On this episode of Defence Deconstructed, David Perry speaks to Jennifer Parker about the latest development in Australia's ship acquisition plans.

Then, Philippe Lagassé speaks to Judith Bennet, Mark Brown, Philippe Ducharme, and Clinton Lawrence-Whyte about how to meaningfully bring indigenous businesses into the defence procurement fold. This conversation is part of our 2023 Procurement Conference, which took place on November 29, 2023 in Ottawa. This conference was made possible thanks to the support of our strategic sponsors Lockheed Martin Canada, General Dynamics, Irving Shipbuilding, and Hanwha Defence; conference silver sponsors L3Harris, CAE, and Seaspan; as well as bronze sponsors Thales and Microsoft.

Defence Deconstructed is brought to you by Irving Shipbuilding and the DND/CAF Ombudsman.

Guests Bios:

Jennifer Parker is an Adjunct Fellow in Naval Studies at UNSW Canberra and an Expert Associate at the National Security College, Australian National University. https://www.unsw.edu.au/staff/jennifer-parker

Judith Bennett is the Director General Materiel Systems and Supply Chains at the Department of National Defence.

Mark Brown is COO of the PFN Group of Companies and President of Pro Metal Industries.

Philip Ducharme is the Vice President Entrepreneurship and Procurement at the Canadian Council of Aboriginal Businesses.

Clinton Lawrence-Whyte is Director General Procurement Assistance at Public Services and Procurement Canada.

Hosts bios

Dr. David Perry is President of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute – www.cgai.ca/david_perry

Dr. Philippe Lagassé is Associate Director of the PhD Program at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs and a CGAI Fellow. https://carleton.ca/npsia/people/philippe-lagasse/

Recording Date: 122 Feb2024 and 29 Nov 2023

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Produced by Charlotte Duval-Lantoine. Music credits to Drew Phillips