Defence and Security Studies Programme

The Institute organizes periodic roundtable discussions ('Defence and Security Studies After Hours') presented by the Defence and Security Studies Programme. These forums are designed to allow attendees to actively participate in the discussion of current issues from terrorism to current conflicts in an informal setting after work. Depending on a speaker's schedule, luncheons are occasionally organized. Check RCMI Dispatches and our Calendar for updated information.

At the Annual General Meeting of January 25, 2017, the RCMI Board of Directors announced the stand-up of the DSSPC after a hiatus of some years. The Committee held its first meeting on February 23, and its initial membership consists of: Maj Daniel Eustace, (Ret’d) Chair, MGen Fraser Holman (Ret’d), Capt Robert Kennedy (Ret’d), Ms. Julie Lindhout, Mr. Reid Morden, Mr. Eric Morse, and Col John Selkirk (Ret’d).

The Committee provides strategic guidance to, and supports planning and execution of, RCMI’s defence and security studies program initiatives and activities under the direction of the Director, Defence and Security Studies Program, who is also the Chair of the DSSPC. The DSSPC is mandated to assist the RCMI achieve its aim and mission by proposing and supporting educational activities, as well as providing insights, contacts and linkages with external organizations and persons who may also assist the RCMI achieve its aim and mission, all in accordance with the policies and direction established by the Board.

2021 Virtual Defence and Security Studies Conference

Climate Change: Impacts on Canadian National Security and Beyond

14:00 Tuesday, April 20
Now available for viewing in three parts: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.

PANELISTS

JOHN CONGER (USA)
Director of the Center for Climate and Security

DAVID HARRIES (CANADA)
Principal, The Security and Sustainability Guide

JONATHAN QUINN (CANADA)
Director General for Continental Defence Policy,
Department of National Defence

MICHAEL RÜHLE (NATO)
Head of the Hybrid Challenges and Energy Security Section,
Emerging Security Challenges Division

Click HERE for full programme and biographies.

"Canada has embraced the need to combat climate change, and has recognized that a shifting climate context will affect its future security. It has developed a comprehensive strategy to lower emissions, the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, and has integrated a proactive stance on climate into important strategic documents such as Strong, Secure, Engaged, its 2017 defence policy...To some degree, Canada’s security enterprise has been oriented towards addressing the security implications of climate change for Canada, particularly in the Arctic. However, the Government of Canada could benefit from a more comprehensive plan to integrate climate change into broader efforts that deal with human and national security, and to further adapt its security structure to the changes that are coming."

- From The Climate Security Plan for Canada, February 2021, The Center for Climate and Security (CCS), an institute of The Council on Strategic Risks

Past Conferences:

2019: Global Challenges to Canadian Sovereignty in the Arctic	International Security in 2018: Canadian Responses to Contemporary Challenges
Conference recordings: Opening address by Hon. Bob Rae Closing address by Dr. Whitney Lackenbauer Session 1, Session 2, Session 3	Conference recordings: Keynote Discussion Dr Barbara Falk and RAdm Jennifer Bennett Session 1, Session 2, Session 3

2017: Crisis Response - Canada & the World 2016: "Are we Prepared?"
NATO Association of Canada & RCMI Emergency Preparedness in the 21st Century

Conference recordings:
Session 1, Session 2, Session 3

Committee Members