Current Advocacy Priorities
Key issues where CADSI represents and advances industry interests
Exports and Defence Trade
Advocating for fair, transparent, and predictable export regulations, policies and practices that support responsible trade and improve international market access for Canadian defence firms. Examples include GAC's Defence Trade Promotion Strategy, EDC's approach to the defence sector, export permitting , ReArm Europe initiative.
Industrial Security
Promoting modernized security frameworks that protect sensitive information while supporting efficient participation by Canadian industry in defence contracts. Examples include the Contract Security Program, Canadian Program for Cyber Security Certification, Controlled Goods Program
Defence Procurement and Promotion
Engaging with government on procurement modernization and investment strategies that strengthen transparency, efficiency, and alignment with industry capabilities.Examples include the Defence Investment Agency, Defence Industrial Strategy, ITB regime, procurement reform, security clearance processes.
Advocacy in partnership with government
CADSI works alongside government to align industry expertise with national priorities.
Working with Policy Makers
CADSI engages with government departments and agencies, including DND, PSPC, ISED, GAC, CSE, EDC, and more to align industrial capacity with Canada’s defence and security goals.
Shared Defence Objectives
Government, industry, and the CAF share one mission: ensuring Canada’s readiness, resilience, and innovation advantage in defence.
Informed Decision-Making
CADSI provides government partners with evidence-based industry intelligence that supports effective, transparent decision-making.
Canada's Defence
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A seat at the table
Your CADSI membership gives you a voice
Our experienced team monitors policy developments as they happen, advocates on industry's behalf, and keeps our members informed. With expertise ranging from defence and cyber procurement to exports and international affairs, CADSI is the national association you can trust to make your voice heard where it counts most.
Operating Committees
Members have a seat at the table on CADSI's Operating Committees. Join to connect with other industry leaders, help shape the future of CADSI, and advise the association on key issues.
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Quarterly Advocacy Updates
Members receive quarterly updates on important policy and political news impacting defence, security and cybersecurity firms in Canada.
Access to policy experts
From conventional defence to cutting-edge cyber, CADSI is dedicated to the success of our industries and stands ready to help members tackle policy challenges.
Contact our team
Advocacy in action
CADSI is the leading national voice of over 1,000 defence, security and emerging technology companies. We regularly engage with Parliamentarians on issues of importance to our sector.
Learn moreOur Industry's Impact
The Canadian defence and security industries are an essential service and a critical sector in Canada’s economy. Across Canada and around the world, our member companies are highly innovative, export-intensive, and provide high-wage employment.
$9.6B
GDP
$14.3B
industry revenues
49%
of total sales from exports
$440M
in R&D activity
81K
jobs
55%
growth in revenue 2014-2022
Learn more in ISED's State of Canada's Defence Industry report, 2022.
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Minister of Defence Antti H�kk�nen: ICEYE's contract with Sweden will strengthen security across the Nordic region
Statement by President von der Leyen with Brazilian President Lula da Silva
Wang Yi Has a Phone Call with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi
Explore our policy resources
Advocating on Your Behalf
CADSI produces research, analysis, and advocacy materials that inform defence policy dialogue and support member engagement with government.
advocacy in action
Join leading Canadian organizations who trust in CADSI, grow with us.
CADSI is an active partner to hundreds of Canadian defence and security companies that produce world-class goods, services and technologies across Canada. From SMEs looking at growing within the defence and security supply chain, to cyber and high-tech startups looking at entering the defence sector, to OEMs building their contract-winning strategy, CADSI is the national voice representing industry to government and a key platform connecting industry with customers.
CADSI members benefit from exclusive access to advocacy and policy experts, a longstanding relationship with the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces leadership, and a gateway to market opportunities across Canada and our allied nations.
