RKUSI and Kingston Economic Development have partnered to host the 2nd (all day) Annual Defence and Security Forum October 30, 2026 at Fort Frontenac.

The Prime Minister and the government of Canada have committed to re-equip the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) with new aircraft, ships, submarines, air defence systems, and armoured vehicles over the next several years. To support this more capable and larger force, recruitment is increasing. The Chief of Defence Staff is finalizing recommendations to significantly expand both the reserves and regular force.

How do we fill the ranks and grow when CAF struggles to maintain its present size? Recruiting, infrastructure, training and retention – all must be addressed before the mobilization can be brought into the equation.

Keynotes by former Chiefs of Defence Staff General (Retd) Tom Lawson, Chair of CDAI and General (Retd) Walt Natynchyk.  Guest speakers, panel discussions, one on one chats, all with Q+A opportunities. Plus coffee breaks and a curry luncheon.

Be part of the discussion. Register now for RACE to Readiness.  Register online.

2026 Kingston Defence and Security Forum Theme:“Race to Readiness: Revitalization of the Canadian Armed Forces”

Forum Schedule:

Registration:0730-0830 (FFOM, coffee and bagels/pastries)

Welcome Address: 0835-0840 MGen (Retd) Dean Milner, RKUSI President

Opening Keynote Address: 0840-0925 Gen (Retd) Tom Lawson, Chair CDAI

Panel 1 – Personnel and Mobilization: 0930-1030 – LGen Erick Simoneau, Chief of Military Personnel

Break: 1030-1100 (FFOM)

Panel 2 – Procurement: 1100-1200  Vincent Robitaille, Assistant Deputy Minister, Procurement, Defence Investment Agency and BGen (Retd) Ross Ermel

Special Presentation – US blockade of Iran & Strait of Hormuz, 1205-1230-  Dr. Phillip Drew, CIDP Fellow

Lunch: 1230-1330 FFOM Dining Room (Curry Buffet)

Panel 3 – Modernization: 1330-1430 LGen Mike Wright, Commander of the Canadian Army and LGen Jamie Speiser-Blanchet, Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force TBC

Closing Keynote Address: 1445-1530 General (Retd) Walt Natynchyk, former CDS

Forum Key Takeaways: 1540-1550

Forum Closing Comments: 1550 MGen (Retd) Dean Milner, RKUSI President

Post Forum Social Event: 1600-1800 (FFOM)