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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20261027T120000
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SUMMARY:Foundation of the Base: Securing Supply Chains for Critical Minerals\, Steel\, and Aluminum
DESCRIPTION:Register HereWatch Video RecordingAdvanced defence manufacturing—from aerospace alloys and naval hulls to military-grade energy storage and munitions—is entirely dependent on secure access to raw materials and intermediate processing. Moving beyond extraction\, Pillar 4 of the DIS underscores the strategic necessity of domestic refining and supply chain resilience. This panel brings together executives from Canada’s critical minerals\, steel\, and aluminum sectors to address vulnerabilities stemming from foreign input dependencies and geopolitical supply shocks. The discussion will map out a roadmap to build domestic production capacity\, accelerate infrastructure investments for strategic processing\, and establish closer alignment between continental defence procurement and Canada’s broader critical industrial materials strategies. \nSpeaker information coming soon!Moderator: Isabella ChenSenior Assistant Deputy MinisterSee Bio×Isabella Chan\nIsabella Chan has over 20 years of experience working in the public sector at the federal and provincial levels. She joined Natural Resources Canada in April 2024 as the Senior Assistant Deputy Minister of the Lands and Minerals Sector. Prior to this role\, she worked at the Privy Council Office as the Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet\, Social Development Policy\, and as the Assistant Deputy Minister of the Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch at Health Canada. Isabella has also occupied a number of executive positions at Finance Canada and Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat\, including the role of Director General\, Intergovernmental Tax Policy\, Evaluation and Research Division in the Tax Policy Branch\, and Executive Director\, Social and Cultural Sector. \nHeather Exner-PirotSenior Fellow and Director of Natural Resources\, Energy\, and Environment\nMacdonald-Laurier Institute See Bio×Heather Exner-Pirot\nHeather Exner-Pirot is a Senior Fellow and Director of Natural Resources\, Energy\, and Environment at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. She  serves as a Special Advisor to the Business Council of Canada\, and Managing Editor of the Arctic Yearbook. She is an internationally recognized scholar and policy expert whose work focuses on natural resource development\, energy security\, critical minerals\, Arctic governance\, Indigenous economic participation\, and Canadian competitiveness. \nDr. Exner-Pirot has held board and fellowship appointments with Indigenous\, Canadian and international institutions and is a frequent contributor to public policy discussions on resource development\, trade\, energy\, and northern affairs. Her research emphasizes practical approaches to strengthening Canada’s economic prosperity\, resilience\, and strategic position through responsible development of its natural resources. \nJean SimardPresident and CEO\,\nAluminium Association of Canada See Bio×Jean Simard\nAs President and Chief Executive Officer of the Aluminium Association of Canada (AAC) since 2009\, Jean Simard is the industry’s official representative and spokesperson with governments\, business associations and the media\, as well as with international organizations linked to the industry. \nMr. Simard holds a degree in Civil Law from the University of Ottawa and is a member of the Barreau du Québec. He possesses extensive professional experience in public policy and government relations\, mainly in sustainable development\, energy and environmental affairs. Prior to joining the AAC\, he was Vice-President Sustainable Development\, Public and Governmental Affairs\, at Gaz Métro\, a Quebec-based energy company. \nMr. Simard represents the AAC at the International Aluminium Institute (IAI) and at the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI). He is a member of the Board of Directors and of the Executive Committee of the Quebec Industrial Aluminium Cluster (Alu Québec)\, as well as a member of the Board (Treasurer) of the Conseil patronal de l’environnement du Québec (CPEQ). Co-founder and member of the Board and Steering committee of SWITCH\, the Alliance for a greener economy\, he is one of the Leaders of the Canadian Smart Prosperity initiative. He is a member of the Advisory Council of the Canadian Institute for Climate Choices.He recently founded and co-chairs the Canada US Trade Council (CUSTC) focused on U.S. tariffs\, and CUSMA renewal. He was recently appointed by the Government of Canada to the new Advisory Committee on Canada-U.S. Economic Relations. \nHe received the King Charles III Coronation Medal in January 2025. This distinction was awarded in recognition of his contribution to promoting Canadian aluminium. \nAmanda HallCEO and Founder\,\nSummit Lithium Technologies See Bio×Amanda Hall\nAmanda Hall is the CEO and Founder of Summit Lithium Technologies\, a Canadian technology company advancing direct lithium extraction (DLE) to meet rapidly growing demand from electric vehicles and large‑scale energy storage. With more than 20 years as a professional geophysicist\, she leads the development of high‑performance\, responsible extraction technology built for modern battery supply chains. Amanda holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology/Physics (University of Toronto) and Geophysics (University of Calgary. She was the 2023 EY Entrepreneur of The Year® Prairies Winner\, a Business Insider Climate Action 30 honouree\, and the top innovator in the MaRS Women in Cleantech Challenge.  \nBlair DickersonPresident and Chief Executive Officer\,\nCanadian Steel Producers Association of Canada (CSPA) See Bio×Blair Dickerson\nBlair Dickerson serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Steel Producers Association of Canada (CSPA). \nPreviously in her career\, Blair held leadership roles in the natural resources and mining sector in the areas of sustainability\, Indigenous and community relations\, and corporate affairs. She has also held leadership roles in the Forestry sector as VP of Public Affairs at Domtar. \nBlair has a passion for developing and nurturing high-performing teams. \nThroughout her career Blair focused on assignments in highly regulated sectors as well as in government. She worked at the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) as VP of External Relations. At Natural Resources Canada she served as Chief of Staff to the Minister working closely with the forestry\, energy\, and mining sectors. Early in her career Blair also served as the press secretary for the Minister of National Defence. \nBlair Dickerson currently serves on the Board of Directors at 5N Plus\, a leading global producer of specialty semi conductors and critical performance materials. \nShe has served on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce\, the Mining Association of Canada\, and the Canadian American Business Council. Blair has a degree in political science and economics and a master’s degree in business from Queens University.
URL:https://sciencepolicy.ca/event/foundation-of-the-base-securing-supply-chains-for-critical-minerals-steel-and-aluminum/
CATEGORIES:Innovation Virtual Series,Innovation Virtual Series 2026,Virtual Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://sciencepolicy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Oct27-en.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Canadian Science Policy Centre":MAILTO:info@sciencepolicy.ca
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20261019T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20261019T143000
DTSTAMP:20261015T154111Z
CREATED:20261005T155849Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261015T154111Z
UID:36282-1792414800-1792420200@sciencepolicy.ca
SUMMARY:Accelerating Innovation: Modernizing R&D Support and the BOREALIS Mechanism
DESCRIPTION:Register HereWatch Video RecordingCanada possesses a world-class research ecosystem across its post-secondary institutions and polytechnics\, yet translating raw R&D into scalable\, defence-grade commercial products remains a persistent challenge. This session focuses on the operationalization of Pillar 3 of the DIS\, specifically analyzing the mechanisms of federal research support and the deployment of the new BOREALIS defence innovation model. Bringing together leaders from BOREALIS/DRDC\, the U15 research universities\, and Polytechnics Canada\, this panel will critique current funding and technology-transfer pipelines. The conversation will focus on how to build highly coordinated sandboxes\, optimize rapid prototyping pathways\, and align government innovation programs to better match the commercial speed of industry. \nSpeaker information coming soon!Dr. Marlies RisePresident and Chief Executive Officer \nGenome Atlantic See Bio×Dr. Marlies Rise\nDr. Marlies Rise has more than 20 years of leadership experience in research administration\, innovation\, and industry partnerships. As President and Chief Executive Officer of Genome Atlantic\, she is focused on strengthening strategic partnerships\, deepening alignment with government and industry priorities\, and expanding opportunities for researchers\, academic institutions\, and companies commercializing genomics innovations across the region and beyond. This includes a recent partnership with Vimy Forge to develop dual-use applications that meet civilian and defence needs\, connecting Atlantic Canada’s research strengths with emerging national security and economic opportunities. Dr. Rise has supported university research portfolios of up to $270 million annually and holds a PhD in Forest Biology from the University of Victoria.  \nSarah Watts-RynardChief Executive Officer \nPolytechnics Canada See Bio×Sarah Watts-Rynard\nSarah Watts-Rynard assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer at Polytechnics Canada in July 2018.  Prior to this role\, she served as Executive Director of the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum\, supporting Canada’s apprenticeship community with research\, promotion and by connecting stakeholders across trades\, across sectors and across Canada.  \nSarah has a degree in Journalism and English from Carleton University.  Since graduating\, she has built a career that includes time in government\, the private sector and at skills-focused non-profit organizations.  She has experience related to non-profit governance\, fundraising\, advocacy and marketing.  She leads a team of passionate and dedicated employees committed to high-quality skills and innovation policy\, reflecting the strengths of polytechnic education in Canada.  In 2018\, Sarah was awarded an honorary diploma in the Skilled Trades by Niagara College.  \nSarah is Chair of the CWB Welding Foundation and Vice-Chair of the Canadian Centre for Women in Science\, Engineering\, Trades and Technology (WinSETT Centre). \nJulie St-PierreVice-President\, Research and Innovation\nUniversity of Ottawa See Bio×Julie St-Pierre\nJulie St-Pierre is the Vice-President\, Research and Innovation of the University of Ottawa. \nShe was awarded BSc and MSc degrees from Laval University before earning her doctorate at the University of Cambridge\, England. As a post-doctoral fellow\, Julie St-Pierre conducted research in both Europe and the United States\, including at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. From 2008 to 2017\, she was an assistant professor and then full professor at McGill University\, where she co-established a core facility in metabolomics and co-led it for eight years. \nIn 2017\, the University of Ottawa recruited her and she established a similar core facility at the Faculty of Medicine. Today she is a full professor in the Faculty’s Department of Biochemistry\, Microbiology and Immunology. \nHer research deals with metabolomics\, a science based on powerful technology that serves to deepen our understanding of the metabolic states of physiological and pathological conditions. Julie St-Pierre is especially interested in how metabolic adaptations in breast cancer can fuel therapeutic resistance. \nBefore her appointment as Interim Vice-President\, Julie St-Pierre had been Associate Vice-President\, Research Support and Infrastructure within the Office of Vice-President\, Research and Innovation since 2023. \nShanti JohnsonVice-President\, Research and Innovation\nUniversity of WindsorSee Bio×Shanti Johnson\nDr. Johnson’s research focuses on aging and health\, specifically falls and injury prevention\, aging in place in rural commnunities\, and social isolation among immigrant and refugee seniors. \nEffective July 1\, 2023\, she was appointed to the position of vice-president\, research and innovation. The position reports to the Unversity’s president and vice-chancellor. In her vice-president role\, Dr. Johnson is responsible for advancing UWidnsor’s research culture by enhancing the development of interdisciplinary research teams\, expanding partnership opportunities\, capitalizing on strategic research funding\, and supporting student and community-engaged research. Before joining the University of Windsor\, Dr. Johnson served at the University of Alberta as professor and dean of the School of Public Health. \nMartin ChampouxActing Director\, Strategic Partnerships\nDRDC See Bio×Martin Champoux\nMartin is a seasoned public servant with over 30 years experience in the areas of defence\, national security\, and public safety. This experience includes various roles in the Department of National Defence and Defence Research and Development Canada\, emergency management policy and operational roles with Public Safety Canada and policy positions within the Privy Council Office’s Security and Intelligence Secretariat and Democratic Institutions Unit. In addition to his work with the federal government\, Martin served as a civilian senior officer with the Ottawa Police Service.
