ALLIES CAPSTONE EVENT

Supporting Veteran Career Progression in Canada's Defence Industry Hiring veterans is a starting point. How well do our workplaces recognize and support the talent they bring? Join us during Veterans’ Week for a panel discussion on how Canada’s defence industry can make fuller use of military-acquired experience and strengthen workplace practices that support veteran contribution, development, and retention. ALLIES is an ADGA-led initiative, delivered in partnership with Invest Ottawa, with participation from Thales, Calian, CAE, AWS Defence, SEA Canada, and Leonardo Canada. Its focus is on understanding and supporting veteran career progression after the hire. The event will share the 2026 ALLIES findings report on veteran career progression in Canada’s defence industry. Drawing on the survey findings, leaders from Thales, AWS, Calian, Challenge Factory, and True Patriot Love Foundation will examine how veterans navigate unfamiliar organizations, how their experience is understood, and what makes career opportunities accessible. Moderated by Lieutenant-General (Ret’d) Jean-Marc Lanthier, CEO of ADGA Group, the panel will explore how managers, workplace practices, networks, and advocacy can support veteran career progression—and how organizations can make that navigation easier. Panelists will also discuss how these defence-industry findings can inform broader employer-focused work through True Patriot Love Foundation’s Building a Veteran Ready Canada initiative. Come away with practical ideas for recognizing veteran talent and supporting careers that reflect each individual’s capabilities and aspirations. Moderator Lieutenant-General (Ret’d) Jean-Marc Lanthier — Chief Executive Officer, ADGA Group Panelists • Enno Kerckhoff — Land C4ISR Portfolio Manager, Thales Canada • Dan McKinney — Defence Industry Lead, Amazon Web Services (AWS) Canada • Robin Richardson — Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Calian • Lisa Taylor — Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Challenge Factory • Nick Booth — Chief Executive Officer, True Patriot Love Foundation Who should attend? Defence-industry professionals, business leaders, veterans, reservists, HR and talent professionals, and anyone interested in supporting veteran talent. The discussion is grounded in Canada’s defence industry, with lessons relevant to employers and veteran-support communities across sectors. Morning schedule • 8:30–9:00 a.m. — Arrival, coffee, and networking • 9:00–10:30 a.m. — Welcome, panel discussion, and closing remarks • 10:30–11:00 a.m. — Optional networking