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What the River-Class Destroyer Means for Canada's Naval Power
15 Oct 2026
00:33:34
Canada’s River-class destroyer program reached a major milestone on June 12, 2026, with the ceremonial keel laying of the future HMCS Fraser in Halifax. Construction of the 15-ship fleet is underway, with the first vessel expected to be delivered in the early 2030s. Designed to replace the retired Iroquois-class destroyers and Halifax-class frigates, the River-class will provide the Royal Canadian Navy with a new generation of combat capabilities.
In this episode of the Expert Series, RAdm (Ret’d) Brian Santarpia, former Commander of Maritime Forces Atlantic, discusses the capabilities of the River-class destroyers and the potential role of a proposed Continental Defence Corvette in strengthening Canada’s naval forces.
He examines advances in air defence, anti-submarine warfare, and long-range land attack; the threats posed by Russian submarines and growing demands across Canada’s Arctic and ocean approaches; the potential role of smaller warships in coastal security, mine countermeasures, and maritime surveillance; and the recruitment, retention, and crew-generation challenges that will shape the Navy’s ability to protect Canadian sovereignty and contribute to allied operations.
The Canadian Army implemented a new mission-based structure on September 10, 2026, reactivating 1st Canadian Division as a deployable manoeuvre division designed to generate combat power for major operations and strengthen Canada’s ability to contribute to collective defence.
In this episode of the Expert Series, LGen (Ret’d) the Honourable Andrew Leslie, former Chief of the Land Staff and former Member of Parliament, discusses the rationale behind the Canadian Army’s restructuring and its implications for operational readiness and force generation.
He examines the shift away from contribution warfare toward division-level combat capability, the integration of regular force brigades and combat support elements, critical equipment and procurement gaps, lessons from the war in Ukraine, recruitment challenges, and the importance of accelerating defence investment to ensure Canada can defend its sovereignty and serve as a capable partner to NATO allies.
Why the Canadian Rangers Matter to Arctic Sovereignty | Operation NANOOK
01 Oct 2026
00:38:02
The Canadian Armed Forces is conducting a series of Operation NANOOK activities across the Arctic to strengthen domain awareness, test joint operational capabilities, and reinforce Canada’s ability to detect, deter, and respond to potential threats in the North.
In this episode of the Expert Series, LCol Kristian Udesen, Deputy Commander of the Canadian Ranger Group and former Commanding Officer of the 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (1CRPG), and Captain Jacob McDonald, Operations Officer for 1CRPG, discuss the role of the Canadian Rangers in exercising Arctic sovereignty and Northern defence.
They discuss Operation NANOOK’s Nunakput, Tugalik, and Takunik serials, the importance of persistent presence and local knowledge, Arctic surveillance and defence signaling, whole-of-government cooperation, relationships with Northern communities, the Rangers’ role in supporting regular force operations, and the practical realities of operating across the vast distances and limited infrastructure of the North.
Should Canada Join the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF)?
25 Sep 2026
00:49:34
In September 2026, the Government of Canada announced its formal application to join the United Kingdom-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), a framework designed to enable rapid cooperation among like-minded European and North Atlantic allies without requiring full NATO consensus. The move comes as Canada faces growing security demands in the Arctic and North Atlantic.
In this episode of the Expert Series, LGen (Ret'd) Stuart Skeats, former commander of the JEF’s Standing Joint Force Headquarters, and Dr. Alexander Lanoszka, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Waterloo, examine what Canadian participation could mean for defence and security.
They discuss the JEF’s relationship with NATO, Canada’s potential contributions in the Arctic, maritime and undersea surveillance, intelligence and information sharing, command and control, and opportunities for deeper defence cooperation with Northern European partners. They also consider the practical challenges of Canada’s limited military capacity, the demands of its Latvia mission, and whether JEF membership can provide meaningful operational benefits while Canada works to rebuild and expand its defence capabilities.
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.
Why Canada Is Investing $1.4 Billion in Ammunition
10 Sep 2026
00:36:11
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.
What Canada's New Icebreaker Fleet Means for Arctic Sovereignty
04 Sep 2026
00:28:43
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.
Canada Joins the Global Combat Air Programme to Develop 6th-Generation Fighter
28 Aug 2026
00:36:15
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.
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.
What Does Canada's New $2.3 Billion Military Satellite Contract Mean for Arctic Defence?
14 Aug 2026
00:37:44
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.
Can Canada's Air Force Keep Up with Modern Warfare?
06 Aug 2026
00:27:07
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.
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.
Canada Invests in New Armoured Combat Support Vehicles
23 Jul 2026
00:32:59
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.
Why Canada Turned to Australia for Arctic Surveillance
17 Jul 2026
00:47:34
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).
Allies Push to Shift Burden Away from the United States at NATO Summit
11 Jul 2026
00:33:23
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.
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.
Can Venture Capital Fix Canada's Defence Industry?
05 Jul 2026
00:31:38
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Why Canada is Buying a Swedish Surveillance Aircraft Over U.S. Bids
29 May 2026
00:25:22
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.
The Suspension of the Canada-U.S. Defence Board: What it Means for Trust and Defence Cooperation
28 May 2026
00:34:27
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.
Will Expanded Defence Investment Agency Powers Streamline Procurement?
15 May 2026
00:57:28
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.
What Does Canada Gain by Hosting NATO-Backed Defence, Security and Resilience Bank?
08 May 2026
00:42:41
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.
One Year In: Has Carney Strengthened Canada’s Defence?
03 May 2026
00:33:24
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.
How Are Emerging Threats Reshaping Arctic Security and Continental Defence?
24 Apr 2026
00:34:49
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.
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.
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.
Canada Hits 2% Defence Spending: Substance or Symbolism?
02 Apr 2026
00:32:28
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.
On the Sidelines of the 2026 Ottawa Conference with Dr. David Borys
27 Mar 2026
00:56:06
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.
As Canada seeks its security and operational capacity in the North, Prime Minister Mark Carney recently announced a $35-billion federal plan to expand defence capabilities and infrastructure across the Arctic and northern regions, including upgrades to military bases, new operational hubs, improved airports, and road construction projects.
On today’s episode of the Expert Series, MGen (Ret’d) Michel Lalumiere, Dr. James Fergusson, and Dr. Rob Huebert joined us to discuss the significance of these investments, the distinction between Arctic development and defence spending, and what these initiatives mean for Canada’s Arctic security and northern communities.
We unpack upgrades to northern forward operating locations in Yellowknife, Inuvik, and Iqaluit, the role of infrastructure in Arctic defence, and the NORAD modernization and related capabilities. The panel also explores Canada–U.S. defence cooperation, the challenges of implementing ambitious projects amid cost pressures and community impacts, and the strategic implications of shifting threats from Russia and China for long-term Arctic defence policy.
India and Canada Reset Ties with Increased Defence Cooperation
16 Mar 2026
00:59:38
As Canada seeks to strengthen its independence and resilience in a more uncertain world, Prime Minister Mark Carney recently embarked on a 10-day tour of the Indo-Pacific, meeting with leaders in India, Australia, and Japan.
Today, Jonathan Berkshire Miller, Rohinton Medhora, Vina Nadjibulla, and Mike Hughes joined us to discuss the strategic significance of Prime Minister Carney’s visit to Asia, the India-Canada "reset", the potential for deeper defence and economic ties with Indo-Pacific partners, and what Canada’s new approach to middle-power diplomacy could mean for its role in global security and trade.
We unpack the “reset” of the Canada–India relationship, the announcement of multiple memorandums and initiatives in the joint statement, the establishment of a new Canada–India Defence Dialogue, and flagged cooperation on maritime security, highlighting India’s centrality to Canada’s efforts to diversify defence partnerships beyond the U.S. and Europe. The panel also discusses opportunities for deeper defence industrial partnerships, including leveraging Canada’s critical minerals to support India’s advanced technology needs, and the broader Indo-Pacific context, where Japan and Australia serve as strategic anchors for intelligence sharing, naval exercises, and economic security collaboration.
On February 28, 2026, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was assassinated, an event that shocked the region and raised significant questions about Iran’s operational security. While his death is undeniably significant, the Islamic Republic survives his assassination, though it emerges considerably weakened, particularly given prior leadership losses and ongoing military and infrastructure degradation.
Dr. Thomas Juneau, professor at the University of Ottawa’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, joined us to discuss the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, examining how he was targeted, the operational security failures that made it possible, and what his death means for Iran’s internal stability and the future of its nuclear program. He explores the broader escalation of the US-Israel-Iran conflict, the limits of support from allies like China and Russia, and the potential consequences for Iranian society if the regime falls. Finally, he addressed Canada’s diplomatic positioning, including Prime Minister Carney’s statements, balancing support for US actions with domestic and bilateral considerations, and the practical limits of Canada’s influence in the conflict.
