Canada Defence Procurement Readiness Program
Canada Defence Procurement Readiness Program

Preparing Canadian Dual Use Companies for Defence Procurement

Preparing Canadian Dual Use Companies for Defence Procurement Preparing Canadian Dual Use Companies for Defence Procurement Preparing Canadian Dual Use Companies for Defence Procurement

The Canada Defence Procurement Readiness Program (CDPRP) equips Canadian companies with the knowledge, tools, and connections needed to navigate federal defence procurement. Designed and delivered by the Council of Canadian Innovators (CCI) in partnership with government and industry experts, this program helps businesses align with Canada’s growing defence commitments and seize new opportunities in the evolving global security landscape.

Current State

Canada is at a pivotal moment. The Government has paired accelerated defence spending commitments, including a pledge to reach NATO’s 2% of GDP benchmark and a longer-term ambition tied to a 5% target framework, with a push to move faster and buy smarter.


Two recent developments signal a major shift in how Ottawa intends to build capability at speed and at scale: the release of Canada’s first Defence Industrial Strategy, aimed at strengthening domestic capacity, modernizing procurement, and reinforcing supply chain resilience; and the creation of the Defence Investment Agency, designed to accelerate procurement outcomes for the Canadian Armed Forces and support faster delivery of priority capabilities.


Yet persistent friction remains. Procurement is still experienced as complex and slow, government doesn’t always have a clear view of the full breadth of Canadian industrial capability, and many companies remain unsure how to engage early, qualify, bid, and scale within federal defence contracts. The opportunity now is to align policy, process, and industry readiness, so investment translates into deliverable capability at the pace today’s security environment demands.

Meeting the Moment

CCI has identified a clear market gap: even high-performing companies often struggle to navigate federal procurement—understanding the rules, meeting compliance requirements, and preparing the documentation and clearances needed to become a Government of Canada supplier. The opportunity now is to better align policy levers, procurement processes, and industry readiness so public investment translates into real, deliverable capability, at the pace Canada’s tech and defence sectors need to respond.

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Delivery & Format

Delivery & Cost

Delivery & Cost

Delivery & Cost

Fully online program delivery. 

The program cost is $1,400.

A national program running for 4 weeks from April 23 to May 14, 2026.

Time Commitment

Delivery & Cost

Delivery & Cost

Approximately 2 hours per week. 

Every live session is 60 minutes on Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET with weekly supplementary readings. 

Networking

Delivery & Cost

Digital Badge

Upon completion of the program, participants will have the opportunity to connect in person at a networking mixer in Ottawa!

Digital Badge

Delivery & Cost

Digital Badge

Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a Digital Badge from the Council of Canadian Innovators (CCI), with LinkedIn integration. 

Program Outline

Session 1 - Introducing the CDPRP: Canada’s Defence & Cyber Policy Landscape

Thursday, April 23, 2026 from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET


This session provides a practical overview of how Canada’s defence policy system works, who sets direction, who delivers, and how priorities translate into programs, procurements, and opportunities for industry. Participants will learn the distinct roles of DND/CAF, central agencies, and other federal departments shaping defence and security outcomes, and how Canada’s major defence policy and spending commitments are accelerating progress toward NATO capability expectations and the 2% spending benchmark, shaping near-term priorities, procurement pathways, and the evolving Defence Industrial Strategy environment.   


The session will also cover the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security’s role in federal procurement and how organizations should engage with it when selling to the Government of Canada and expanding internationally. It will highlight key cybersecurity requirements, including CPCSC certification and broader supply chain and IT risk management obligations, underscoring the importance of cyber resilience in Canada’s defence ecosystem.

Session 2 - Legal Compliance & Readiness for Federal Contracting

Thursday, April 30, 2026 from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET


This session explains how Canadian defence procurement works from a compliance and risk standpoint, what it takes to be “contract-ready,” how to stay audit-ready, and how to manage documentation, ethics, and legal obligations throughout the lifecycle of a federal contract. It also provides a practical walkthrough of Canada’s security clearance environment, including how the clearance process is initiated and sponsored, typical requirements and timelines, common pitfalls that delay approvals, and how clearances flow through organizations (facilities, key personnel, and subcontractors). Participants will also learn the fundamentals of intellectual property management in federal contracting, how to protect proprietary technology while meeting disclosure requirements, negotiate licensing terms, and align internal governance with Government of Canada expectations.

