Published by CDA Institute
The CDA Institute's programming convenes experts in Canadian defence, international security, and politics to provide nuanced discussion about current and ongoing issues in defence and security. https://cdainstitute.ca/
Listen on Apple PodcastsAs 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
As countries place greater focus on defence spending, supply chain security, cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure, NATO allies and partner nations are moving forward with plans for the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank, or DSRB. The proposed institution would provide long-term financing for defence, security, and resilience projects across allied countries. Canada has played a leading role in the discussions and has been selected to host the bank’s future headquarters, with several Canadian cities being considered. Today, Jeff Tasseron and Jonathan Berkshire Miller join us to explore what the DSRB could mean for Canada, NATO allies, and the future of defence and security financing. Jeff Tasseron is a retired colonel and fellow with the Canadian Global Affairs Institute (CGAI). Jonathan Berkshire Miller is Co-Founder and Principal at Pendulum Geopolitical Advisory, part of the Pendulum Group. ➡️ 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
As the Mark Carney government marks one year since its April 28, 2025 election, its defence agenda has been defined by a sharp increase in military spending, major procurement and procurement-system reforms, and a series of new industrial and international defence partnerships in response to a more contested global security environment and ongoing pressure from the United States under Donald Trump. This includes efforts to rebuild CAF readiness, accelerate capability delivery, and expand Canada’s defence industrial base. On this week's episode of the Expert Series, CDA Institute Chair and former CDS, General (Ret'd) Tom Lawson reflects on the first year of the Carney government’s defence agenda and its most consequential announcements, assessing whether they are strengthening Canada’s defence capability in practice. He also analyzes this week's spring economic update and the launch of the Canada Strong Fund. ➡️ LinkedIn: / cdainstitute ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute 📬 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
The Arctic has become an increasingly important focus of North American defence planning due to its geographic role as the shortest route for a range of modern missile systems and its growing relevance to surveillance, maritime activity, and early-warning infrastructure. At the same time, evolving threats are placing pressure on existing continental defence arrangements, particularly the Canada–U.S. bilateral NORAD framework, to operate across multiple domains and integrate air, maritime, space, and cyber awareness more effectively. On this week’s episode of the Expert Series, Dr. Andrea Charron discusses Canada’s planned Arctic infrastructure investments, the evolving strategic importance of the Arctic in North American defence planning, and continental security cooperation. She examines the Arctic as a key approach corridor for modern missile systems, the importance of improved situational awareness through expanded sensing infrastructure such as over-the-horizon radar, satellites, and maritime monitoring systems, NORAD’s evolving role as the core binational Canada–U.S. command responsible for warning of air and missile threats, Greenland’s strategic significance as part of the early warning architecture, and the need for clearer distinctions between sovereignty and security language in policy discussions. ➡️ LinkedIn: / cdainstitute ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute 📬 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 NATO adapts to a rapidly evolving security environment following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, countries across the Nordic region are strengthening deterrence by advancing “total defence” models that integrate military capability with civilian resilience, critical infrastructure protection, and whole-of-society preparedness. On today’s episode of the Expert Series, or fellow Dr. David Borys is joined by Ambassador Signe Burgstaller, Ambassador of Sweden to Canada; Ambassador Hanna-Leena Korteniemi, Ambassador of Finland to Canada; Mr. Jon-Åge Øyslebø, Deputy Head of Mission to the Embassy of Norway to Canada; and Ambassador Nikolaj Harris, Ambassador of Denmark to Canada; to discuss how each country operationalizes total defence in practice, from national resilience systems and public preparedness to civil-military coordination and crisis planning. The conversation explores how these approaches are rooted in history, geography, and evolving threat perceptions, while increasingly converging across the Nordic region. We examine how the accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO has reshaped operational planning in Northern Europe, strengthening integration across the Arctic and Baltic regions and enabling more coordinated defence postures. The panel also highlights the growing importance of joint exercises, interoperability, and multinational cooperation with partners like Canada in the High North. ➡️ LinkedIn: / cdainstitute 📬 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
As NATO adapts to a rapidly evolving security environment following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, countries across the Nordic-Baltic region are strengthening deterrence by adopting a “total defence” approach that integrates military capability with civilian resilience, economic stability, and societal preparedness. On today’s episode of the Expert Series, Ambassador Egidijus Meilūnas, Ambassador of Lithuania to Canada; Ambassador Margus Rava, Ambassador of Estonia to Canada; and Colonel Oskars Kudlis, Defence Attache of Latvia to Canada, joined us to discuss how Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania operationalize whole-of-society defense, the enduring threat posed by Russia alongside growing hybrid challenges, and how NATO’s posture in the region has shifted from forward presence to a more robust forward defense model. We examine the role of conscription, reserve forces, and civilian readiness in building national resilience, as well as the importance of interoperability and multinational coordination across NATO allies. The panel also explores evolving regional dynamics, including the strategic implications of the Baltic Sea becoming increasingly NATO-aligned, and highlights Canada’s leadership in Latvia through the Enhanced Forward Presence mission, alongside opportunities to deepen cooperation in defence industry, Arctic security, cyber defence, and critical infrastructure protection. ➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cdainstitute/ ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute 📬 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
On March 26, 2026, Canada reached the NATO defence spending target of two per cent of GDP for the first time in decades. The government achieved this after a late boost to defence funding, supported by internal reorganization and measures to strengthen the military. The milestone reflects Canada’s efforts to meet allied expectations and reinforce its defence capabilities. Today, Dr. Philippe Lagassé and Dr. Stephen Saideman analyze the significance of Canada reaching 2% of GDP on defence spending, exploring whether it materially enhances Canadian security, the future of NATO, and the challenges of achieving the next alliance target of 5%, building a domestic defence industrial base, trade-offs required for higher spending targets, and the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s rhetoric on the Canadian public’s increased interest in defence and whether that interest can be sustained. ➡️ LinkedIn: / cdainstitute ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute 📬 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
On today’s episode of the Expert Series, we bring you a special recap recorded on the sidelines of the 2026 Ottawa Conference on Security and Defence - capturing timely reflections aligned with this year’s theme, “The Road to 5%.” As Canada signals a major shift in defence spending and strategic posture, this episode offers a snapshot of the conversations shaping thinking in real time across the defence and security community. Drawing on conversations with speakers throughout the event, this episode reflects on the broader tone and takeaways emerging from the conference floor - from the urgency of the current geopolitical moment to the growing recognition that Canada must adapt its approach to security, sovereignty, and resilience. Featuring insights from Jill E. Sinclair, Dr. Joakim Berndtsson, Jonathan Berkshire Miller, and Charlotte Duval-Lantoine. It highlights the value of forums like this in fostering dialogue, building cross-sector connections, and creating space for new ideas and partnerships to take shape. The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute