Montréal: A strategic industrial ecosystem supporting Canada’s ambitions
Montréal plays a key role in Canada’s defence ambitions. This module provides a clear view of the government’s procurement needs, the rules for accessing public markets, and concrete opportunities in the city’s strong sectors. Leave with the tools to effectively position your company within the defence value chain.
10:35 a.m. – Address and political discussion
11:00 a.m. – Major Reform of Federal Procurement Mechanisms: New Opportunities for Businesses
This session will provide practical insight into the current and future needs of the Canadian Armed Forces, as well as into the transformation of federal government procurement processes. It will highlight the key role of the Defence Innovation Agency (DIA) in engaging businesses, outline the requirements for becoming a defence supplier, and present winning strategies for positioning effectively in this growing market.
11:15 a.m. – The aerospace sector at the heart of the defence industry
Hear from key players to gain a concrete understanding of what major contractors are looking for, how to meet market requirements (certifications, cybersecurity, supply chains), and how to adapt your business model to seize opportunities in aerospace defence.
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Yves Létourneau
Directeur – In-service Support (ISS) CH146, Canadian Government Programs
Bell Textron
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Peter Papadatos
President and CEO
Pole Air Aviation
11:35 a.m. – Pharmaceuticals at the heart of national security
Ensuring access to pharmaceutical products has become a national security issue. This discussion highlights the levers for strengthening the resilience of supply chains in Canada, from local procurement to sovereign production, drawing on Montréal’s world-class pharmaceutical and biotechnology ecosystem, as well as strategic partnerships between governments and industry.
11:45 a.m. – Building Canada’s strategic infrastructure: A role for our companies
Learn about defence infrastructure needs, the requirements specific to military projects, and the challenges of modernizing existing infrastructure. A practical discussion on how companies can adapt their civil expertise and position themselves for strategic projects in Canada.
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Nicolas Forget
Vice-President, Operations—Procurement
Defence Construction Canada
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Cédric Labonté
Vice President, Business development
Pomerleau
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Antonella Tomaro
Vice-President, Defence Canada
AtkinsRéalis
12:15 p.m. – Lunch, networking and exhibitor visits
13:15 p.m. – Digital security: A strategic imperative for Canadian defence
A discussion to understand cybersecurity challenges in defence, anticipate future needs, and help companies address key expertise and talent issues.
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Marc Mondésir
VP & Managing Director Canada
Equinix
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Capt(ret) Steve Waterhouse, CD
Operations Director – Quebec
123 Cyber
13:35 p.m. – Digital sovereignty and growth for defense
In the defense and security sectors, artificial intelligence must meet requirements that go beyond technological performance alone. It must be embedded in a framework of sovereignty, trust, and control over critical systems.
This discussion highlights how Canada can accelerate the adoption of advanced AI while maintaining full control over data, governance, and strategic infrastructures. Through an integrated approach combining sovereign digital infrastructure and enterprise AI capabilities, the conversation will explore concrete solutions for deploying secure and responsible AI in defense, government, and critical infrastructure environments.
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Nicholas Payant
Senior Vice President, Chief Information Security Officer
Bell Canada
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Doug Russell
Global Aerospace and Defence Lead
Cohere