December 9, 2025
Education News Canada

UNIVERSITY OF OTTAWA
University of Ottawa announces Executive Certificate in Defence Industry Leadership

December 9, 2025
The University of Ottawa announces the launch of an intensive, four-day program for professionals entering or advancing within the defence, security and innovation ecosystem. The program, leading to an Executive Certificate in Defence Industry Leadership, supports the Capital Defence Innovation Hub strategy announced by Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and Invest Ottawa, and will be delivered through the University's Professional Development Institute (uOttawa-PDI). The program will welcome its first cohort from January 30 to February 2, 2026.
 

"We're excited to launch this first-of-its-kind certificate program for current or aspiring leaders in the defence industry," said Serge Blais, Executive Director of PDI. "Until now, there has been no form of professional training to equip leaders entering or advancing within the industry with the necessary knowledge of Canada's defence establishment, its priorities, evolving procurement architecture, industrial innovation ecosystem, funding programs, industry partnerships and global market development strategies."

This intensive, hands-on program, will be delivered by some of the most senior and accomplished industry executives and officials, to equip candidates with real-world knowledge that is otherwise not accessible or takes years of on-the-job learning.  Over four immersive days, participants will gain a rare, insider-level view of how the defence establishment really works and come away with a new level of practical knowledge that can be immediately applied.

"Growth of this sector in the National Capital Region will require industry leadership that can enable it," said Mr. Blais, "We expect this program to make a meaningful contribution to capacity building in the industry.  It will also improve the career prospects of managers in the industry or those seeking to transition into it, including members retiring from the Canadian Armed Forces and public servants seeking employment in the industry, which is expected to be a high-growth sector here in the National Capital with the increase in defence investment announced by the federal government."

Sonya Shorey, President and CEO at Invest Ottawa added, "This uOttawa initiative builds the specialized talent and capabilities essential to Canada's defence and security priorities. It strengthens our region's leadership as a national defence innovation hub and enhances the impact we can achieve together for our economy, sovereignty, and national security."

Full details and registration can be found at www.PDInstitute.uOttawa.ca/DefenceLeadership

For more information

University of Ottawa
75 Laurier Avenue East
Ottawa Ontario
Canada K1N 6N5
www.uottawa.ca


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