As Canada invests in a generational defence renewal and advances toward its 2% NATO commitment, CADSI ensures industry perspectives shape every decision. From parliamentary testimony to procurement reform, CADSI transforms industry priorities into measurable policy outcomes for Canadian businesses.
CADSI’s Advocacy Team works year-round to represent member interests, remove barriers to growth, and ensure government decisions reflect the realities and priorities of Canada’s defence industry.
We represent Canada’s defence industry before Parliament, ministries, and senior officials—driving change in procurement policy, defence investment, and regulatory frameworks.
We create platforms where members and government decision-makers meet directly to discuss relevant priorities, align objectives, and collaborate on solutions that strengthen national defence.
Through coordinated submissions, public statements, and strategic campaigns, CADSI amplifies the collective voice of Canada’s defence and security community on Parliament Hill and beyond.
CADSI’s advocacy success depends on collaboration. We work closely with federal departments, agencies, and military leadership to ensure that industry expertise directly informs Canada’s defence and security priorities. Our relationship with Canada's government is one of dialogue, trust, and shared national purpose.
CADSI serves as a bridge between government decision-makers and Canada’s industrial base. Through continuous engagement with DND, PSPC, ISED, GAC, CSE, and other agencies, we help translate policy direction into practical, achievable outcomes that benefit both Canada’s operational needs and its industrial capabilities.
Our policy insights and member feedback equip government partners with real-world industry intelligence. CADSI provides data-driven perspectives, market analyses, and policy recommendations that help shape national strategies and procurement frameworks rooted in Canadian capacity and competitiveness.
Government and industry stand shoulder to shoulder in protecting Canada’s interests. Through forums like CAF Outlooks, CANSEC, and Cyber & Digital Outlooks, CADSI gives leaders a direct platform to connect, align, and build the future of Canadian defence together.
Recent examples where CADSI advocacy directly shaped policy and created opportunities for our industry
After years of calling for a stronger, more strategic partnership between government and industry, CADSI helped shape Canada’s first Defence Industrial Strategy through sustained member input and direct engagement with federal decision-makers.
Following years of CADSI advocacy, Export Development Canada broadened its commercial support for Canada’s defence and security sector, helping more companies access export financing, insurance, and market expertise.
CADSI has long advocated for a more consistent forum where government and industry can discuss defence procurement, industrial capacity, and implementation challenges in a practical way.
CADSI advocates for sustained, predictable investment in Canada’s defence capabilities. We engage the Federal government to maintain momentum toward the 2% NATO commitment and ensure growth that benefits the entire defence industrial base.
CADSI pushes for streamlined procurement processes, reduced timelines, and improved accessibility for Canadian suppliers—particularly small and medium-sized businesses—so innovation can reach the front line quicker.
CADSI calls for greater federal recognition and investment in Canada’s cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technology sectors, emphasizing their role in protecting national interests and strengthening our economic resilience.
We work to advance policies that expand Canada’s access to global defence markets. CADSI advocates for stronger export programs, reduced administrative barriers, and sustained partnerships that help Canadian companies compete internationally.
CADSI’s committees and councils ensures that member priorities guide our policy work and engagement strategies.
Drives defence procurement policy, regulatory reform, and government engagement strategies.
Shapes national cyber policy and advances emerging technology adoption in defence.
Promotes diversity, professional development, and inclusion across the sector.
Advocates for small business interests, supply chain access, and scalable opportunities.
Whether you're ready to lead or just starting to engage with policy, there's a role for you in CADSI's advocacy work.
Help shape industry recommendations and government engagement by joining one of CADSI’s active operating committees.
See how CADSI’s “Every Bit Canadian” initiative champions Canada’s defence industrial base.
Stay updated on advocacy milestones, industry developments, and opportunities to get involved.
CADSI membership connects you directly to decision-makers and gives you the collective voice to drive meaningful policy change for Canada's defence sector.
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CADSI membership connects you directly to decision-makers and gives you the collective voice to drive meaningful policy change for Canada's defence sector.
