Conference of Defence Associations Institute

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 and security. They discuss Canada’s participation in the EU’s €150 billion SAFE defence procurement program, opportunities for Canadian industry to work with European partners, Arctic and maritime security, command and control, air and missile defence, the F-35 and Gripen debate, and the need for a more resilient defence industrial base capable of supporting Canada and its allies. ➡️ LinkedIn: / cdainstitute ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute.. . ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: https://cdainstitute.ca/ The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

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 build a more resilient defence industry capable of supporting both its own forces and NATO allies. ➡️ LinkedIn: / cdainstitute ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute... ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: https://cdainstitute.ca/ The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

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 integration into National Defence, its evolving role in intelligence collection and maritime domain awareness, and the trade-offs of building the fleet domestically. ➡️ LinkedIn: / cdainstitute ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute... ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: https://cdainstitute.ca/ The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

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 sixth-generation air power, and what Canada would need to do to move from observer status to a more substantive role in GCAP. ➡️ LinkedIn: / cdainstitute ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute... ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: https://cdainstitute.ca/ The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

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 help Canada adapt to rapidly changing technology. He also explores the challenges Canada faces in balancing the demand for cheap, mass-produced systems with the need for secure supply chains, the lessons that can be drawn from Ukraine, and the risks of relying on foreign components. Finally, he considers whether these new approaches can overcome Canada’s longstanding culture of risk aversion and create a more flexible defence procurement system capable of delivering new capabilities at speed. ➡️ LinkedIn: / cdainstitute ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute.. . ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: https://cdainstitute.ca/ The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

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, and how redundancy and interoperability can improve resilience. She also explores the implications of integrating commercial and military systems, including the potential risks to civilian infrastructure, the challenges of protecting satellite networks from jamming and cyberattacks, and what the growing strategic importance of space means for Canada’s Arctic defence posture. ➡️ LinkedIn: / cdainstitute ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute... ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: https://cdainstitute.ca/ The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

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 of the space domain, and how the RCAF is adapting its force structure, training, and operations to meet Canada's defence and sovereignty requirements. ➡️ LinkedIn: / cdainstitute ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute... ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

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 the future of the Royal Canadian Navy. ➡️ LinkedIn: / cdainstitute ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute.. . ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: https://cdainstitute.ca/ The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

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 aging equipment, and how sustained defence investment can strengthen Canada’s military readiness, industrial base, and broader economic and strategic interests. ➡️ LinkedIn: / cdainstitute ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute.. . ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

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-based satellites, maritime sensors, and F-35 fighter fleets—to deliver a fully responsive and modernized NORAD command and control structure. Dr. Thomas Hughes – Assistant Professor at Mount Allison University and Deputy Director of the Centre for Defence and Security Studies (CDSS) at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Andrea Charron – Associate Professor and Director of the Centre for Defence and Security Studies (CDSS) at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Malcolm Davis – Senior Analyst in the Defence Strategy Program at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI). ➡️ LinkedIn: / cdainstitute ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute... ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

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 defence commitments. Read Kerry Buck's latest article for The Globe & Mail: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opini... ➡️ LinkedIn: / cdainstitute ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute.. . ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: https://cdainstitute.ca/ The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

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, sustainment infrastructure, timelines, and the need to build the personnel capacity required to operate and support a larger submarine fleet. Beyond the acquisition itself, the conversation explores how a new fleet of submarines could reshape Canada’s underwater warfare capabilities, strengthen NATO contributions, enhance Arctic and maritime security, and provide an opportunity to rebuild long-term expertise and capacity within the Royal Canadian Navy. ➡️ LinkedIn: / cdainstitute ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute.. . ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: https://cdainstitute.ca/ The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

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 structural gaps between government, industry, and end users, as well as recent Canadian policy shifts and increased public capital flows into defence, and what it will take to build a faster, more responsive, and investment-ready defence ecosystem. ➡️ LinkedIn: / cdainstitute ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute.. . ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

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 readiness, maintenance, and force structure. Beyond platform performance, long-term sustainability and the ability to support and operate a large submarine fleet across vast distances are central considerations shaping Canada’s decision. Dr. Paul T. Mitchell is a Professor, Dept of Defence Studies at Canadian Forces College. ➡️ LinkedIn: / cdainstitute ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute.. . ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: https://cdainstitute.ca/ The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

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. ➡️ LinkedIn: / cdainstitute ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute.. . ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: https://cdainstitute.ca/ The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

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 tactical UAVs like Raven B and Blackjack and select naval uncrewed platforms. They then examine how the war in Ukraine has reshaped thinking on modern warfare by highlighting the need for mass-produced drones, rapid adaptation to electronic warfare, and tighter integration between frontline feedback and industry development cycles. They also discuss the industrial and technical requirements for future capability, including scalable domestic production, resilient supply chains, and the integration of AI, cloud computing, and advanced data systems to manage large volumes of battlefield information, and the tension between technological acceleration and Canada’s institutional, ethical, and procurement constraints. ➡️ LinkedIn: / cdainstitute ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute.. . ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

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. They discuss the role of fighter aircraft in NORAD and NATO missions, the challenges of integrating multiple platforms into existing command-and-control structures, and the extent to which political considerations may be influencing procurement decisions. The episode also explores the tension between Canada’s push for strategic autonomy in Europe and the enduring realities of geography, interoperability, and coordination with the United States. ➡️ LinkedIn: / cdainstitute ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute.. . ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: https://cdainstitute.ca/ The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

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 in NORAD and Arctic surveillance, the operational differences between Saab’s GlobalEye and competing American systems such as Boeing’s E-7 Wedgetail, and the extent to which political considerations may be influencing procurement decisions. The episode also explores the tension between Canada’s push to diversify defence relationships and the enduring realities of geography, interoperability, and integration with the United States. Keiver argues that while deeper partnerships with European allies may strengthen Canadian industrial capacity and resilience, effective continental defence will continue to depend on close military and technological coordination with Washington. ➡️ LinkedIn: / cdainstitute ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute.. . ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

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 growing political strain and evolving security priorities. He discusses the role of institutional mechanisms in shaping Canada–U.S. defence cooperation beyond day-to-day military operations, and how forums like the PJBD have historically supported alignment on emerging threats and capability planning. The episode also explores the implications of the suspension for bilateral trust and predictability, and considers whether increasingly transactional approaches risk weakening the informal and institutional foundations of continental defence cooperation. ➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cdainstitute/ ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute... ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

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, support domestic industry, and enhance national security. On this week’s Expert Series, Jody Thomas, former National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister and former Deputy Minister of Defence; Troy Crosby, former Assistant Deputy Minister (Materiel) at the Department of National Defence; and Dr. Philippe Lagassé, Barton Chair at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, examined the DIA’s proposed expansion, ministerial oversight, and legislative updates, discussing whether these changes could drive meaningful procurement reform and shift a long-standing culture of overcautiousness. ➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cdainstitute/ ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute... ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute