Program Overview

The Executive Certificate in Defence Industry Leadership is an intensive, practice-oriented program designed to equip leaders with a strategic and operational understanding of Canada’s defence and security establishment, procurement architecture, and industrial innovation ecosystem. Over four immersive days, participants gain a rare, insider-level view of how defence governance, capability development, and industrial partnerships work in practice – and how to navigate them effectively as an executive or transitioning professional.

Through expert-led seminars, interactive panels, and use cases, participants explore Canada’s defence governance model, global operational posture, procurement and compliance systems, and the evolving defence-industrial landscape shaped by emerging technologies and innovation programs such as IDEaS, DIANA, IRAP, and the Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) framework.

The program culminates in a strong focus on funding and commercialization of innovations on a global scale. Guided by senior practitioners, former military leaders, industry executives, and leading academics, participants emerge with the insight, confidence, and professional network required to succeed in Canada’s defence and security sector.

Who Should Attend

This program is designed for professionals advancing within the defence, security, and innovation ecosystem, and those seeking to enter the industry, including:

Funding support may be available through Veterans Affairs Canada (ETB), federal departmental learning budgets, and the Canada Job Grant.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Understand Canada’s defence architecture, governance system, and strategic decision-making processes.
• Interpret defence-policy and capability requirements as business, partnership, and career opportunities.
• Navigate procurement and regulatory frameworks including ITAR, Controlled Goods, Security Clearances and anti-corruption rules.
• Map the Canadian defence-industrial base and innovation ecosystem, including key OEMs, SMEs, federal innovation programs, and sources of funding.
• Evaluate international defence markets and build informed, strategic approaches to business development and partnerships.
• Understand and apply learning to real-world opportunities for Industrial Technological Benefits (ITBs) and multiple funding programs.
• Be prepared with a transition plan to the defence and security industry, if applicable (advisory guidance will be provided).

Duration and Format

Duration: 4 days
Format: In-person, interactive, cohort-based
Dates: TBA
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: University of Ottawa
Credential: Executive Certificate in Defence Industry Leadership
Delivery: Expert-led interactive sessions, panels and use cases

Cost: $3,995 per participant

Featured Instructor

Participants will learn directly from, and have opportunities to network with, high-profile leaders and experts, including: former Defence Ministers, former Chief of Defence Staff, former National Security & Intelligence Advisor to the PM of Canada, Compliance Experts and several CEO’s of prime defence contractors and CEOs of emerging SMEs.

Keynote Speakers

General (Ret’d) Rick Hillier

General (Retired) Rick Hillier, probably Canada’s best-known soldier, will be delivering a keynote address and hosting a discussion on leadership challenges for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the defence industry in a time of disruptive change. General Hillier is famous for serving as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) from 2005-2008, leading Canada's forces in Afghanistan, and for his outspoken advocacy for increased military funding and resources. He left a legacy of elevated pride and profile in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) after a distinguished 35-year career. He commanded troops globally, from Bosnia to Afghanistan, and later became Chancellor of Memorial University, an author, and public speaker, known for his "Duty with Honour" ethos and passion for leadership excellence.

Professor Fiona Murray

Fiona Murray, one of the world’s leading authorities on innovation and entrepreneurship, will deliver a keynote address and lead a discussion on the Future of Innovation in Defence at a time of accelerating technological and geopolitical change. Professor Murray has recently taken up the role of Chair of the NATO Innovation Fund, guiding strategic investment in emerging and dual-use technologies critical to Allied security. She is also Professor of Entrepreneurship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she has built a distinguished academic and policy career. She is widely recognized for shaping global innovation ecosystems, advising governments and industry, and advancing mission-driven innovation. Her work has left a lasting impact on how nations translate breakthrough science into economic strength and strategic resilience.

Hon. David Pratt

David Pratt, one of Canada’s most experienced voices on defence and foreign policy, will deliver a keynote address and lead a discussion on Key Challenges for Canada in a Changing Global Landscape, examining the strategic implications of global instability for Canada. The Honourable David Pratt previously served as Minister of National Defence, where he was responsible for Canada’s armed forces during a period of significant international engagement and transformation. He is widely recognized for his work on defence policy, transatlantic security, and Canada–U.S. relations. He is a respected commentator and public speaker, known for his pragmatic insight and long-standing commitment to public service. Through government leadership and ongoing engagement in defence and security debates, David Pratt has made a lasting contribution to Canada’s national security dialogue.