URL:https://sciencepolicy.ca/event/accelerating-innovation-modernizing-rd-support-and-the-borealis-mechanism/
CATEGORIES:Innovation Virtual Series,Innovation Virtual Series 2026,Virtual Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://sciencepolicy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Oct19-en.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Canadian Science Policy Centre":MAILTO:info@sciencepolicy.ca
END:VEVENT
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20261013T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20261013T143000
DTSTAMP:20261005T165212Z
CREATED:20260914T172612Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T165212Z
UID:35888-1791896400-1791901800@sciencepolicy.ca
SUMMARY:The Arctic & Northern Sovereignty: Infrastructure as a Catalyst
DESCRIPTION:Register HereWatch Video RecordingCanada’s northern vastness is facing unprecedented geopolitical scrutiny and climate-driven transformation. Under Pillar 5 of the DIS\, federal defence investments in the Arctic must serve a dual purpose: expanding continental defence readiness and NORAD modernization while acting as a structural catalyst for long-term economic self-reliance in Northern and Indigenous communities. This panel moves past high-level sovereignty rhetoric to examine the tangible deployment of remote infrastructure. Focusing on overland and community-level assets\, panelists will discuss the scaling of remote telecommunications\, ruggedized green energy microgrids\, and multi-purpose transportation corridors capable of operating in severe permafrost conditions. Industry leaders and Northern stakeholders will analyze how to navigate complex jurisdictional overlaps and fast-track permitting timelines to build a resilient\, secure\, and self-sustaining Canadian North. \nSpeaker information coming soon!Moderator: Dr Ryan Connon (GNWT)Senior Knowledge Advisor for the Government of the Northwest TerritoriesSee Bio×Dr Ryan Connon (GNWT)\nDr. Ryan Connon is the Senior Knowledge Advisor for the Government of the Northwest Territories\, where he leads the development of long-term strategic research initiatives and territorial science policy. He works closely with territorial and federal departments\, Indigenous governments and organizations\, academic institutions\, and industry to promote collaborative research projects to support the integration of scientific\, Indigenous\, and other knowledge systems into government priorities. Ryan holds a Ph.D. in cold regions hydrology\, as well as adjunct faculty positions at Queen’s University and Wilfrid Laurier University. \nDr. Jessica M. Shadian President and CEO – Arctic360See Bio×Dr. Jessica M. Shadian\nDr. Jessica M. Shadian is President and CEO of Arctic360\, Canada’s Arctic think tank. She gained international recognition as an academic and researcher living in the Nordic Arctic after completing her dissertation research at the Scott Polar Research Institute\, Cambridge\, UK and Ph.D. (International Relations)\, University of Delaware (2006). Since moving to Canada in 2013\, her thought leadership on Arctic geopolitics\, infrastructure\, critical minerals\, and innovation has been sought by Canadian and European governments\, institutions\, industry\, and media. \nTracy St-DenisAssistant Deputy Minister\, Defence Coordination\, NWTSee Bio×Tracy St-Denis\nTracy St. Denis is a seasoned public service executive currently serving as the Assistant Deputy Minister of Defence Coordination for the Government of Northwest Territories\, where she leads strategic planning and territorial alignment for anticipated investments by the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. Based in Yellowknife\, Canada\, she has spent decades driving public sector programs and economic development in the region. Her extensive career history with the territorial government includes senior leadership positions such as Assistant Deputy Minister of Programs and Services\, Assistant Deputy Minister of Economic Development\, and Director of Economic Diversification. In addition to her civil service achievements\, she actively supports community impact in the Canadian northwest as the Past Chair of the Board for the United Way Northwest Territories. \nKendra MacDonaldChief Executive Officer\nCanada’s Ocean Supercluster See Bio×Kendra MacDonald\nKendra MacDonald is the CEO of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster\, responsible for the accelerated development and commercialization of innovation that will solve some of the world’s biggest challenges in ocean.  Kendra is leading the change in the culture of doing business in ocean from coast-to-coast-to-coast\, increasing collaboration across ocean sectors and growing Canada’s ocean economy in a digital\, sustainable\, and inclusive way. In recognition of her leadership in building the Ocean Supercluster from the ground up\, Kendra has named one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEOs by Atlantic Business Magazine for the last five years and one of Canada’s Top Sustainability Leaders by Clean50 in 2022. \nPrior to leading Canada’s Ocean Supercluster\, Kendra was a Partner in Deloitte’s Risk Advisory practice and the Chief Audit Executive of Deloitte Global. \nKatherine Alivaktuk (Minich)Director of Inuit Qaijisarvingat at Inuit Tapiriit KanatamiSee Bio×Katherine Alivaktuk (Minich)\nKatherine Alivaktuk is the Director of Inuit Qaujisrvingat (cow-yee-sar-ving-at) at Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. Currently Katherine oversees research partnerships that connect across Inuit Nunangat\, organizes ethics review for the Qanuitpitaa National Inuit Health Survey while promoting Inuit research priorities outline in the National Inuit Strategy on Research. \nJoseph Galimberti Director of Inuit Qaijisarvingat at Inuit Tapiriit KanatamiSee Bio×Joseph Galimberti \nJoseph Galimberti joined the PAL Group of Companies in 2018 as Senior Vice-President of Public Affairs. Prior to joining PAL\, Mr. Galimberti held a variety of executive positions\, including President of the Canadian Steel Producers Association\, Vice-President of Public and Corporate Affairs at Hill+Knowlton Strategies Canada\, Director of Government and Community Relations at Air Canada\, and various roles with the Government of Canada. He is also the co-owner of a family business\, Broad Street Cycles\, in Victoria\, British Columbia and a former Trustee on the Board of Pearson College UWC. 
