Lead Industry Change Through CADSI Committee Involvement

CADSI’s member-exclusive operating committees are where industry leadership meets action. Through these committees, members shape the policies, programs, and advocacy priorities that define Canada’s defence and security landscape.

How Operating Committees Drive Industry Impact

Industry leaders meeting with government officials in Ottawa overlooking the Parliament Buildings.
Provide feedback and advice

Committees offer direct advice to CADSI’s President and leadership team, ensuring member perspectives are reflected in advocacy materials, policy submissions, and government engagement.

Group of professionals seated around a conference table in discussion during a CADSI committee meeting.
Build industry consensus

Chairs and members work together to establish unified industry positions on key defence and security issues, strengthening the collective voice of Canada’s industrial base.

Woman presenting to a large audience in a modern boardroom during an industry intelligence briefing.
Share strategic intelligence

Members gain exclusive access to policy briefings, government updates, and cross-sector perspectives that support strategic planning and business growth.

Nomination Process

Committee membership is renewed annually. Here’s how it works:

Throughout the Year - Existing committees continue to meet and advance ongoing initiatives.
June - The nomination period opens, inviting CADSI members to submit expressions of interest.
August - The nomination period closes.
Mid-August to Mid-September - CADSI reviews submissions and consults with existing committee chairs to select new members.
Late September - New committee members are confirmed and participate in their first meetings.

Note: All committees follow this annual cycle except the Policy Committee, which begins its new term each September. The Women in Defence and Security (WiDS) network operates differently—functioning as an independent community within CADSI with individual rather than organizational participation.

CADSI members networking at a defence industry event, shaking hands and exchanging ideas.Business professionals seated around a conference table during a formal committee discussion.Group of delegates posing together on the trade show floor at a CADSI exhibition.Engineer operating advanced defence technology equipment in a modern control room.

CADSI's Operating Committees

Each committee focuses on specific industry priorities and provides targeted advocacy expertise

policy committee

Provides expert advice on national defence policy, procurement reform, and regulatory modernization to advance the competitiveness of Canada’s defence industrial base.

Key Focus - Procurement, regulatory frameworks, industrial policy
Meeting Frequency - Monthly (2 hours, except May & July)
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CADSI Staff Liaison
Simon Rechico Moisan, Policy Advisor
Cyber Council

Advises CADSI on cyber-defence policy and supports collaboration between government, the Canadian Armed Forces, and industry leaders to strengthen national cyber resilience.

Key Focus - Cyber-defence, industry-government collaboration, digital security
Meeting Frequency - Quarterly (60–90 minutes)
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CADSI Staff Liaison
Marc Watters, Senior Policy Advisor (Cyber)
WOMEN IN DEFENCE & SECURITY (WiDS)

Promotes advancement of women leaders in defence and security professions, with individual membership complimentary for CADSI members.

Key Focus - Women’s leadership, diversity and inclusion, professional growth
Meeting Frequency - As needed
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CADSI Staff Liaison
Dana Mather, Event Planner
SMB Committee

Represents the voice of small and medium-sized businesses, which comprise over 85% of Canada’s defence industry. Guides CADSI’s advocacy on SME-focused policies and programs.

Key Focus - Women’s leadership, diversity and inclusion, professional growth
Meeting Frequency - As needed
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CADSI Staff Liaison
Mindy Pearce, Senior Policy Advisor
Why Members Join Operating Committees
Professional Benefits
Shape defence policy and procurement priorities
Gain early access to government and regulatory updates
Connect with senior government and industry leaders
Expand your professional network and visibility
Strategic Benefits
Influence CADSI’s advocacy priorities
Share expertise that drives industry-wide outcomes
Strengthen collaboration across Canada’s defence sector
Develop leadership skills through committee participation
Choose Your Path to Committee Leadership

Whether you’re new to CADSI or already a member, there’s a place for your voice at the table.

New to CADSI?

Explore membership options and unlock access to committee participation.

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Already a Member?

Connect with CADSI to learn more about current committee openings.

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CADSI members networking at a defence industry event, shaking hands and exchanging ideas.Business professionals seated around a conference table during a formal committee discussion.Group of delegates posing together on the trade show floor at a CADSI exhibition.Engineer operating advanced defence technology equipment in a modern control room.