Ethics and the defence industry: where does Québec stand?

Osler is pleased to host, at its Montréal office, a conference organized in collaboration with the École des dirigeant(e)s de HEC Montréal on new geopolitical realities and their impact on Canada’s defence industry. The event takes place on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and will include a networking cocktail. 

Global geopolitical shifts, combined with Canada’s new defence industrial strategy, are redefining priorities in security and economic development. This transformation is accompanied by new government investments aimed at supporting the transition. For companies already active in sectors related to the defence industry, as well as those whose expertise, technologies or production capabilities could be adapted to this market, this new reality raises a range of strategic, economic and ethical questions.

What economic and industrial benefits will this repositioning bring? How can Quebec companies integrate into emerging transatlantic supply chains? And how can organizations reconcile business opportunities with social responsibility, compliance and ethical reflection in such a sensitive sector? A panel of specialists will share their perspectives.

Program

5:00 p.m. — Registration and welcome

5:30 p.m. — Opening remarks and panel: Ethics and the Defence Industry: Where Does Quebec Stand?

• Pierre Gignac, Global Leader, Ethics, Compliance and Privacy, CAE
• Guy Saint-Jacques, former Canadian Ambassador to China; consultant, speaker and corporate director
• Moderator: Stéphane Eljarrat, Partner and Head, White-Collar Defence, Disputes, Osler

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. — Networking cocktail (drinks and hors d’oeuvres)

Location: Osler, 1000 De La Gauchetière Street West, Suite 1100, Montréal 

Language: this event will be held in French

Space is limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Please register as soon as possible, and no later than Wednesday, October 7, 2026, by clicking the link below. We look forward to welcoming you. For any questions, please contact us at [email protected].