URL:https://sciencepolicy.ca/event/the-arctic-northern-sovereignty-infrastructure-as-a-catalyst/
CATEGORIES:Innovation Virtual Series,Innovation Virtual Series 2026,Virtual Sessions
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ORGANIZER;CN="Canadian Science Policy Centre":MAILTO:info@sciencepolicy.ca
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260928T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260928T150000
DTSTAMP:20260928T163909Z
CREATED:20260901T171043Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260928T163909Z
UID:35491-1790602200-1790607600@sciencepolicy.ca
SUMMARY:AI\, Quantum\, Cybersecurity and Space: Leveraging Dual-use Tech for Defence & Sovereignty
DESCRIPTION:Register HereWatch Video RecordingTo achieve true strategic autonomy\, Canada must secure and control digital pipelines that collect\, process\, and transmit national security data. This panel features leading commercial innovators operating at the cutting edge of Canada’s digital transformation. Focusing on the core sovereign capabilities outlined in Pillar 2 of Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS)\, the discussion will examine the integration of next-generation commercial technologies\, including low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite communications\, tactical AI data processing\, and quantum-resistant cryptographic security. Industry executives will share insights on how Canada can leverage its world-leading commercial tech ecosystem to build surge capacity\, protect intellectual property within global value chains\, and overcome the traditionally complex procurement barriers that often slow the adoption of dual-use innovations. \nSpeaker information coming soon!Moderator: Matthew da Mota Research Director\, Emerging Technology and National Security\, Canadian Shield InstituteSee Bio×Matthew Da Mota\nMatt is an interdisciplinary thinker and researcher with a background that spans industries from construction to academia to policy. His work explores how emerging technologies and shifting geopolitical dynamics reshape security\, governance\, knowledge\, and sovereignty — with a focus on the implications of AI and digital infrastructure. \nMatt previously worked on international AI governance and security at the Centre for International Governance Innovation. His Ph.D. research examined the relationship between historical narrative\, written evidence\, and political power. \nMatt is also a fellow in Technology and Security at Queen’s University’s Centre for International and Defence Policy\, and he serves on multiple standardization technical committees. \nMina MitryChief Executive Officer & Co-Founder\, Kepler SpaceSee Bio×Mina Mitry\nMina leads Kepler with a vision to extend the human reach into space by building a modern Internet infrastructure on-orbit for the future space economy. Under Mina’s leadership\, Kepler has raised over $200 million USD in funding and achieved notable industry recognition as the largest satellite operator in Canada\, one of the most innovative companies in space by Fast Company\, and ‘top10 in satellite’ by Via Satellite in 2023. \nRafal JanikChief Operating Officer\, Xanadu\nSee Bio×Rafal Janik\nRafal Janik is the Chief Operating Officer at Xanadu\, where he leads the commercialization of Xanadu’s quantum computing technology. He has over 13 years of experience leading software and machine learning teams in both large enterprises and high growth startups to bring cutting edge technologies to market. Rafal works closely with national governments and large enterprises to develop quantum adoption strategies and policies.  \nAtefeh MashatanDirector of the Cybersecurity Research Lab and Canada Research Chair at Toronto Metropolitan UniversitySee Bio×Atefeh Mashatan\nDr. Atefeh (Atty) Mashatan is the founding director of the Cybersecurity Research Lab (CRL) at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) and recognized as a leading expert in cryptography\, blockchain technology\, quantum-resistant solutions\, enterprise security architecture and Internet-of-Things (IoT) security. \nSince 2016\, Dr. Mashatan has been a professor at the Ted Rogers School of Information Technology Management and holds the prominent position as a Canada Research Chair (Tier II) in Quality of Security (QoS) Framework for Internet-of-Things (IoT) as of September 2021. She investigates new threats that have emerged due to the  widespread adoption of IoT\, develop new security systems for these networks\, and recommends best practices for users\, technical audiences and policy-makers. Her CRC program focuses on enhancing the quality of security of smart yet small IoT devices in the specific context in which they are being deployed. The aim of this multidisciplinary research program is to make a solution as secure as possible\, given the contextual parameters and limitations of its use-case. \nDr. Mashatan’s remarkable contributions to cybersecurity have been globally recognized as she continues to be an innovative leader and researcher at the forefront of the field. She has been acknowledged with many prestigious awards some of which include being recognized as the Top 25 Women of Influence (2024) by Women of Influence+\,  Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award 2023 under the Executive Leader category awarded by Women’s Executive Network (WXN)\, Canada’s Cyber Security Research Expert of the Year (2023) by Wealth & Finance International and the Top 5 Women of Influence in Security 2019 by SC Magazine. Furthermore\, her achievements include receiving the University Blockchain Research Initiative Innovator Award from Ripple in November 2021 and winning the Hyperledger Challenge by the Hyperledger Foundation in August 2022. \nPreviously\, Dr. Mashatan was a Scientific Collaborator at the Security and Cryptography Laboratory of School of Computer and Communication Sciences\, EPFL (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology\, Lausanne)\, where she conducted research into cryptographic protocols\, followed by a position at CIBC\, where she was a Senior Information Security Consultant and Solutions Architect focusing on cryptography and enterprise architecture. \n\nDina Tzirakos-Hawker \nManaging Director\, Sandbox CentreSee Bio×Dina Tzirakos-Hawker\nDina Hawker is the Managing Director of the Sandbox Centre. She brings more than 17 years of experience across finance\, operations\, manufacturing\, strategy\, and law\, and has built a reputation for connecting entrepreneurs\, industry\, and government to drive economic growth and commercialization outcomes.  \nUnder her leadership\, Sandbox\, one of Ontario’s newest Regional Innovation Centres\, has evolved into a collaborative hub supporting founders and scaling companies\, with a growing focus on dual-use technology\, manufacturing\, and defence-sector commercialization\, helping companies move from early-stage development to scale. Over the past three years\, Dina has deepened her involvement in the Canadian and U.S. defence ecosystems\, working alongside a mentor\, as a Canadian partner to Fuse Ventures (a global dual-use hub)\, and other defence industry experts to build the sector knowledge behind Sandbox’s defence programming. Her focus has been creating programming that bridges innovation and industry and helping bring Canada’s capabilities to the world stage.
