Networking

Connect with Defence

Connect directly with the people shaping Canada's defence infrastructure.

New at Building Defence 2026, Connect with Defence gives you direct access to representatives and subject-matter experts from DND, ��Ƶ and partner Government of Canada organizations.

Explore 11 topics across 27 tables, learn about the programs and priorities shaping Canada's defence infrastructure, and get answers directly from the experts.

Come prepared. Make every conversation count.

Review the topics below before the event and prepare the questions that matter most to you and your organization. Then come ready to exchange perspectives and make the most of your time with the experts.

Meet the experts. Ask questions. Share perspectives. Make connections.

11 topics. 27 tables. Plenty to talk about.

What do you want to know? Explore the topics below and get your questions ready.

1. Strategic Planning and Defence Priorities

Gain insight into the strategic priorities shaping Canada's defence infrastructure, including foundational portfolio investments, new capabilities, emerging requirements and opportunities for industry.

2. Major Construction and Engineering

Learn about priorities for major Defence construction projects, including design, engineering, scoping, costing and delivery challenges.

3. Military Housing

Learn about military housing priorities, projects and modernization opportunities.

4. Real Property Operations and Maintenance

Speak with Real Property Operations representatives and explore upcoming construction projects valued at under $20 million, as well as maintenance opportunities related to defence infrastructure across Canada.

5. Range and Training Areas: Unexploded Explosive Ordnance (UXO) Clearance

Learn about the scale of this new requirement for UXO clearance on DND ranges and training areas, with work anticipated over the next 15 to 20 years.

6. Indigenous Consultation and Engagement

Learn how DND consults and engages with Indigenous rights holders and collectives in support of defence infrastructure projects, and how the Indigenous Reconciliation Program advances relationship-building, collaboration and reconciliation initiatives.

7. Procurement / Doing Business with ��Ƶ

Meet our procurement experts, explore opportunities and get answers to your questions about doing business with ��Ƶ.

8. ��Ƶ Indigenous Procurement

Explore opportunities, build partnerships and advance Indigenous participation.

9. Contract Security Program

Understand the requirements, ask your questions and be ready to compete.

10. Buy Canadian

What does Buy Canadian mean for your organization? Speak with our experts and get the information you need.

11. Innovative Solutions Canada

Explore funding opportunities and discover how your innovative solutions can support Government of Canada priorities.

How it works

No booking. No appointment. Just drop by and start a conversation.

Connect with Defence will be open throughout both days of the event, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Stop by at your convenience, explore the topics that matter most to you and connect directly with the experts.

Before you arrive: Review the 11 topics and prepare your questions in advance to make the most of your conversations with the experts.

Once you're there: Explore the room, meet the experts and start a conversation. If your preferred table is busy, visit another topic and return later.

When a table is busy: Please keep your conversation focused and aim for approximately five minutes so that other participants also have an opportunity to connect.

English or French: Conversations are welcome in either official language. Engage in the language of your choice.

Important information

Connect with Defence is intended to support dialogue and information sharing between industry and government representatives. Participation does not constitute a procurement process, project approval or commitment by DND, ��Ƶ or any partner organization.