Professor Thomas Juneau

Thomas Juneau, one of Canada’s leading experts on national security and international affairs, will deliver a keynote address and lead a discussion on Key Security Challenges in a Changing Global Landscape, examining the implications of geopolitical trends for Canada. Professor Juneau is a faculty member at the University of Ottawa, where his research focuses on Canadian foreign policy, intelligence, and Middle East security. He is widely recognized for his rigorous analysis of security policy and decision-making. He is a trusted advisor and public commentator, known for combining academic depth with practical policy insight. Through his scholarship, public service, and teaching, Thomas Juneau has made a significant contribution to Canada’s national security and defence discourse.

Professor Fen Hampson

Fen Osler Hampson is Chancellor’s Professor at Carleton University’s Norman Paterson School of International Affairs (NPSIA). He is a leading expert on Canadian foreign policy, international security, and diplomacy, and currently serves as co-Chair of the Canada–U.S. Relations Expert Group. Professor Hampson has advised governments in Canada and internationally and is a frequent commentator in Canadian and international media on Canada-U.S. relations, multilateralism, and global security issues. He has published extensively on international conflict management, alliance politics, and the strategic challenges facing Canada in an era of renewed great power rivalry.

David Luxton

David Luxton, a highly experienced leader in international business development and defence trade, will deliver keynote sessions and contribute across the course on International Business Development and Defence Trade in a Changing Global Landscape. Mr. Luxton is President of DEFSEC Corporation, where he works with defence and security companies on strategy, investment, and global market engagement. He has held senior roles spanning defence, diplomacy, and international commerce, supporting Canadian firms operating internationally. He is widely recognized for his expertise in defence procurement, export development, and international partnership-building. Through decades of international engagement, David Luxton has made a significant contribution to advancing Canada’s defence trade and international business interests.

Michael Curry

Michael Curry is the Acting Director General of Client Enablement and Clean Technology for the National Research Council of Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program in Ontario. He supports small and medium-sized businesses in scaling innovative technologies and advancing clean growth.

Since joining NRC IRAP in 2008 as an Industrial Technology Advisor, he has held leadership roles including Regional Director for the East Greater Toronto Area and Director General for Ontario.

Prior to NRC IRAP, Michael held engineering and management roles in manufacturing. A Professional Engineer since 1999, he holds mechanical engineering credentials from Lakehead University and is a certified Six Sigma Green Belt.

Shoma Sinha

Dr. Shoma Sinha has considerable experience with various elements of the Canadian innovation ecosystem including government, industry, non-profits, and academia. Her experience as an industrial engineer in a clean-tech startup/scale up combined with leadership of programs and initiatives that fostered technology transfer/commercialization, entrepreneurship, and EDII led her to be recognized as a Top 40 Under 40 in Edmonton back in 2016 and she has since continued to support the ecosystem in various capacities. As Director of Industry and Partnership Services at Carleton University, her team supports a wide portfolio including research partnerships, contracts and agreements as well as technology transfer and commercialization.

David Perry

David Perry, one of Canada’s leading experts on defence policy and military spending, will contribute to the Executive Certificate in Defence Industry Leadership program. Mr. Perry is President and CEO of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute (CGAI), where he leads research and public engagement on Canadian defence policy, military capability development, and defence economics. He is widely recognized for his analysis of Canada’s defence spending, procurement, and military readiness. Through his research, policy engagement, and public commentary, David Perry has made a significant contribution to informed debate on Canada’s defence policy and the future of the Canadian Armed Forces.

T. Kendal Hembroff

Ms. Hembroff was appointed Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Industry Sector at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) in April 2025, overseeing industrial policies to strengthen Canada’s sector competitiveness and resilience. She previously served at ISED as Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic Communications and Marketing (2023–2025), and Director General, Clean Technologies and Clean Growth (2022–2023). She spent over 22 years at Global Affairs Canada in trade negotiations and business development, including as Consul and Senior Trade Commissioner in Hong Kong (2011–2014).

She holds a BA (Honours) from the University of Manitoba and an MA from Carleton University.

Four-Day Block Schedule

This schedule is subject to review, and session times may be adjusted based on speaker availability.

To be announced