Operationalizing the Defence Industrial Strategy: Can Canada Deliver?
27 Feb 2026
00:44:33
On today’s episode of the Expert Series, CDA Institute Executive Director Gaëlle Rivard Piché and CGAI President & CEO David Perry examine how Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy is redefining the relationship between strategic autonomy, economic prosperity, and national security.
They discuss the structural reforms and cultural shifts required to drive innovation, strengthen sovereign capabilities, and align economic growth with geopolitical realities.
This episode unpacks the implementation challenges, trade-offs, and policy signals that will determine whether the strategy moves from ambition to measurable impact.
The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.
On today’s episode of the Expert Series, we examine Canada’s first Defence Industrial Strategy and how it aims to reshape military readiness, domestic industrial capacity, and Canada’s position in a rapidly shifting geopolitical environment. Vice-Admiral (Ret’d) Mark Norman, Lieutenant-General (Ret’d) Andrew Leslie, and the Honourable Peter MacKay assess the strategy’s ambition, its proposed “Build–Partner–Buy” framework, and the creation of a new Defence Investment Agency.
They discuss long-standing procurement challenges, persistent capability gaps within the Canadian Armed Forces, and the realism of directing 70% of defence contracts to Canadian firms while remaining closely integrated with the United States and NATO supply chains.
This episode offers a candid evaluation of the opportunities and risks embedded in the strategy, underscoring the importance of effective implementation, economic resilience, and timely investment to ensure Canada can meet both its operational commitments and broader national security objectives.
The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.
On today’s episode of the Expert Series, we delve into the strategic complexities of Arctic security through the lens of wargaming. MGen (Ret’d) Dennis Thompson, creator of the game and Senior Mentor and Instructor at the Canadian Forces College, and Ven Adamov, Partner and Data Analytics Leader in KPMG’s Risk Services Practice, share their experiences and key takeaways while highlighting the geopolitical dynamics and military readiness challenges faced by Canada and its NATO allies.
They explore the strategic importance of the Northwest Passage, the role of pre-emptive strikes, and the impact of advanced technologies in modern warfare.
This episode delivers a focused analysis of the shifting Arctic security landscape, highlighting the need for enhanced surveillance capabilities, infrastructure investment, and international cooperation.
The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.
On today’s episode of the Expert Series, UBC Professor and CDA Institute Fellow David Borys is joined by CDAI Chair General (Ret’d) Tom Lawson and Vice-Chair Wendy Gilmour to discuss their recent National Post opinion piece on rebuilding the Canadian Armed Forces.
Together, they examine Canada’s defence spending and its implications for the military, including recruitment and retention challenges, procurement hurdles, and how new investments could strengthen operational readiness, support the defence industry, and position Canada amid growing geopolitical pressures.
The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.
Montreal Climate Security Summit Series, Part 3: Ukraine, Energy, and Readiness in Modern Warfare
04 Feb 2026
00:28:50
As Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure this week, the links between defence planning, energy vulnerability, and resilience in Europe are once again front of mind.
In this very timely release, the CDA Institute’s Climate Security Programme is sharing the third and final episode of its Special Expert Series highlighting key insights from the 4th Montreal Climate Security Summit, co-hosted with @NATO CCASCOE.
In this episode, Programme Director @Pauline Baudu is joined by Lennard de Klerk, lead author of The Climate Damage Caused by Russia’s War in Ukraine, produced by the Initiative on GHG Accounting of War, to examine how energy vulnerability and the environmental footprint of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are reshaping defence planning, military readiness, and European security, and what Canada and its Allies can learn to increase their own resilience.
We explore: - Why Russia’s invasion is a 'fossil-fuel war', how energy dependence creates strategic vulnerability, and why reducing reliance on fossil fuels is now central to European resilience and autonomy - How energy infrastructure has emerged as both a primary target and a critical weakness in the Ukraine conflict, particularly for energy-dependent military operations - What lessons Canada can draw from Ukraine as it modernizes its forces and strengthens the protection of domestic energy infrastructure against hybrid threats - How the 1.5% of new NATO defence investments allocated to critical infrastructure can be leveraged to reduce military emissions, strengthen capability, and enhance long-term resilience
This episode was recorded in December 2025.
The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.
Can Carney's Canada Contend with a "Ruptured" Global Order?
