Ottawa, September 10^th, 2015 – Christyn Cianfarani, president of the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI), today set off with the association’s largest ever delegation to Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) in London, UK. Between September 15^th and 18^th, Canadian defence and security companies will be showcasing their world-class technologies and services as part of the Canada Pavilion – a marketing platform managed by CADSI that uses the Canadian maple leaf as a global calling-card when exhibiting at the world’s biggest defence and security trade shows.

“Canada’s defence and security industry is a highly export intensive sector of the Canadian economy, employing 109,000 Canadians in high-skilled jobs and generating approximately $12.6 billion in revenues annually, half of which comes from exports,” said Christyn Cianfarani, president of CADSI. “The high level of exports shows that although defence is a managed market, Canadian companies produce world-class goods, services and technologies that are sought after by foreign militaries from across NATO capitals and beyond.”

Cianfarani was joined by a record 65 companies, up from 20 exhibiting companies at the last DSEI in 2013 and from just 8 companies in 2011. More companies require more exhibit space. Again, CADSI is breaking records: the Canada Pavilion has grown from 500 square feet in 2011 to over 6,000 square feet in 2015, a twelvefold increase.

Another first is the presence of a modernized Halifax class frigate, the HMCS Winnipeg, docked in London for DSEI. The Royal Canadian Navy has brought one of its prized assets to showcase many outstanding Canadian goods, services and technologies found aboard the ship. These companies will be able to show their capabilities first hand and in context to potential buyers. The Government of Canada is also sending a strong delegation from the Department of National Defence and the Royal Canadian Navy to DSEI.

“I’m very pleased about the continued growth of the Canada Pavilion – CADSI’s marketing platform that uses the Canadian maple leaf as a global calling-card – and the strong support demonstrated by the Royal Canadian Navy. Bringing a modernized Halifax class frigate filled with so much Canadian technology to London for DSEI is an excellent example of how CADSI and the RCN have partnered to create a great showcase for Canada,” said Cianfarani, herself a former member of the Royal Canadian Navy.

Canada’s more assertive international presence has been paying dividends. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, exports to NATO allies of Canadian defence goods tracked under Group 2 of the Export Control List (which may not include parts, components or non-lethal support systems) have increase from nearly $180 million dollars to over $291 million dollars, or 62 percent between 2007 and 2013. That number is even larger when looking at these exports to EU member states, which are up from $151 million dollars to nearly $373 million dollars, or 146 percent. With DSEI a key opportunity to meet buyers from these countries, it is clear why so many Canadian companies are heading to London.

On Monday, September 14^th, just prior to DSEI is this year’s Quadrilateral Defence & Security Conference in London, UK. The theme is Special Relationships in an Uncertain Era for the Defense Trade. The conference will hear from Canadian, Australian, British and American experts in government, business and academia who will speak about national perspectives on the global security scene, business ethics, and export control reforms.

Media Registration at DSEI

Media can register online at www.dsei.co.uk by clicking on the EZONE and creating a new registration account. Event organizers will process requests as quickly as possible.  DSEI is held at ExCeL London, One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London UK. When accredited, media can collect their pass from the Media Registration Office, located at the ExCeL’s east entrance, which is near the Prince Regent DLR station. The Canada Pavilion is located in the North Hall at entrance N4, booth number N4-145.

About CADSI

The Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries is a not-for-profit national business association that represents Canadian defence and security industries. The Association represents more than 1,000 member companies selling to defence and public security markets. The industries employ more than 109,000 Canadians and generate $12.6 billion in annual revenues, roughly 50 per cent of which comes from international sales. CADSI member companies are of all sizes and offer a wide spectrum of goods and services to their customers, and to business partners in Canada, the United States, and internationally. To learn more, visit: www.defenceandsecurity.ca and follow us on Twitter @CadsiCanada.

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For more information:

Nicolas Todd, Director of Policy and Government Relations
Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries
Tel: +1 (613) 235-5337 x 37
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.defenceandsecurity.ca

DND Media Relations Office:

Phone: +1 (613) 996-2353
Toll-Free: 1 866 377-0811
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.forces.gc.ca