URL:https://sciencepolicy.ca/event/ai-quantum-cybersecurity-and-space-leveraging-dual-use-tech-for-defence-sovereignty/
CATEGORIES:Innovation Virtual Series,Innovation Virtual Series 2026,Virtual Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://sciencepolicy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Sept28-en-3.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Canadian Science Policy Centre":MAILTO:info@sciencepolicy.ca
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260916T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260916T133000
DTSTAMP:20260922T163420Z
CREATED:20260826T151833Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T163420Z
UID:35376-1789560000-1789565400@sciencepolicy.ca
SUMMARY:The Role of Social Sector Organizations in National Defence & Resilience
DESCRIPTION:Register HereWatch Video RecordingCanada is in the midst of a radical transformation to ensure Canadians’ safety and security. Climate emergencies\, geopolitical instability\, misinformation\, social fragmentation\, Arctic and Northern vulnerabilities\, and pressures on public institutions all point to the need for a broader whole-of-society approach to defence and resilience. Community non-profits are a key part of Canada’s resilience infrastructure. They support vulnerable populations\, mobilize volunteers\, respond to crises\, serve veterans and military families\, operate in remote and Northern communities\, and hold trusted relationships that governments and formal institutions may not always have. Yet their role in and contributions to Canada’s defence and security ecosystem remains unexamined and underutilized.  \nSpeaker information coming soon!Moderator: Tim DraiminBoard member and past Chair of Social Innovation Canada (SIC) and Founding CEO of Tides Canada Foundation (now MakeWay)See Bio×Tim Draimin\nTim Draimin is board member and past chair of Social Innovation Canada (SIC). His work focuses on social and environmental causes through the lenses of social innovation\, philanthropy and social change. He was founding CEO of Tides Canada Foundation (now MakeWay) and convened the Canadian Task Force on Social Finance. He wrote Canada’s first study of social entrepreneurship and his articles appeared in Stanford Social Innovation Review\, The Globe & Mail\, Cooperation South\, The New Internationalist\, Philea\, and The Hill Times. He led Social Innovation Generation (SiG) National and is a frequent advisor to non-profits\, government and business. Past board roles include: Trico Foundation\, Centre for Social Innovation (CSI)\, Green Economy Canada (GEC)\, Partnership Brokers Association (PBA)\, Institute on Media\, Policy and Civil Society (IMPACS)\, Social Innovation Exchange (SIX)\, Philippines-Canada Human Resource Development (PCHRD). \nRahim Rezaie Executive Director of the Institute for Collaborative Innovation (ICI Canada)See Bio×Rahim Rezaie\nDr. Rahim Rezaie is Executive Director of the Institute for Collaborative Innovation (ICI Canada)\, where he leads work on innovation policy\, community resilience\, and the role of civil society in addressing complex national challenges. He currently co-leads ICI Canada’s Department of National Defence-funded MINDS project\, Strengthening Canada’s Defence and Security through Social Sector Partnerships\, which examines how community-based and nonprofit organizations can contribute to Canada’s whole-of-society approach to defence and resilience. \nDr. Rezaie is also an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Toronto and has extensive experience in research\, program development\, and strategic consulting across academic\, nonprofit\, and government sectors. He holds a PhD in technological innovation\, a Master’s in Biotechnology\, and a BSc from the University of Toronto\, as well as management training from York University’s Schulich School of Business. His research and writing have appeared in academic journals including Nature Biotechnology and PLOS One\, as well as Canadian media. \nGwendolyn JoyInterim CEO\, Social Innovation CanadaSee Bio×Gwendolyn Joy\nGwendolyn brings insights from a 20+ year career spanning the non-profit\, public and private sectors\, where she’s worked locally\, regionally and internationally alongside community and elected leaders\, policy makers\, academics\, youth\, non-profit and corporate leaders to develop organizational capacity to drive social impact and innovation.   Gwen comes to SI Canada most recently from the financial sector\, where she acted as subject matter expert at a leading North American bank for their Environmental\, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy\, disclosure and impact management approaches. In addition to her leadership roles\, Gwen has held volunteer governance and advisory roles at a number of non-profit organizations in both the UK and Canada \nDanya PastuszekPresident & CEO\, Tamarack InstituteSee Bio×Danya Pastuszek\nA mother\, community-builder and runner\, Danya supports a network cross-sector\, place-based partnerships focused on the interconnected outcomes of climate\, education\, and economic equity\, and on social connection. A dual US and Canadian citizen\, she worked first with resettling refugees and then with people impacted by systems of criminal justice. In 2012\, she began a decade with Promise Partnership of Salt Lake\, co-designing school\, neighborhood\, city and regional partnerships accountable to education outcomes. Since February 2022\, she’s stewarded Tamarack Institute for Community Engagement. She is an inaugural Schwab Foundation collective social innovation awardee and holds a BA and MA from Stanford University and an MBA from New York University. \nGeraldine CahillFounding Director of UpSocial CanadaSee Bio×Geraldine Cahill\nGeraldine Cahill is the founding Director of UpSocial Canada\, facilitating social lab projects with diverse stakeholders to address systemic social challenges. In Alberta\, she is engaged in a community wealth building strategy with Drayton Valley\, deepening her understanding and appreciation for the unique and innovative work happening in rural communities across the country. As of January 2025\, Geraldine is also co-managing Catalyst Community Finance\, weaving relationships with community finance intermediaries that are enabling a place- and identity-based ecosystem for social impact in Canada. Geraldine has long championed social innovation field building\, and is motivated to explore and integrate that learning with the growing mission-oriented innovation community. In 2017\, she co-authored the book\, Social Innovation Generation: Fostering a Canadian Ecosystem for Systems Change\, which showcases the partnership’s field building efforts.   \nSara LyonsChief Program and Strategy Officer\, Volunteer CanadaSee Bio×Sara Lyons\nSara Lyons is based in Montreal and has worked in the not-for-profit and charitable sector for over 20 years. She has spent many years working on large-scale\, national projects that bring together multiple sectors around new ideas. Before coming to Volunteer Canada\, Sara was a Senior Director at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities\, a Vice President at Community Foundations of Canada\, and in 2021 did a secondment with the Equality Fund.   \nA graduate of McGill and the University of Toronto\, Sara has been a frequent public speaker on philanthropy\, social innovation\, and social finance. She is currently a board member of Exeko\, in Montreal and is the former Chair of the Circle on Philanthropy —two roles that have allowed her to live out her passion for transformation\, social inclusion\, and creating innovative spaces. \nSara loves cycling\, playing tennis and spending time with her two teenage daughters. \nDavid WattersBoard Member\, Institute for Collaborative InnovationSee Bio×David Watters\nDavid Watters is a former Assistant Deputy Minister for Economic Development and Corporate Finance in the Department of Finance\, the founder and former CEO of the Global Advantage Consulting Group\, and the founder and current President of the not-for-profit Institute for Collaborative Innovation. He has been a CSPC Board member since its inception.
URL:https://sciencepolicy.ca/event/the-role-of-social-sector-organizations-in-national-defence-resilience/
CATEGORIES:Innovation Virtual Series,Innovation Virtual Series 2026,Virtual Sessions
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ORGANIZER;CN="Canadian Science Policy Centre":MAILTO:info@sciencepolicy.ca
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260604T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260604T133000
DTSTAMP:20260922T163419Z
CREATED:20260506T163639Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T163419Z
UID:33706-1780574400-1780579800@sciencepolicy.ca
SUMMARY:Sowing Security: The Agri-Food Sector and Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy
DESCRIPTION:Register HereWatch Video RecordingIn an era of increasing global volatility\, food security is no longer solely an agricultural concern—it is a cornerstone of national security and sovereign resilience. As Canada moves to implement its Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS)\, the role of the agri-food sector in maintaining stable\, innovative\, and secure supply chains has become a strategic priority. This “Deep Dive” panel examines the Canadian agricultural landscape through the lens of national defence and “whole-of-society” resilience. \nFeaturing experts from research\, industry\, and policy\, the session will discuss how agricultural innovation and domestic food sovereignty contribute to Canada’s security objectives. Key topics will include the protection of critical food infrastructure\, the application of dual-use technologies in agri-tech\, and how the DIS can be leveraged to bolster the resilience of Canada’s food systems against emerging global and environmental threats. \nSpeaker information coming soon!Virginia MulliganDirector of Agriculture and Food Innovation\, Alberta InnovatesSee Bio×Virginia Mulligan\nVirginia Mulligan is Director of Agriculture and Food Innovation\, where she designs and delivers strategic programs that support innovation and sustainability in Alberta’s agriculture sector\, with additional experience in forestry and energy. She has been involved in developing and delivering initiatives that surface promising technologies and turn ideas into practical tools for end users. Her work supports a diverse portfolio of projects focused on improving resource efficiency\, strengthening on-farm practices\, and enabling more informed decision-making across the sector. Virginia works closely with industry\, academia\, and government partners to ensure this work is well informed\, collaborative\, and responsive to evolving needs. She brings a practical\, systems-level perspective on the role of innovation in advancing sustainable and resilient agri-food systems.  \nShayan SharifDistinguished Research Chair in Agri-Food Biosecurity\, Associate Dean\, Research and Graduate Studies\,  University of GuelphSee Bio×Shayan Sharif\nSharif led various research programs\, training initiatives and agri-food research centres owned by the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario and operated by U of G\, including those at the Ridgetown Campus. He also oversaw the Laboratory Services Division and fostered relationships with a range of public- and private-sector partners. \nSharif is a professor of immunology whose research focuses on poultry diseases\, such as avian influenza. He is dedicated to developing innovative vaccines to control these infections. Additionally\, in the past\, he led the Poultry Health Research Network\, collaborating with experts from academia\, government and industry. More recently\, he was instrumental in establishing a translational health initiative at the University\, bridging veterinary and human health research to translate laboratory discoveries into treatments for both animals and humans. \nBrodie BerriganSenior Director of Government Relations and Farm Policy\, Canadian Federation of AgricultureSee Bio×Brodie Berrigan\nAs Senior Director of Government Relations and Farm Policy at the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA)\, Brodie Berrigan plays a key role in coordinating the organization’s policy development and government relations\, with leadership on files including risk management\, food security\, labour\, trade and transportation.  \nPrior to joining the CFA\, he spent many years working for the Government of Canada across several departments\, including Public Services and Procurement Canada\, the Privy Council Office\, and Employment and Social Development Canada.  \nMr. Berrigan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History from the University of Ottawa\, a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration from Carleton University\, and a diploma in Business – Agriculture from Algonquin College.  \nDana Dickerson\n Director of Market Development and Sustainability\, Grain Farmers of OntarioSee Bio×Dana Dickerson\nDana Dickerson is Director of Market Development and Sustainability at Grain Farmers of Ontario. Working on behalf of 28\,000 farmers who grow barley\, corn\, oats\, wheat\, and soybeans\, Dana focuses on strengthening existing markets and creating new demand across food\, feed\, fuel\, beverage\, and bioproduct sectors. She works closely with farmers\, processors and governments to encourage value‑added processing innovation in Ontario\, grow grain exports\, and support farmer and customer sustainability. \nIan AffleckVice President – Plant Biotechnology\, CropLife CanadaSee Bio×Ian Affleck\nIan Affleck\, is the vice-president of plant biotechnology for CropLife Canada. In this role\, Affleck works with domestic and international agricultural stakeholders and governments on the development of policies\, regulations\, and science related to plant biotechnology. Prior to joining CropLife Canada\, Affleck worked at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for 10 years. His work there focused on the regulation of novel plants and new varieties. Affleck holds a B Sc from Nova Scotia Agricultural College and a Masters from the University of Guelph. Affleck has been involved in agriculture from an early age\, having grown up on a potato farm in Bedeque\, PEI. \n \nWilliam WhelanProfessor\, Department of Physics\, University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) and Professor\, Department of Biomedical Sciences\, Atlantic Veterinary CollegeSee Bio×William Whelan\nBill Whelan is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) and in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the Atlantic Veterinary College. He was a Canada Research Chair in Biomedical Optics at UPEI and chair of the Department of Physics. His research has focused on the development of optical sensors\, photoacoustic imaging and laser therapies for the detection and treatment of cancers.  \nBill is co-chair of the PEI Education Minister’s Advisory Council on Lifelong Learning\, and he is a former president of the Canadian Association of Physicists. He has served as president of the PEI Division of the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) and as a director on the national CCS board. He was co-chair of the PEI Education Governance Commission established to review and recommend improvements to the province’s education system.  \nBill is also actively involved in science promotion\, including as co-chair of the PEI Science Fair since 2008 and co-chair of the Canada-Wide Science Fair in 2012. He is a founding director of STEAM PEI\, a non-profit organization delivering school-based and community programs for youth to explore STEM fields with the Arts.
URL:https://sciencepolicy.ca/event/sowing-security/
CATEGORIES:Innovation Virtual Series,Innovation Virtual Series 2026,Virtual Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://sciencepolicy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/June4-Panel-en-3.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Canadian Science Policy Centre":MAILTO:info@sciencepolicy.ca
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260520T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260520T133000
DTSTAMP:20260922T163419Z
CREATED:20260419T214817Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T163419Z
UID:33642-1779278400-1779283800@sciencepolicy.ca
SUMMARY:Security\, Sovereignty\, and Prosperity: Industry Perspectives on Canada’s New Defence Industrial Strategy
DESCRIPTION:Register HereWatch Video RecordingCanada’s recently released Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) represents a paradigm shift in the intersection of national security and industrial policy. Central to this strategy is the “Joint Innovation” model – a call for deep\, sustained collaboration between the federal government and the private sector to build sovereign capabilities. This high-level panel brings together leaders from Canada’s mining\, advanced manufacturing\, and technology sectors to discuss the strategic and practical implications of the DIS. \nPanellists will explore how the strategy’s goals align with the unique challenges of their respective industries\, from critical mineral supply chains to dual-use technology development in AI and Quantum. The discussion will focus on how the DIS can serve as a catalyst for industrial growth\, the hurdles to achieving seamless “Joint Innovation\,” and the long-term impact of this strategy on Canada’s broader innovation ecosystem and global competitiveness. \nSpeaker information coming soon!Charlotte Duval-Lantoine – ModeratorVice-President\, Ottawa Operations & Fellow\, Canadian Global Affairs InstituteSee Bio×Charlotte Duval-Lantoine \nCharlotte is the Vice President\, Ottawa Operations and a Fellow at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute\, as well as a PhD Candidate at Deakin University\, researching Canadian army culture during the 1990s and its influence on operations. \nShe is the author of The Ones We Let Down\, a book examining gender integration and toxic leadership in the military that was named among The Hill Times’ Best Books of 2022. She does research on military leadership\, culture change\, and personnel policy\, topics on which she regularly comments in the media and writes in her Substack\, DND/CAF 101. She participates in consultation organized by the Department of National Defence and has given talks to West Point and RMC cadets\, to the National Strategic Program at the Canadian Forces College\, and to the Australian War College. \nCharlotte has had the honour of being awarded a King Charles III Coronation Medal and the CDA Institute’s 2024 Captain Nichola Goddard Award for her work as