CADSI Policy Committee

The Policy Committee bridges the gap between government vision and industry capability. Members bring decades of experience across Canada’s defence and security sector, translating complex operational realities into clear, actionable policy advice that drives national readiness and industrial growth.

Committee Mandate & Purpose

The Policy Committee provides strategic advice to CADSI on the implementation and impact of federal defence and industrial policies that shape Canada’s defence and security ecosystem.

Its work spans major frameworks such as Strong, Secure, Engaged, the Defence Investment Agency, Defence Industrial Strategy, and Our North, Strong and Free to ensure industry voices guide these initiatives.

Historical Context

Formerly the Defence Policy Implementation Advisory Committee, the group was restructured to improve CADSI’s ability to deliver timely, coordinated advice on national defence policy.

The Policy Committee now advances that mission by helping translate government policy into practical outcomes for Canada’s defence industrial base.

Member Expectations

Committee members are senior representatives from across the defence and security sector who contribute expert intelligence, strategic insight, and practical experience to help CADSI:

Interpret and implement defence policy priorities
Evaluate how new or evolving policies affect the industry
Strengthen the integration between government objectives and industry delivery
Share information to support a unified, informed industry voice
Close-up of a Canadian flag draped over documents representing national defence policy development.Professionals seated around a meeting table engaged in discussion during a CADSI policy consultation.Group of CADSI committee members standing together on an airport tarmac near aircraft.Large digital screen displaying a world map with data overlays used for strategic planning discussions.

Industry Collaboration & Joint Initiatives

The Policy Committee collaborates regularly with other industry associations to promote coordinated advocacy and shared priorities.

Key partnerships include:
Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC): Joint work on public procurement and defence industrial strategy
Canadian Chamber of Commerce: Alignment on national competitiveness and industrial innovation
Atlantic Canada Aerospace and Defence Association (ACADA): Regional engagement and policy alignment
Space Canada: Integration of space and emerging technology perspectives into national defence policy
These collaborations ensure Canada’s defence and security industries speak with a cohesive, informed voice across government and the public policy landscape.

Committee Operations & Leadership

Everything you need to know about how committee operations work.

Meeting schedule
Monthly meetings (2 hours each) held from September through April; no meetings in May or July
Format: Hybrid—participants may attend in person at CADSI headquarters or virtually via Microsoft Teams
Between Meetings: Members provide feedback by email or phone on time-sensitive issues
Committee Composition
3–20 members drawn from CADSI corporate member companies
Representation across large, medium, and small enterprises and regions
Members selected for direct policy expertise, not corporate representation
Member responsibilities
Provide timely intelligence on evolving policy issues
Contribute to consensus-building and solution development
Offer perspectives on cross-cutting impacts across the defence ecosystem
Communicate relevant committee insights within their organizations
Industry Chair

The committee is led by an Industry Chair, elected annually by committee members and approved by CADSI’s President and Board of Directors.

The Chair:

Guides agenda-setting in collaboration with CADSI’s Staff Liaison
Represents committee perspectives to the CADSI Board
May provide updates at the CADSI Annual General Meeting
CADSI Staff Liaison
Primary contact

Mindy Pearce, Senior Policy Advisor, Government Relations and Communications

Liaison provides operational and research support, coordinates meetings and agendas, and ensures committee priorities align with CADSI’s overall advocacy and policy strategy.

Current Policy Priorities

Key focus areas the Policy Committee is actively addressing in 2025

DND Investment Plan Implementation
ongoing

Monitoring and providing input on the rollout of defence investment priorities and budget allocations

Procurement Process Improvements
Active consultations

Advocating for streamlined procurement timelines and enhanced industry engagement processes

Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security Program
Policy Development Phase

Supporting program implementation and providing industry feedback on innovation initiatives

Committee Impact by the Numbers

47
Policy Submissions
$
4.2
B
Budget Influence
128
Government Meetings
85
%
Recommendations Adopted

Join the Policy Committee

Interested in Policy Committee Participation?

Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for membership, candidates must:
Hold an active CADSI corporate membership in good standing
Demonstrate direct policy expertise relevant to the defence or security sectors
Possess executive-level experience and strategic insight
Commit to collaborative and consensus-driven engagement
Application Process
Nominations open: Each June
Nomination requirement: Candidate must be nominated by an existing committee member
Selection: Confirmed by majority vote of current members
Term: Three years (shorter terms considered as needed)
New member start: September
Application Timeline
june

Nomination period opens

August

Nomination period closes

august-september

Review and selection process

late september

New members begin participation

Interested in Policy Committee Participation?
To learn more about current opportunities or the nomination process:
Simon Rechico Moisan
Policy Advisor, Government Relations and Communications
+1 613-235-5337