29 Jan 2026
00:29:17
On today’s episode of The Expert Series Podcast, we speak with Shashank Joshi, Defence Editor at The Economist, to examine the Trump administration’s interest in Greenland, growing strains within the transatlantic alliance, and what recent developments at the World Economic Forum in Davos reveal about the future of global order.
Joshi reflects on the implications of renewed great power competition, alliance uncertainty, and the erosion of long-standing assumptions underpinning international security. The discussion explores how allies are responding to a more transactional and unpredictable U.S. approach, the challenges facing NATO and middle powers, and how Canada can navigate a rapidly changing strategic environment while balancing dependence, diversification, and sovereignty.
The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.
Montreal Climate Security Summit (MCSS) Series, Part 2: Climate Disinformation as a Strategic Risk
25 Jan 2026
00:33:41
The CDA Institute’s Climate Security Programme has launched a limited set of episodes of the Expert Series podcast highlighting key insights from the 4th Montreal Climate Security Summit (MCSS), co-hosted with NATO CCASCOE.
Recorded following the 4th MCSS, our second episode features Director of the Climate Security Programme @Pauline Baudu in conversation with Dr. Andrew Heffernan, adjunct professor at the University of Ottawa and climate associate at the Information Integrity Lab. Together, they discuss why climate disinformation is a strategic issue, not just an environmental one, and why information integrity is essential to protecting our sovereignty.
Dr. Heffernan touches on how instability leads to misinformation, and how (climate) misinformation deepens polarization and distrust, why much of today’s climate misinformation is intentional and coordinated, as some actors spread disinformation to protect fossil-fuel interests, while others do it simply to divide societies, and what it means for the CAF’s mission, and how DND can be integrated in a whole-of-society response to promote information integrity.
What do Trump's Greenland Ambitions mean for Canada and NATO?
22 Jan 2026
00:59:04
On today’s episode of The Expert Series Podcast, Climate Security Programme Director, Pauline Baudu talks with leading experts about Greenland and Arctic security amid renewed tensions triggered by the current U.S. administration’s annexation rhetoric and its implications for Canadian security and relations with European and NATO allies. The discussion explores why Greenland has re-emerged as a focal point of U.S. strategic interest and what this signals for the future of Arctic governance, alliance cohesion, and regional stability.
Panelists Exner-Pirot, Huebert, and Maddox assess the strategic rationale underpinning U.S. interest in Greenland, including energy resources, military positioning, and broader security considerations, alongside a reality-check on the scope and limits of Arctic resource development potential. The conversation also addresses the implications for Europe and NATO, the risks posed to alliance unity, and the potential consequences for Canada’s security, energy interests, and diplomatic posture in an increasingly contested Arctic environment.
Dr. Heather Exner-Pirot is a Senior Fellow and Director of Energy, Natural Resources and Environment at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute in Ottawa. Dr. Rob Huebert is a professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Calgary, Director of the Centre for Military, Security and Strategic Studies and fellow at the CDA Institute. Ms. Marisol Maddox is a senior Arctic fellow at the Institute of Arctic Studies in the Dickey Center at Dartmouth University and fellow at the CDA Institute.
The Evolving Role of the National Security and Intelligence Advisor
16 Jan 2026
00:47:33
The role of Canada’s National Security and Intelligence Advisor (NSIA) has become increasingly pivotal in response to a rapidly evolving global security environment. Created in 2005, the position was designed to address gaps in Canada’s national security architecture and to ensure the Prime Minister had a dedicated advisor to navigate the complex world of security and intelligence.
Since then, the NSIA has had to adapt to a new reality in which many of the most significant threats originate beyond Canada’s borders. The return of revanchist authoritarian states such as Russia and China, the unpredictable foreign policy of the United States under Donald Trump, and the growing threat of cyber warfare, foreign interference, and grey-zone conflict have all underscored the expanding scope and urgency of the NSIA’s work.
On today’s podcast, inspired by their recent CIGI article 'Getting Serious About National Security', we spoke with Vincent Rigby and Adam Chapnick about how the NSIA’s role has evolved over time, the challenges it faces today, whether or not Canada has begun to take its national security more seriously, and what lies ahead in an increasingly unstable world. They also discuss both the practical and strategic changes within Canada’s national security framework and consider how future holders of the NSIA position can navigate an increasingly complex threat environment.
