Last Call to Join the WCIDA at DefSecWest: A Strategic Entry Point into Canada’s Defence Market

DefSecWest is a leading defence and security forum taking place in Vancouver, bringing together senior stakeholders from government, industry, and the military to engage on capability development, procurement, and transatlantic cooperation.

As Canada strengthens its defence posture and deepens international partnerships, DefSecWest is increasingly positioned as a practical access point for companies seeking entry into the Canadian defence ecosystem.

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DefSecWest Event Overview:

• Event: DefSecWest

• Location: Vancouver, Canada

• Format: Defence conference, exhibition, and networking platform

• Attendees: Government officials, Canadian Armed Forces, primes, SMEs, and international delegations

• Focus Areas: Procurement, capability development, interoperability, and industry collaboration

Why Attend DefSecWest?

DefSecWest provides a concentrated environment for meaningful engagement with the Canadian defence sector:

• Direct access to procurement stakeholders and decision-makers

• Opportunities to build partnerships with Canadian primes and SMEs

• Insight into Canadian defence priorities and acquisition pathways

• Exposure to transatlantic collaboration initiatives

For international companies—particularly those from Europe—it represents one of the most efficient ways to enter, understand, and connect with the Canadian defence market.

Why Join WCDIA?

Joining WCDIA offers organisations a structured pathway into the Canadian defence ecosystem:

• Direct access to the Canadian defence ecosystem – connect with government stakeholders, primes, and SMEs across Western Canada

• Market entry support – gain insight and introductions that help navigate procurement pathways and regulatory environments

• Event visibility – participate in flagship engagements such as DefSecWest and related industry forums

• Networking opportunities – build relationships with decision-makers and partners across defence and security sectors

• Transatlantic linkage – strengthen connections between Canadian and international (especially European) defence industries

• Partnership development – identify collaboration opportunities across supply chains, innovation, and capability programmes

• Industry representation – benefit from being part of a recognised association advocating for defence sector growth

• Credibility and positioning – align with a trusted industry body when entering or expanding in the Canadian market

• Ongoing engagement – maintain continuous presence and relevance beyond single events through WCDIA’s network and initiatives

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Membership effectively positions companies to engage consistently with the right stakeholders beyond a single event.

Why This Matters Now

Canada’s defence sector is undergoing sustained growth, with increasing emphasis on:

• Domestic capability building

• Supply chain diversification

• International collaboration, particularly with European partners

DefSecWest, supported by WCDIA, provides a direct and practical channel into this evolving landscape—combining event access with ongoing industry integration.

To join the WCDIA or for any further information, please visit www.wcdia.ca or email nicholas.cobb@cecglobal.co