In the second episode of the National Shipbuilding Strategy series on it's 15th anniversary, David Perry sits down with Arianne Reza and Dirk Lesko to discuss the transition from building Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) to River-class Destroyers.

//

Guest bios:

- Arianne Reza is the Deputy Minister for Public Services and Procurement Canada and oversees key government internal services as part of the work Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC). Arianne was previously the Associate Deputy Minister and Assistant Deputy Minister for Procurement at PSPC, the senior official responsible for federal procurement.

- Dirk Lesko is the President of Irving Shipbuilding. He was previously the Vice President of the General Dynamics Corporation and the 15th President of Bath Iron Works (BIW). Dirk also served as Chairman of the General Dynamics Engineering and Technology Council.

//

Host bio:

David Perry is President and CEO of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute

//

Recommended Readings:

- “How to Train a Happy Mind: A Skeptic's Path to Enlightenment" by Scott Snibbe

- "No Trade Is Free: Changing Course, Taking on China, and Helping America's Workers" by Robert Lighthizer

//

Defence Deconstructed was brought to you by Irving Shipbuilding.

//

Music Credit: Drew Phillips | Producer: Jordyn Carroll

Release date:

2 May 2025