a\nresearcher. She was also listed as one of the 2022 Women in Defence and Security Emerging Leader and amongst the 20 in their 20s by Women in Defence and Security in 2025. \nCharlotte was born in France and grew up in Marseille. She has called Canada her home since 2014. \nJayson MyersChief Executive Officer of Next Generation Manufacturing CanadaSee Bio×Jason Myers\nJayson Myers is the Chief Executive Officer of Next Generation Manufacturing Canada\, the industry-led organization that is spearheading Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster for Advanced Manufacturing. NGen raises funds from public and private sources to invest in building world-leading advanced manufacturing solutions and ecosystem capabilities in Canada. \nJay is an award-winning business economist who specializes in industrial and technological change. Between 2007 and 2016\, he served as President & CEO of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters\, Canada’s largest industry and trade association. In 2017 he was the Chief Policy Advisor to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. \nJay has been widely recognized as one of the most influential economic policy advocates in Canada. He is an advisor to both private and public sector leaders\, and has counselled Canadian prime ministers and premiers\, as well as senior corporate executives and policymakers around the world. \nA former research fellow at Nuffield College Oxford\, Jay has held lectureships at both Oxford and the University of Warwick. He is a member of the Advisory Board of the World Manufacturing Forum and a leading advocate on the world stage on behalf of advanced manufacturing in Canada. \nPhotinie KoutsavlisVice President\, Economic Affairs and Climate Change\nMining Association of Canada See Bio×Photinie Koutsavlis\nMs. Koutsavlis is dedicated to advancing the mining industry’s comprehension of critical economic matters\, encompassing taxation\, international trade\, investment\, infrastructure\, and innovation. Additionally\, she guides the Mining Association of Canada (MAC) and its members in supporting an orderly transition towards a more sustainable\, low-carbon future. Her leadership positions MAC as a constructive partner in the fight against climate change. \nPreviously\, Ms. Koutsavlis held the role of Director General\, Policy and Economic Branch for the Lands and Minerals Sector at Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) within the Government of Canada. In this capacity\, she led the integration of strategic policy\, scientific insights\, regulatory expertise\, economics\, and market analysis. Her work informed policy development and decisions related to domestic and international priorities concerning lands\, minerals\, and metals. \nMs. Koutsavlis played a key role in developing the Canadian Minerals and Metals Plan\, which served as the foundation for Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy and broader policy direction. \nDaniel PerryDirector of Federal Affairs at the Council of Canadian InnovatorsSee Bio×Daniel Perry\nDaniel Perry is the Director of Federal Affairs at the Council of Canadian Innovators\, where he leads national advocacy and government engagement. \nPreviously\, he worked in consulting\, advising clients on public policy across sectors including fintech\, agriculture\, and higher education. He has also held roles with the Senate of Canada\, Queen’s Park\, and the Canadian Criminal Justice Association. An experienced campaigner\, Daniel has contributed to leadership races and elections at all levels of government. He has been recognized as one of Ottawa’s Top Consultants by Faces Magazine and was recently named a Top Lobbyist by The Hill Times. \nDaniel is a frequent media contributor and columnist for publications in Hamilton and Niagara. He holds a Master of Political Management from Carleton University\, a Joint Honours Bachelor in Communication and Political Science from the University of Ottawa\, and a Diploma in Business from Loyalist College. \n Mike Mueller President and CEO\, Aerospace Industries Association of Canada See Bio×Mike Mueller\nMike Mueller was appointed President and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association in May of 2021\, building on his six-year history with the association as Senior Vice- President where he was responsible for the operation of the organization and strategic direction on major aerospace projects and initiatives.  \nMike is a forward-thinking team builder who brings a wealth of government experience to the position\, having advised Ministers in the Federal Government on a wide variety of policies and programs. Prior to joining AIAC\, Mike held senior positions within the Canadian government including at Employment and Social Development Canada\, Public Safety Canada\, Foreign Affairs and International Trade\, and Canada’s Treasury Board.  \nMike also serves as Vice-Chair & Financial Controller for the International Coordinating Council of Aerospace Industries Associations.  \n Dr. Rahim Rezaie Executive Director\,  Institute for Collaborative InnovationSee Bio×Dr. Rahim Rezaie\nDr. Rahim Rezaie is Executive Director of the Institute for Collaborative Innovation\, which promotes citizen-centred innovation and the role of community-anchored social purpose organizations in defence and resilience. He holds an Adjunct Lecturer position at the University of Toronto and is an Independent Consultant in private practice. His work and expertise focus on science\, technology\, and innovation policy\, the role of social sector organizations in defence and resilience\, and science and technology for development\, with a focus on health technology innovation.
URL:https://sciencepolicy.ca/event/security-sovereignty-and-prosperity-industry-perspectives-on-canadas-new-defence-industrial-strategy/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Innovation Virtual Series,Innovation Virtual Series 2026,Virtual Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://sciencepolicy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/May20-Panel-en-5.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Canadian Science Policy Centre":MAILTO:info@sciencepolicy.ca
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