Let's start a national security dialogue.
About Us
The CDA Institute is Canada’s veteran-led defence & security think tank dedicated to fostering a facts-based, rational and
experience-driven approach to defence and security policy.
Our purpose is to influence security and defence policy in Canada, educate the public through peer-reviewed research and analysis, and recognize leadership in the defence and security community.
In 1987, the CDA founded the Conference of Defence Associations Institute (CDA Institute), a non-partisan registered charity organization with the mission to advance informed debate on national security issues, particularly those that pertain to national defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. The CDA Institute serves as a forum for informed public debate on national security and defence policies, fostering an understanding of the importance of these policies to Canada’s security and prosperity.
Our Initiative
Through its National Security Dialogues, the CDA Institute is launching a series of public engagements across the country in 2025. The objective of these events is to bring together academics, policy makers, industry professionals, and other key stakeholders to deepen their understanding of Canada’s national defence and security.
We aim to foster a well informed and engaged community that recognizes the importance of discussing national defence and security issues. By fostering dialogue among diverse stakeholders, we seek to highlight the strategic significance of having a ready and well equipped Canadian Armed Forces to protect Canada’s national interests.
This is a meaningful opportunity to engage in high-level discussions about ensuring Canada’s national security, sovereignty, and future in a rapidly shifting international security environment. 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.
Becoming a Student Ambassador
Student ambassadors are undergraduate students who work closely with the CDA Institute to organize on-campus events highlighting diverse and critical topics on national security.
We are looking for students enthusiastic about Canadian defence and security at any university campus across Canada. This opportunity is open to both domestic (Canadian and permanent residents) and international students enrolled in Canadian universities. It is an excellent pathway for students to delve into the world of national security and gain hands-on experience in event planning, professional networking, and shaping public discourse on topics important to Canada.
