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 integrated with the United States and NATO supply chains.

This episode offers a candid evaluation of the opportunities and risks embedded in the strategy, underscoring the importance of effective implementation, economic resilience, and timely investment to ensure Canada can meet both its operational commitments and broader national security objectives.

The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.

Learn more: CDA Institute

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 modern warfare.

This episode delivers a focused analysis of the shifting Arctic security landscape, highlighting the need for enhanced surveillance capabilities, infrastructure investment, and international cooperation.

The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.

Learn more: CDA Institute

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 education programming on defence and security.

Learn more: CDA Institute