2024 National Security Conference

Bridging the Gap: Balancing Canadian National Security with Economic Prosperity



Monday, June 3, 2024
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Rideau Club, Ottawa

About the 2024 National Security Conference

The exclusive one-day 2024 National Security Conference (NSC) will be held at Ottawa's Rideau Club on June 3, 2024, and promises an in-depth examination of key national security issues with an emphasis on "Bridging the Gap: Balancing Canadian National Security with Economic Prosperity".

The event will provide a unique platform for profound reflections aimed at fortifying Canada in an increasingly complex and unstable world by gathering a broad spectrum of national security experts, academia, government officials, and private sector stakeholders who will offer diverse and insightful viewpoints on the current national security landscape.

Blog: Reflecting on the Success of the 2024 National Security Conference

Yesterday, the Policy Insights Forum hosted the National Security Conference at Ottawa's Rideau Club, themed "Bridging the Gap: Balancing Canadian National Security with Economic Prosperity." Over 90 experts, academics, officials, and stakeholders gathered for discussions and networking.

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2024 National Security Conference: Executive Summary

On June 3, the Policy Insights Forum hosted the 2024 National Security Conference at the Rideau Club in Ottawa. The event provided a comprehensive exploration of the complex challenges and opportunities facing Canada in balancing national security with economic prosperity.

Executive Summary

Goran Samuel Pesic, Opening Speech

Goran Samuel Pesic, Chair of the Policy Insights Forum, opened the 2024 National Security Conference in Ottawa, emphasizing the Forum's focus on strategic public policy. He outlined initiatives and posed critical questions on national security and economic prosperity. Pesic thanked sponsors and introduced Dr. Nicole Giles as the keynote speaker on modernizing Canada's CSIS Act and defence policy.

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Aliénor Peyrefitte, Closing Speech

Aliénor Peyrefitte, President of the Emerging Transatlantic Leaders, expressed gratitude to participants for their contributions to the event focused on balancing Canadian national security with economic prosperity. She acknowledged speakers, sponsors, and colleagues for their efforts and invited attendees to join future events and a networking reception.

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Guest Speakers

Event Co-host
Co-host
Paul Afenir
Co-host
Stella Gold
Event Co-host

Keynote Speaker
Dr. Nicole Giles
New Brunswick Premier
Blaine Higgs
Ambassador
Bruce Heyman
Siobhan Harty
Peter Hall
Richard Fadden

Program

8:00 AM - 8:45 AM
Registration and Light Breakfast

Networking Breakfast for government, private sector, academia, and stakeholders.
8:45 AM - 9:00 AM
Opening Remarks and Introduction of Keynote Speaker Dr. Nicole Giles
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
Keynote Address
9:45 AM - 10:00 AM
Morning Coffee Break
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Video Address by The Honourable Blaine Higgs
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
Panel Discussion 1
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Hosted Buffet Lunch
12:30 PM - 1:45 PM
Panel Discussion 2
1:45 PM - 2:15 PM
Coffee Break
2:15 PM – 3:30 PM
Allied Perspectives Roundtable
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Closing Keynote
4:00 PM - 4:15 PM
Final Remarks
4:15 PM - 5:00 PM
Social Network Reception
Opening Sessions

Welcome to the 2024 National Security Conference

8:45 AM - 10:15 AM
8:45 AM - 9:00 AM
Opening Remarks
Goran Samuel Pesic
Chairman, Policy Insights Forum (PIF) and CEO, Samuel Group of Companies.
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
Keynote Address
Dr. Nicole Giles
Deputy Director and Senior ADM, Policy and Strategic Partnerships, Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS)
9:45 AM - 10:00 AM
Morning Coffee Break
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Video Address and Pre-recorded interview
The Honourable Blaine Higgs
Premier of New Brunswick
Jeff Reynolds
NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation POL-MIL RepresentativePentagon and US Atlantic Council Non-Resident Fellow (Washington, D.C.)
Panel 1

A New Integrated National Security Strategy for Canada

10:15 AM - 11:30 AM

MODERATOR:
Colonel (Ret'd) Geoffrey St. John
PIF Director, National Security Studies Program
PANELISTS:
Richard Fadden
Former National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister
Peter Hall
Former CEO and Chief Economist, Export Development Canada (EDC)
Shelly Bruce
Former Chief, Communications Security Establishment (CSE)
Professor Wesley Wark
Senior Fellow, Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)
Trevor Neiman
Vice President, Policy, and Legal Counsel, Business Council of Canada (BCC)
Panel 2

Securing the Future: Procurement and Innovation Investment in National Security and Defence Capabilities

12:30 - 1:45 PM

MODERATOR:
Professor Philippe Lagassé
PIF Director of Defence Research
PANELISTS:
Siobhan Harty
ADM Defence Procurement Review, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC)
David Perry
President, Canadian Global Affairs Institute (CGAI)
Dan McKinney
Defence Industry Executive, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
James Davies
President and CEO, Chantier Davie Canada Inc.
Co-Founder, INOCEA
Allied Perspectives Roundtable

Global Security Challenges and Canada's Collaborative Response in a 2nd Trump Administration

2: 15 PM- 3:30 PM

MODERATOR:
Artur Wilczynski
PIF Advisory Board Member
PANELISTS:
Ambassador Bruce Heyman (US)
Co-Chair Advisory Board, Canada Institute, Wilson Center.
Professor John Blaxland (AUS)
Director of the Australia National University, North America Liaison Office, Washington D.C.
Brigadier-General (Ret'd) Ben Barry (UK)
Senior Fellow, International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)
Brigadier-General (Ret’d) Roberto Mazzolin
Chief Defence, Security and Technology Strategist RHEA Group
Final Thoughts

Building a More Resilient Canada in a Complex World

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

3:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Closing Keynote
Vincent Rigby
Former National Security and Intelligence Advisor
4:00 PM - 4:15 PM
Final Remarks
Aliénor Peyrefitte
President, Transatlantic Emerging Leaders, PIF
4:15 PM - 5:00 PM
Social Network Reception

Engagement Highlights

Conference Highlights

Remarks by Premier Blaine Higgs

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Conference FAQs

What is the event about?

The National Security Conference 2024 aims to create a comprehensive and diverse platform for high-level discussions focusing on whole-of-society approaches and practical avenues to effectively reconcile Canada's national security imperatives with long-term, generational economic prosperity.

Who can attend?

This exclusive Event will assemble diverse thought leaders and stakeholders from the private sector, government, academia, and the defence and intelligence communities.

Where will the event take place?

This event will be held at the Rideau Club, 99 Bank St 15th Floor, Ottawa, ON K1P 6B9.

Paid Underground Parking is available at the Rideau Club.

Who can I contact?

Aliénor Peyrefitte: alienor.peyrefitte@policyinsights.ca, (819) 955-1799
Louis Romet: louis.romet@policyinsights.ca, (613) 710-2555