About the Conference
The Policy Insights Forum’s Conference on Financing Canada’s Defence Readiness will convene as a full-day conference on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at the Rideau Club in Ottawa, Canada.
This invitation-only gathering will bring together senior leaders from government, the defence industry, financial institutions, pension funds, private equity, export development organizations, and allied missions to examine the capital mobilization, industrial scaling and sovereign capability development required to meet Canada’s NATO commitments and strengthen long-term national preparedness.
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.
Read Article2024 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.
Read SpeechAliénor 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.
Read Speech
Guest Speakers
Keynote Speaker
Conference Program
Light breakfast and informal networking across government, defence, finance and industry.
Welcoming Remarks
The Honourable Peter MacKay*
Strategic Advisor at Deloitte Canada,
Senior Counsel at McInnes Cooper
· Opening of the conference
· Strategic rationale and desired outcomes
· Emphasis on candour, practicality, and collaboration
Conference Procedures and Schedule
Aliénor Peyrefitte
PIF Conference Secretariat
· Overview of the day’s structure and timing
· Speaking format and protocol for interventions
· Confidentiality parameters and participation guidelines
Building Canada’s Defence Investment Engine
Keynote Speaker:
Doug Guzman*
Chief Executive Officer, Defence Investment Agency
Guest Speaker:
Ambassador Heidi Hulan*
Permanent Representative of Canada to NATO
Session Moderator:
The Honourable Rona Ambrose
Chairwoman, TD Securities Panel
Participants:
· Senior Federal Procurement Leadership
· Defence Capability or Requirements Representative
· Industry Program Executive
· Insurance Company Representative
The Role of BDC in Strategic Industrial Scaling
Featured Speaker:
Geneviève Bouthillier*
Executive Vice-President of Business Development, Bank of Canada (BDC) Capital
A Working Model for Capability Delivery
Speakers:
James Davies
Chief Executive Officer, Davie Shipbuilding
John Schmidt
President & Chief Executive Officer, Federal Fleet Services
Guest Speaker:
Wendy Hadwen*
Department of National Defence
Converting Canadian Capability into Contracts at Home and Abroad
Guest Speaker:
Chris Pogue*
President, Defence and Space, Calian Group
Lead, Calian Ventures
Structuring Bankable Defence and Security Projects
Session Moderator:
Todd Winterhalt
Senior Vice-President, International Markets and Head of Communications and Public Affairs,
Export Development Canada
Participants:
Senior Representative, Finance Canada
Senior Representative, Canadian Bankers Association
Blake Goldring*
Executive Chairman at AGF Management Limited
Chair of the Board of Directors at C.D. Howe Institute
Private Sector Perspectives on Financing
Readiness as National Readiness
Welcome to the 2024 National Security Conference
Chairman, Policy Insights Forum (PIF) and CEO, Samuel Group of Companies.
Premier of New Brunswick
NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation POL-MIL RepresentativePentagon and US Atlantic Council Non-Resident Fellow (Washington, D.C.)
A New Integrated National Security Strategy for Canada
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
PIF Director, National Security Studies Program
Former National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister
Securing the Future: Procurement and Innovation Investment in National Security and Defence Capabilities
12:30 - 1:45 PM
PIF Director of Defence Research
ADM Defence Procurement Review, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC)
Co-Founder, INOCEA
Global Security Challenges and Canada's Collaborative Response in a 2nd Trump Administration
2: 15 PM- 3:30 PM
Co-Chair Advisory Board, Canada Institute, Wilson Center.
Building a More Resilient Canada in a Complex World
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Former National Security and Intelligence Advisor
President, Transatlantic Emerging Leaders, PIF
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Conference FAQs
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
