What defines a nation?

Is it its values; a commitment to justice, dignity and freedom?

Is it its people; their unique cultures and their common traditions?

Or the way those people respond to adversity; even direct threats to their sovereignty?

Perhaps it’s all those things.

As Canadians we tend to view our nationhood through a global lens; through our outsized contributions to the events that have shaped the past century.

But the reality is, those contributions have waned

This erosion didn’t start with one government, or one leader. It didn’t start with one policy decision, or one key event that we can point to and say - ‘There. There, that was where we made the first wrong turn.’

No, like most erosion, it happened slowly; chipping away at our productivity, our tolerance for risk, our standard of living. Bit by bit, in ways that might have been imperceptible at first but soon become undeniable, we lost ground.

And now we’ve come to the cliff’s edge; the gap yawning before us, knowing that if we keep doing the same thing it will only grow wider. Until we can't bridge it.

Crisis has a way of focusing the mind. Canada’s relationship with its closest ally and trading partner has been fundamentally altered. Despite the ties that still bind us, there is no going back. But in the face of those shocks, we emerge clear-eyed. We were unprepared, but we won't be again. We were complacent, but we have woken up. We recognize the defence of North America must be a shared responsibility but make no mistake – Canada will govern itself. So how do we set ourselves apart in this new reality? In a world where no nation can ensure its security in isolation, what is our unique contribution to the defence of democracy? How will we build foundations to withstand future economic earthquakes? We can’t rely on other countries to answer these questions for us. To set our path, or choose our priorities. It’s US who have to take a hard look at ourselves and at the world around us and chart a new course. Every elected official can lead with courage and clarity. Slogans are no longer enough. Our strongest industries are also guarantors of sovereignty and tools of statecraft. So leverage them to the hilt. Every public servant can help tear down the hurdles that keep us from flourishing. If a policy was written in the past, how relevant is it for our future?

Every leader in the CAF can be bold and decisive. Don’t let perfection become the enemy of the good. We go to war with what and who we have.

Every captain of industry can own their status as a national champion, investing capital here. Your companies float entire local economies.

And every entrepreneur can set out to become the next champion. Small business? Not for long, dream big.

And every Canadian can raise their hand and say, ‘YES. Our sovereignty and the defence of this nation matters.

And they are looking to US to see it through.

Because if not US, then who?

If not now, then when?

The gap widens with each passing day.

So take one step to bridge it, or take two. Or even three, but do it now. The work of a generation…it began yesterday.

Our step - CADSI’s step - has been to throw everything we’ve got at this year’s CANSEC. We’ve built a whole new hall to show you what our industry is made of because we recognize the possibilities if we act with shared purpose.

The possibility of new solutions to old problems. Of a military with every tool it needs to serve this country. Of public and private sectors that speak honestly to each other. Of wide-open markets to replace the ones feeling too small. And of sovereign capability built in Canada, for Canada, to defend Canada. If you believe in those possibilities like I do, if you feel the urgency of this moment and I know you do, then rise to the challenge. And bring your friends, colleagues, neighbours, and allies. As a new day begins at this new CANSEC, so too do we begin to fulfill the promise of this great nation. Together we WILL be ready for what's next. Thank you, welcome to CANSEC 2025 et bon appétit.

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