Ottawa Conference on Security and Defence
March 4-5, 2026
Fairmont Château Laurier, Ottawa, Ontario
Defence Investment | National Security | Resilience and Infrastructure | Strategic Partnerships | Innovation |
Continental Defence | Total Defence | Economic Security | Canada–U.S. Relations | Innovation and Sovereign Capability
THE ROAD TO 5 PERCENT
In June 2025, the federal government announced its intention to raise defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. This historic commitment will expand the size, structure, and readiness of the Canadian Armed Forces, strengthening Canada’s capabilities across all domains. Yet the path to 5% is about more than increasing military capacity—it requires careful choices to safeguard Canada’s sovereignty, security, and prosperity.
Over two days, through panels, keynote addresses, and closed sessions, the Ottawa Conference will examine the threats Canada faces and the importance of remaining a credible ally; lessons from abroad to transform defence procurement; the economic and social impacts of this investment on Canadian society; the development of a robust Canadian defence industrial base; the role of private investment, venture capital, and sovereign technology; and the importance of diplomacy and foreign policy in shaping national security and defence.
Now in its 94th year, the Ottawa conference is Canada’s premier defence national security forum. Over two days, the event brings together senior government decision-makers, military officials, leading academics, civil society experts, and industry partners to tackle the most pressing national security and defence challenges facing Canada today.
Hosted in cooperation with the Department of National Defence, the Ottawa conference draws a wide range of participants from across the defence and security community. Past attendees have included high-level ministers, general and flag officers, international partners from the Five Eyes, NORAD, and NATO, foreign diplomatic delegations, as well as representatives from across the Government of Canada, including more than 20 federal departments and agencies.
The Ottawa conference is streamed publicly through Canada’s parliamentary cable network, CPAC, with no cost or registration required. Recordings will be available afterward in the CPAC Video Archive.
A Defining Moment to Be an Exhibitor or Sponsor
This year’s edition of the Ottawa Conference comes at a pivotal moment for Canada’s defence and security community. Sponsors and exhibitors will have opportunities for visibility and connection that carry more weight than ever.
By taking part as a sponsor or exhibitor, you’ll place your brand in front of the leading voices in our sector, opening the door to new partnerships and collaboration. The timing is significant, with major government investments underway and real opportunities for organizations to align with emerging priorities and programs.
Sponsorship and exhibit spaces are now open. To explore options or reserve your spot, contact Jennifer Giguere at jennifer@cdainstitute.ca. Space is limited.
Hotel Rooms – Ottawa Conference Special Rates
As an attendee of the Ottawa Conference, you have access to special room rates at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier. Click here to book your accommodations. Please note this is a limited time offer.
Complimentary Student Registration Opportunity
As part of the 2026 Ottawa Conference, we are pleased to offer a limited number of complimentary registrations to students interested in taking part in a unique, high-level experience.
This is an opportunity for the next generation to engage directly with leading experts, participate in senior-level discussions, and gain first-hand insight into today’s most pressing global security issues.
These registrations are made possible through the support of the CDA Institute’s Young Professionals Programme and the Ottawa Conference Student Engagement Sponsor, the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania to Canada.
To register, please fill out Statement of Interest Form.
Speakers
Full speaker list to be announced shortly.
Click on speaker names to view their biographies.
We encourage you to subscribe to the CDA Institute newsletter to stay informed on speaker announcements and the upcoming release of the Ottawa Conference agenda.
GENERAL M.A.J. CARIGNAN, CMM, MSC, MSM, CD
Chief of the Defence Staff
Canadian Armed Forces
THE HONOURABLE ANITA ANAND
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Global Affairs Canada
LIEUTENANT-GENERAL
M.C. WRIGHT, CMM, MMV, MSM, CD
Commander Canadian Army
Canadian Armed Forces
LIEUTENANT-GENERAL JAMIE SPEISER-BLANCHET, CMM, CD
Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force
Royal Canadian Air Force
VICE-ADMIRAL ANGUS TOPSHEE
CMM, MSM, CD
Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy
Royal Canadian Navy
LIEUTENANT-GENERAL J.S. (STEVE) BOIVIN
CMM, MSC, MSM, CD
Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command
Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC)
MAJOR-GENERAL STEVE HUNTER, OMM, MSC, MSM, CD
Commander Canadian Special Operations Forces Command
Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM)
LIEUTENANT-GENERAL I.S. HUDDLESTON, OMM, CD
Deputy Commander NORAD and Commander of the Canadian Element NORAD
North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD)
THE HONORABLE MATTHEW G. WHITAKER
United States Ambassador to NATO
U.S. Mission To The North Atlantic Treaty Organization
MAJOR GENERAL PETER H. BOYSEN
Chief of the Danish Army Command
Danish Defence
MAJOR GENERAL JONNY LINDFORS
Commander Swedish Army
Swedish Armed Forces
NATHALIE G. DROUIN, AD. E.
Deputy Clerk of the Privy Council and National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister
Privy Council Office (PCO)
AMBASSADOR AUDRA PLEPYTÉ
Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania
PETER JW SAUNDERS
Director General Integrated Air and Missile Defence
Royal Canadian Air Force
JONATHAN BERKSHIRE MILLER
Co-founder and Principal
Pendulum Geopolitical Advisory
CHARLOTTE DUVAL-LANTOINE
Vice President, Ottawa Operations
Canadian Global Affairs Institute
DR JOAKIM BERNDTSSON
Professor, School of Global Studies
University of Gothenburg
DR STÉFANIE VON HLATKY
Full Professor of Political Studies
Queen’s University
ANDREA CHARRON
Director
Centre for Defence and Security Studies (CDSS)
DR ALEXANDER LANOSZKA
Associate Professor of International Relations
University of Waterloo
KYOKO KUWAHARA
Research Fellow
The Japan Institute of International Affairs
CDA Institute Sponsors
Premier Partner
EXCLUSIVE PARTNER AWARDS & RECOGNITION
STRATEGIC PARTNERS
Operational Partners
Ottawa Conference Sponsors
Lead Event Sponsor
Gold sponsor
Chairman's Circle Reception Sponsor
Official Broadcaster
Registration Sponsor
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT SPONSOR
