CCI Launches the Canada Defence Procurement Readiness Program

Toronto, ON – October 2, 2025 – The Council of Canadian Innovators (CCI) has launched Canada’s Defence Procurement Readiness Program (CDPRP), a new national initiative designed to equip Canadian companies with the tools, knowledge, and networks required to succeed in federal defence and security procurement.

With Canada accelerating defence spending to meet NATO’s 2 percent GDP target and pledging a further rise to 5 percent, Ottawa is also developing an industrial defence strategy to align domestic capabilities with global security priorities. The CDPRP positions Canadian companies to engage early and effectively in this changing landscape.

“For too long, defence procurement in Canada has been marked by complexity, slow processes, and missed opportunities for domestic firms,” said Benjamin Bergen, President of CCI. “This program is about readiness. It gives Canadian companies the playbook to win federal contracts, meet new cybersecurity requirements, and build the capacity to supply allies in an era of rapid global change.”

Built to Help Innovators Succeed

The five-week, fully online program combines expert-led modules with practical training. Each week focuses on a different stage of the defence procurement journey:

• Session 1: Understanding Canada’s Defence and Cyber Policy Landscape – A foundational overview of Canada’s defence policies and cybersecurity requirements.
  ‍
• Session 2: Doing Business with the Government of Canada – Deep dive guidance on supplier registration, navigating platforms like CanadaBuys, and writing compliant, effective bids.
  ‍
• Session 3: Industrial and Technological Benefits & Legal Compliance – How companies can leverage offset obligations, prepare for audits, and protect IP while meeting federal contracting standards.
  ‍
• Session 4: Export Development Canada & Canadian Commercial Corporation – Unlocking global defence markets through financing, insurance, and government-to-government contracts.
  ‍
• Session 5: The Defence Procurement Lifecycle – A CEO-level perspective on managing bids, sustainment, and long-term success in federal procurement.
  ‍

Participants will also receive a digital badge, practical resources, and the opportunity to connect in-person with government and industry leaders at networking events in Ottawa and Toronto this December.

“Canada is investing billions into its defence and security commitments,” said Dana O’Born, Vice President of Strategy & Advocacy at CCI. “The CDPRP ensures Canadian companies — especially those advancing dual-use technologies — are equipped to identify these opportunities and strengthen their capabilities to support Canada at this critical moment.”

The program runs from November 6 to December 4, 2025, with live sessions every Thursday from 1:00 to 2:15 PM ET. Deadline to apply is November 2. Register here.

The Canada Defence Procurement Readiness Program is delivered with the support of Brion Raffoul LLP.

Media Contact:

James McLeod
Director of Communications
‍jmcleod@canadianinnovators.org