Canada–Israel Strategic Dialogue (Ottawa)
The inaugural Canada–Israel Strategic Dialogue marked the beginning of a long-term strategic initiative dedicated to strengthening Canada–Israel relations through informed, non-partisan, and forward-looking engagement. Convened on June 10, 2026, at the Rideau Club in Ottawa by the Policy Insights Forum and the Exigent Foundation, the closed-door roundtable brought together more than fifty senior leaders from government, diplomacy, defence, intelligence, industry, academia, and civil society. Held under the Chatham House Rule, the dialogue created a trusted environment for candid discussion on the evolving strategic relationship between Canada and Israel at a time of profound geopolitical change.
Participants examined the bilateral relationship through the lens of Canada’s national interests, recognizing that while political differences exist, the strategic rationale for closer cooperation remains compelling. Discussions focused on the implications of great-power competition, defence modernization, economic security, technological innovation, democratic resilience, foreign interference, and public diplomacy. A central theme emerging from the dialogue was that mature democratic partners need not agree on every issue; rather, they must preserve channels for strategic cooperation in areas where their interests align, particularly in defence, innovation, security, and the protection of democratic institutions.
The Ottawa roundtable established the foundation for an ongoing strategic dialogue process designed to move beyond analysis toward practical policy development. Participants concluded that sustained engagement through Track 1.5 diplomacy—bringing together government, industry, academia, and civil society—can play a vital role in strengthening bilateral relations during periods of political complexity.
Roundtable One also set the stage for the second Canada–Israel Strategic Dialogue in Toronto on October 28, 2026 and the development of a broader Canada–Israel Strategic Cooperation Framework, culminating in a planned 2027 Canada–Israel Strategic Dialogue Summit.
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.
Read ArticleOn 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, 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.
Read SpeechAliénor 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.
Read Speech
We are thankful for the support of our sponsors for making this event possible.
Federal Fleet
Services
Canada‘s Ocean Supercluster
Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)
ESS Support Services Worldwide
Achieva
Tech
Export Development Canada
Barrack Hill Public Affairs
Volatus
Aerospace
Deloitte
OpenCore
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.
This exclusive Event will assemble diverse thought leaders and stakeholders from the private sector, government, academia, and the defence and intelligence communities.
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.
Aliénor Peyrefitte: alienor.peyrefitte@policyinsights.ca, (819) 955-1799
Louis Romet: louis.romet@policyinsights.ca, (613) 710-2555
Sponsorship includes media visibility at the Gala, logo placement on the sponsorship slideshow and table, recognition on social media and the PIF website, one reserved table for eight (8) guests, and four (4) complimentary invitations to the pre-Gala VIP Reception.
For Sponsorship inquiries, please contact us directly to discuss tailored participation opportunities for your organization.
Ottawa, ON – Policy Insights Forum to recognize a distinguished champion of Canadian excellence.
Press ReleaseDownload the Report to explore the full Roundtable One discussion, including the an overview of the dialogue, key areas for engagement and the next event in Toronto.
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Networking Break
Executive Chairman, AGF Management
Chair of the Board of Directors, C.D. Howe Institute
Conference Thanks and Appreciation
CLOSING REMARKS SPEAKER
Goran Samuel Pesic
Chairman, Policy Insights Forum
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
12:30 - 1:45 PM
2: 15 PM- 3:30 PM
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
