Defence Advisory Forum

The Defence Advisory Forum (DAF) brings together senior government leaders, the Canadian Armed Forces, and representatives from across Canada’s defence industry to support meaningful, ongoing dialogue on defence priorities and the strength of the country’s industrial base.

About the Forum

The DAF supports the implementation of the Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) by providing a structured mechanism for sustained engagement with industry and a platform to share insights on capability needs, risks, and emerging opportunities. Through this engagement, the DAF helps inform government decision-making and strengthen Canada’s key industrial capabilities, while aligning government priorities with industry realities to enable a more coordinated, forward-looking approach to defence planning.

As an advisory forum, the DAF provides a setting for strategic discussions on the key issues shaping Canada’s defence industrial base and does not address procurement-specific matters. Through these discussions, the DAF:

provides government with up-to-date insight into the health of the defence industry
facilitates early dialogue on defence priorities, capability needs, delivery considerations, and DIS implementation
identifies opportunities to support growth, competitiveness, and export potential across the sector

Together, these functions support a more resilient, innovative, and responsive Canadian defence industrial ecosystem.

How the Defence Advisory Forum works

The DAF will meet on a regular basis to support consistent, senior-level engagement.

Meetings will be held twice a year for up to four hours, with extra sessions as needed. They will be held in person in the National Capital Region or another agreed location, and co‑chairs will work together to set focused, priority agendas.

Discussions will be conducted in a confidential setting to support open exchange and informed dialogue. Members will be required to declare conflicts of interest and excuse themselves as needed.