National Security & Defence Dialogues

The National Security & Defence Dialogues (NSDD) are a cross-country series of ten community-based engagements designed to foster informed public discussion on Canada’s security and defence priorities. Bringing together voices from across sectors and regions, the series aims to strengthen public understanding of the challenges shaping Canada’s security environment and the role of defence investment in supporting the country’s sovereignty, economic resilience, and international partnerships.

Led by the CDA Institute and drawing on its national network of experts and stakeholders, the dialogues engage Canadians from coast to coast to coast on a range of geopolitical, environmental, economic, and security issues. Each event focuses on a theme of regional significance, highlighting how national defence and security priorities intersect with local communities, industries, and interests.

The dialogues convene participants from government, the Canadian Armed Forces, academia, industry, civil society, and Indigenous communities to encourage the meaningful exchange of diverse perspectives. By connecting national priorities with regional realities, the series promotes greater awareness of Canada’s evolving security landscape and the opportunities and challenges it presents.

Quebec City, Quebec — November 25, 2025 — Critical Minerals & National Defence

On November 25, 2025, the CDA Institute officially launched the National Security & Defence Dialogues.

In collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Québec and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Greater Lévis, the inaugural session focused on the future of critical minerals and their strategic importance to Canada’s sovereignty, economic resilience, and national defence.

The panel was moderated by Dr. Gaëlle Rivard Piché, Executive Director of the CDA Institute, and featured:

Mr. Daniel Jean, former National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister of Canada (2016 — 2018) and former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs (2013 — 2016)
Ms. Emmanuelle Toussaint, President & Director General, Québec Mining Association (AMQ)
Mr. Louis-César Pasquier, Associate Professor and Director, INRS Water, Earth and Environment Centre

Montreal, Quebec — January 28, 2026 — National Defence & Economic Security

On January 28, 2026, the CDA Institute hosted its second National Security & Defence Dialogue in Montreal.

In collaboration with NATIONAL Public Relations, the dialogue focused on “National Defence and Economic Security”.

The panel was moderated by Antoine Dionne Charest, Advisor to the President at NATIONAL, and featured:

Mr. David Vigneault, General Manager of the Global Intelligence Unit at Strider and former Director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (2017 — 2024)
Dr. Gaëlle Rivard Piché, Executive Director of the CDA Institute
Dr. Philippe Bourbeau, Full Professor at HEC Montréal and Co-Director of the International Institute for Economic Diplomacy

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories — May 21, 2026 — Cyber Security & Critical Infrastructure Resilience

On May 21, 2026, the CDA Institute hosted its third National Security & Defence Dialogue in Yellowknife, focused on “Cyber Security and Critical Infrastructure Resilience”.

In collaboration with IN CYBER Forum Canada, the dialogue convened government, defence, industry, and Indigenous partners to advance cooperation on Canada’s Arctic and cyber security priorities.

The program featured the “Arctic Security & Impact of Technology” panel, which examined the evolving challenges and opportunities at the intersection of Arctic operations and emerging technologies.

The panel was moderated by Dr. Gaëlle Rivard Piché, Executive Director of the CDA Institute, and featured:

Capt (N) Norm Gautreau, DComd JTFN
Mr. Arjun Grewal, CEO, Arctic Training Center
Mr. Lyle Fabian, President, Katlo Tech

Interested in becoming a sponsor?

Contact Kawtar Kathi at kawtar@cdainstitute.ca for full details.

Think your community should be part of the conversation? Let us know.

We are looking for partner associations, individual volunteers, and student ambassadors from coast to coast to assist in the setup of events in their communities. Become a volunteer today and bring a National Security Dialogues event to your city.