B BEST DEFENCE 2012 London conference stakes new territory
by Marcello Sukhdeo
A
s London, Ontario, steadily gains a reputation as a military land sys- tems hub, it is perhaps fitting that the country's defence community make an annual journey to the southwestern corner of the province. The London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC), in collabora- tion with CADSI, held its first defence conference in September, titled "The Best Defence," to focus on issues that are affecting local industry but also have national implications.
Established in 1998 as an independent public/private partnership between the City of London and London's business community, LEDC has been working to expand the defence cluster in the area. This first conference provided a showcase for the some of the region's largest players – General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada, Textron Systems Canada, Kongsberg and Oshkosh – as well as a venue for its many smaller players. Not surprisingly, networking was a theme throughout the day-long event. Conference topics focused on many of the challenges facing small- and medium-sized companies, including Canadian controlled goods and ITARS, industrial and regional benefits, doing business with the federal government and supply chain opportunities with prime contractors. Speakers included Tim Page, president of CADSI; Bryan Dalphy, senior manager of the In- dustrial & Regional Benefits Directorate at Industry Canada; David Vranch of Tulmar Safety Systems; Al Hamel, senior director with Public Works and Government Services Canada; and LCol Greg Barton of the Directorate of Land Requirements, who spoke about the army's equipment program. The keynote speaker was LGen Peter Devlin, commander of the Canadian
Army, who painted a picture of an agile, versatile and resilient land force. But he also pointed out the importance of innovative defence partnerships based on products critical to the army's future. The event likely will not be the last for the burgeoning London defence cluster. As Peter White, president & CEO of LEDC, commented at the end of a long day, "this is…the first of what we believe to be many great oppor- tunities to get all of us together" to work toward the best defence.
38 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012 www.vanguardcanada.com Photos: Steve Martin
