by a sharp increase in military spending, major procurement and procurement-system reforms, and a series of new industrial and international defence partnerships in response to a more contested global security environment and ongoing pressure from the United States under Donald Trump. This includes efforts to rebuild CAF readiness, accelerate capability delivery, and expand Canada’s defence industrial base.

On this week's episode of the Expert Series, CDA Institute Chair and former CDS, General (Ret'd) Tom Lawson reflects on the fi...

The Arctic has become an increasingly important focus of North American defence planning due to its geographic role as the shortest route for a range of modern missile systems and its growing relevance to surveillance, maritime activity, and early-warning infrastructure. At the same time, evolving threats are placing pressure on existing continental defence arrangements, particularly the Canada–U.S. bilateral NORAD framework, to operate across multiple domains and integrate air, maritime, space, and cyber awareness more effectively.

On this week’s episode of the Expert Series, Dr. Andrea Charron discusses Canada’s planned Arctic infrastructure investments, the evolvi...

As NATO adapts to a rapidly evolving security environment following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, countries across the Nordic region are strengthening deterrence by advancing “total defence” models that integrate military capability with civilian resilience, critical infrastructure protection, and whole-of-society preparedness.

On today’s episode of the Expert Series, or fellow Dr. David Borys is joined by Ambassador Signe Burgstaller, Ambassador of Sweden to Canada; Ambassador Hanna-Leena Korteniemi, Ambassador of Finland to Canada; Mr. Jon-Åge Øyslebø, Deputy Head of Mission to the Embassy of Norway to Canada; and Ambassador Nikolaj Harris, Ambassador of Denmark to Canada; to...

As NATO adapts to a rapidly evolving security environment following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, countries across the Nordic-Baltic region are strengthening deterrence by adopting a “total defence” approach that integrates military capability with civilian resilience, economic stability, and societal preparedness.

On today’s episode of the Expert Series, Ambassador Egidijus Meilūnas, Ambassador of Lithuania to Canada; Ambassador Margus Rava, Ambassador of Estonia to Canada; and Colonel Oskars Kudlis, Defence Attache of Latvia to Canada, joined us to discuss how Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania operationalize whole-of-society defense, the enduring threat posed by Russia alongside growing hybrid ch...

On March 26, 2026, Canada reached the NATO defence spending target of two per cent of GDP for the first time in decades. The government achieved this after a late boost to defence funding, supported by internal reorganization and measures to strengthen the military. The milestone reflects Canada’s efforts to meet allied expectations and reinforce its defence capabilities.

Today, Dr. Philippe Lagassé and Dr. Stephen Saideman analyze the significance of Canada reaching 2% of GDP on defence spending, exploring whether it materially enhances Canadian security, the future of NATO, and the challenges of achieving the next alliance target of 5%, bui...

On today’s episode of the Expert Series, we bring you a special recap recorded on the sidelines of the 2026 Ottawa Conference on Security and Defence - capturing timely reflections aligned with this year’s theme, “The Road to 5%.” As Canada signals a major shift in defence spending and strategic posture, this episode offers a snapshot of the conversations shaping thinking in real time across the defence and security community.

Drawing on conversations with speakers throughout the event, this episode reflects on the broader tone and takeaways emerging from the conference floor - from the urgency of the curr...

As Canada seeks its security and operational capacity in the North, Prime Minister Mark Carney recently announced a $35-billion federal plan to expand defence capabilities and infrastructure across the Arctic and northern regions, including upgrades to military bases, new operational hubs, improved airports, and road construction projects.

On today’s episode of the Expert Series, MGen (Ret’d) Michel Lalumiere, Dr. James Fergusson, and Dr. Rob Huebert joined us to discuss the significance of these investments, the distinction between Arctic development and defence spending, and what these initiatives mean for Canada’s Arctic security and northern communities.

As Canada seeks to strengthen its independence and resilience in a more uncertain world, Prime Minister Mark Carney recently embarked on a 10-day tour of the Indo-Pacific, meeting with leaders in India, Australia, and Japan.

Today, Jonathan Berkshire Miller, Rohinton Medhora, Vina Nadjibulla, and Mike Hughes joined us to discuss the strategic significance of Prime Minister Carney’s visit to Asia, the India-Canada "reset", the potential for deeper defence and economic ties with Indo-Pacific partners, and what Canada’s new approach to middle-power diplomacy could mean for its role in global security and trade.

We unpa...

On February 28, 2026, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was assassinated, an event that shocked the region and raised significant questions about Iran’s operational security. While his death is undeniably significant, the Islamic Republic survives his assassination, though it emerges considerably weakened, particularly given prior leadership losses and ongoing military and infrastructure degradation.

Dr. Thomas Juneau, professor at the University of Ottawa’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, joined us to discuss the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, examining how he was targeted, the operational security failures that made it possible, and what his deat...

On today’s episode of the Expert Series, CDA Institute Executive Director Gaëlle Rivard Piché and CGAI President & CEO David Perry examine how Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy is redefining the relationship between strategic autonomy, economic prosperity, and national security. 

They discuss the structural reforms and cultural shifts required to drive innovation, strengthen sovereign capabilities, and align economic growth with geopolitical realities. 

This episode unpacks the implementation challenges, trade-offs, and policy signals that will determine whether the strategy moves from ambition to measurable impact. 

The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that cond...

On today’s episode of the Expert Series, we examine Canada’s first Defence Industrial Strategy and how it aims to reshape military readiness, domestic industrial capacity, and Canada’s position in a rapidly shifting geopolitical environment. Vice-Admiral (Ret’d) Mark Norman, Lieutenant-General (Ret’d) Andrew Leslie, and the Honourable Peter MacKay assess the strategy’s ambition, its proposed “Build–Partner–Buy” framework, and the creation of a new Defence Investment Agency. 

They discuss long-standing procurement challenges, persistent capability gaps within the Canadian Armed Forces, and the realism of directing 70% of defence contracts to Canadian firms while remaining closely int...

On today’s episode of the Expert Series, we delve into the strategic complexities of Arctic security through the lens of wargaming. MGen (Ret’d) Dennis Thompson, creator of the game and Senior Mentor and Instructor at the Canadian Forces College, and Ven Adamov, Partner and Data Analytics Leader in KPMG’s Risk Services Practice, share their experiences and key takeaways while highlighting the geopolitical dynamics and military readiness challenges faced by Canada and its NATO allies. 

They explore the strategic importance of the Northwest Passage, the role of pre-emptive strikes, and the impact of advanced technologies in mode...

On today’s episode of the Expert Series, UBC Professor and CDA Institute Fellow David Borys is joined by CDAI Chair General (Ret’d) Tom Lawson and Vice-Chair Wendy Gilmour to discuss their recent National Post opinion piece on rebuilding the Canadian Armed Forces.

Together, they examine Canada’s defence spending and its implications for the military, including recruitment and retention challenges, procurement hurdles, and how new investments could strengthen operational readiness, support the defence industry, and position Canada amid growing geopolitical pressures.

The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and educat...

As Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure this week, the links between defence planning, energy vulnerability, and resilience in Europe are once again front of mind.

In this very timely release, the CDA Institute’s Climate Security Programme is sharing the third and final episode of its Special Expert Series highlighting key insights from the 4th Montreal Climate Security Summit, co-hosted with @NATO CCASCOE. 

In this episode, Programme Director @Pauline Baudu is joined by Lennard de Klerk, lead author of The Climate Damage Caused by Russia’s War in Ukraine, produced by the...