Link to article: https://www.cigionline.org/publications/getting-serious-about-national-security/
On Today’s episode of The Expert Series Podcast, Dr. Roland Paris, Ben Rowswell, and Dr. Kamran Bokhari examine the recent U.S. strikes on Venezuela, the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, President Trump’s renewed discussion around the potential acquisition of Greenland, and what pivots in U.S. national security strategy and renewed focus on the Western hemisphere mean for Canadian and global security.
Paris, Rowswell, and Bokhari discuss the implications of U.S. strikes on Venezuela and the removal of President Maduro for regional and international security, historical precedent and U.S.-Venezuela relations, whether or not U.S. actions present challenges for state sovereignty and international law, the strategic logic behind a renewed U.S. focus on the Western Hemisphere and the reassertion of its regional influence, President Trump’s remarks about taking Greenland and its geopolitical influence, the risks of further regional and global instability, what shifts in U.S. foreign policy and the National Security Strategy mean for NATO, continental security, and Canada’s position as a middle power in a changing international system.
Roland Paris is a Professor of International Affairs and Director of the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa, and former Senior Advisor on Foreign Policy to the Prime Minister of Canada, Ben Rowswell is a consultant with Catalyze4, who previously served as Canada’s chargé d’affaires in Iraq from 2003 to 2005 and as Canada’s Ambassador to Venezuela from 2014 to 2017, and Dr. Kamran Bokhari is a Senior Director at the New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy in Washington of which he is a key founder, and also teaches graduate level courses at Georgetown University.
The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.
2025 Year in Review: Is Canada Prepared for the Threats & Challenges Ahead?
19 Dec 2025
00:54:14
From the re-election of U.S. President Donald Trump to the Defence Investment Strategy, Budget 2025, the CPSP downselection, Canada’s integration into ReArm Europe, and this summer’s NATO Summit announcement that Canada would meet the 2% GDP target for defence spending, General Tom Lawson, Wendy Gilmour, and Dr. Rob Huebert joined the season finale of The Expert Series to reflect on the most consequential defence and security developments of the year and offer a threat assessment for 2026.
The panel discussed this year’s rise in Canadian defence spending and the establishment of the Defence Investment Strategy; the impact of global developments such as the uncertainty of U.S. foreign policy under President Trump; the need to modernize Canada’s military capabilities, rebuild personnel, and strengthen the defence industrial base; as well as the necessity of pursuing strategic autonomy and diversifying partnerships with Europe and other like-minded nations.
Central to the discussion was President Trump’s return to office, which has upended longstanding assumptions underpinning Canadian security and has raised questions about U.S. reliability as an ally. The panel examined the U.S. National Security Strategy and the potential long-term implications for Canada and the broader democratic world.
What Trump's National Security Strategy Means for Canada
12 Dec 2025
00:50:00
The 2025 U.S. National Security Strategy arrives, in the words of today’s panel, as a strikingly coherent and assertive statement of American strategic intent—a document whose internal consistency carries deeply worrying implications for Canada, Europe, and global stability.
It portrays a United States increasingly oriented toward a hemispheric, mercantilist posture, relying on coercive diplomacy in the Americas while softening its language on Russia in ways that appear to concede space for expanded Russian influence in Europe. Rooted in a legislative requirement to justify defence spending to Congress, the NSS must also be read through the lens of U.S. domestic politics, where the coming 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential election will shape and sharpen Republican debates over the country’s global role.
On today’s episode, Vincent Rigby, former National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister; Kerry Buck, former Canadian Ambassador to NATO; and Christopher Sands, Director of the Center for Canadian Studies at Johns Hopkins, joined us to unpack the new U.S. National Security Strategy (NSS) and its implications for Canada and U.S. allies. The panel discusses the document’s hemispheric framing; shifts in U.S. views toward Russia and implications for European security; the potential weakening of NATO cohesion and transatlantic stability; the domestic political forces shaping U.S. strategy and Republican foreign-policy debates; the absence of Canada in the NSS and what that signals about Canada’s strategic position; risks for Canada related to critical minerals, Arctic sovereignty, industrial policy, and trade diversification; and the broader challenge of navigating U.S. unpredictability and the need to reinforce Canada’s ties to Europe and like-minded partners.
Montreal Climate Security Summit Series, Pt. 1: Civil-Military Cooperation
11 Dec 2025
00:27:32
The CDA Institute’s Climate Security Programme has launched a limited set of episodes of the Expert Series podcast highlighting key insights from the 4th Montreal Climate Security Summit (MCSS), co-hosted with NATO CCASCOE.