Session 3 - Federal Procurement to Foreign Buyers: A Practical Guide

Thursday, May 7, 2026 from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET


This combined session offers a practical overview of how to win and deliver government contracts in Canada, and position for opportunities abroad. It explains how federal procurement works, how to use CanadaBuys, and how to register as a supplier, read RFPs, and submit compliant, competitive bids. It also breaks down the Contract Security Program (CSP), including how security clearances apply to companies, employees, and facilities, and what’s required to stay eligible throughout the contract.


The session also highlights how the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) helps Canadian defence and dual-use firms scale internationally through trusted government-to-government contracting and added credibility with foreign buyers. Participants will learn how CCC can support access to allied procurement opportunities (including pathways linked to the U.S. Department of Defense), reduce barriers to entry, and navigate contracting requirements, while staying compliant from bid to delivery.

Session 4 - Inside Defence Procurement: Insights & Best Practices from Industry Operators

Thursday, May 14, 2026 from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET


This session provides a CEO-level perspective on navigating Canada’s defence procurement lifecycle, from identifying capability gaps through to contract close-out and long-term sustainment. Experts will share real-world insights on writing winning bids, structuring competitive proposals, managing lifecycle costs, and understanding how Treasury Board and Cabinet approvals shape outcomes. Participants will also learn how risk-sharing, performance guarantees, and compliance with ITB obligations affect success in federal defence contracts.

Our Expert Speakers

Samuel Witherspoon, Co-founder & CEO, ANVIL

Samuel Witherspoon is an engineer and lawyer who previously served on Canada’s National Security Court before founding Anvil Intelligence. For more than a decade, Samuel has led the development of ANVIL toward a modern vision of knowledge and information management tailored for defence and national security organizations.

Natalie Raffoul, Managing Partner, Brion Raffoul LLP

Natalie Raffoul is a Managing Partner at the law firm Brion Raffoul LLP, where she specializes in procurement, government contracting, and compliance. Her expertise includes advising clients on bidding strategies, navigating regulatory and oversight frameworks, and ensuring legal readiness in public procurement environments.

Neil Chaulk, CEO, Solace Power

Neil Chaulk is the CEO of Solace Power, spearheading the company's efforts in pioneering wireless power technologies for the telecom, automotive, and other sectors. With over 30 years of experience, Neil adeptly bridges technical innovation with strategic business development. Under his guidance, Solace Power is actively collaborating with leading entities in the telecom and automotive industries to harness wireless power for practical, high-value applications.

Lyall King, Senior Director of Risk Mitigation Program for Cyber Security

Lyall joined the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) in 2002 as an intelligence analyst. Since that time, Lyall has held a series of management roles within Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) operations, including a 3-year deployment overseas working closely with allied partners, and a tour as the Manager of CSE’s 24/7 Operations Centre.

​​Jenifer Lévesque, Acting Director of Policy - Industrial and Technological Benefit Branch, ISED

Jenifer Lévesque is the Acting Director of Policy within the Industrial and Technological Benefit Branch at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). In her role, she leads the development and implementation of policy frameworks under Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy, which links major defence and security procurements to innovation, economic benefits and Canadian-based supply chains.

Wilson Pearce, Senior Director of Global Business Development Operations, CCC

Wilson Pearce serves as Senior Director of Global Business Development Operations at the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC). In this role, he leads efforts to support Canadian companies in securing international government-to-government (G2G) contracts, focusing on sectors such as aerospace, infrastructure, clean energy, and agriculture. 

Jonathan Joubert, Senior Client Relations Officer, Public Services and Procurement Canada

Jonathan Joubert is a Senior Client Relations Officer in the Outreach Division of Public Services and Procurement Canada's Contract Security Program. He manages communication with internal and external partners, develops and delivers training for government officials and industry, and represents the program at public events. 

Registration open until April 20, 2026

register here

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