In our first episode, Director of the Climate Security Programme Pauline Baudu is joined by Eva Cohen, Founder & President of Civil Protection Youth Canada (CPYC), to discuss how civil–military cooperation in Canada is adapting as climate-driven and compound disasters grow more frequent and complex.
Eva brings experience from Germany’s THW, a leading volunteer-based civil protection model, and has facilitated multiple expert exchanges between THW and the Canadian defence community, including CJOC. Her work outlines why Canada needs a citizen-based civil protection approach and what it will take to make it work.
In this episode, we explore how community-level preparedness and youth-led training can reduce pressure on national response systems in the context of climate disasters, lessons from THW that could strengthen Canadian resilience, as well as how the CAF can best support whole-of-society emergency management while maintaining civilian leadership
'If We don't Enhance Our Defence and Security, We Give up Our Sovereignty'
07 Dec 2025
00:46:00
On today's Expert Series, Paul Taillon and Howard Coombs joined us to discuss Canada's plan to expand its reserve forces, with goals to increase the primary reserve to 100,000 and the supplementary reserve to 300,000.
They discussed the key challenges, including inefficient recruiting systems, limited training capacity, and the need for better integration with regular forces. Other issues addressed were the supplementary reserve's current role as a civil defence pool rather than a war-fighting force, historical context on the reserve's role in national defence, and the importance of addressing these challenges to maintain Canada's sovereignty and readiness for future threats.
Given the urgent need to address these issues, what steps can Canada take to ensure a more effective and sustainable reserve force strategy in the face of an increasingly unstable global security environment? Dr. Col. Paul de B. Taillon is the Vice-Chair of the PIF Selection Committee and has over 40 years of academic, intelligence and military experience. Dr. Howard Coombs is an Associate Professor of History at the Royal Military College of Canada and Associate Director Defence Engagement of the Queen’s Centre for International and Defence Policy, both in Kingston, Ontario. He is also a part-time Canadian Army reservist with the Canadian Defence Academy, also located in Kingston.
Is it Time to Update Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy?
28 Nov 2025
00:32:56
In 2022, Canada unveiled its Indo-Pacific Strategy, committing $2.3 billion to boost its role in a region increasingly seen as the geopolitical and economic center of gravity. Has Canada actually become a relevant player in the Indo-Pacific, or are we still on the outside looking in? And given how quickly things are shifting, is it time to revisit and update this strategy before it becomes outdated?"
On today’s episode of the Expert Series, CDA Institute Research Assistant Daniela Valenzuela Neto was joined by Stephen Nagy for a wide-ranging discussion about Canada’s Indo-Pacific engagement, particularly in light of last week’s budget announcement, and with a new government in Ottawa.
Dr. Nagy discusses the efficacy of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy to date, the importance of moving away from a "preaching" approach and focusing on more sustainable, value-driven partnerships, the challenges of defining Canada's role in a vast and diverse region, how Canada can leverage partnerships like the Quad and AUKUS to maximize its influence without overextending its resources, and the importance of strengthening Canada’s relationship with the U.S. and maintaining a realistic, sustainable presence in the Indo-Pacific.
Stephen Nagy is a Professor at International Christian University, Tokyo and CDA Institute Fellow.
Canada Strong? Unpacking the Significance of Budget 2025
18 Nov 2025
00:27:33
Canada's parliament has narrowly approved Prime Minister Mark Carney's first federal budget, allowing his minority Liberal government to avert an early election.
The 2025 federal budget commits an additional $81.8 billion over five years to strengthen Canada’s defence capabilities, with a focus on modernizing military equipment, expanding digital infrastructure, and sustaining current defence assets. It sets a clear trajectory to meet NATO's 2% GDP target by the end of this year and aims for 3.5% of GDP on core military needs by 2035, ensuring strategic investments across personnel, infrastructure, and technology.
Dr. Philippe Lagassé joined the Expert Series to discuss the significance of the budget, the creation of a defence industrial strategy and its potential impact on Canada's self-sufficiency in defence technology, the challenges of balancing immediate procurement needs with long-term strategic goals, the role of the new Defence Investment Agency (DIA) in improving procurement efficiency, and the importance of aligning government, military, and industry, the need for a refreshed defense policy and a national security strategy. Lagassé views the 2025 budget as a radical shift, marking a departure from the historical trend of limited defence investment since the mid-Cold War.
The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.