Latest news with #ChristynCianfarani
CBC
3 days ago
- Business
- CBC
Is the Carney government serious about building up Canada's defence industry?
The 'jury's out,' says president of the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries Christyn Cianfarani. Scaling up capacity in the procurement system is a 'heavy lift,' but if the country is signalling for change, 'industry will align to make that happen,' says Cianfarani.
Ottawa Citizen
4 days ago
- Business
- Ottawa Citizen
Expanded CANSEC military trade show to draw protesters to EY Centre
The number of defence firms exhibiting at a major arms show in Ottawa this week has increased as military spending continues to climb because of ongoing wars and concerns about international security. Article content Article content More than 12,000 people are expected at the EY Centre for CANSEC, the annual defence and security trade show that is only open for military and government personnel, diplomats and industry representatives. Article content Article content Last year there were 265 exhibitors involved in the show. This year that has increased to 285, Christyn Cianfarani, president of the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI) confirmed in an email. Article content CADSI organizes CANSEC, which takes place on May 28 and May 29. Article content Protesters have also vowed to make their presence known at this year's show with pickets expected outside the EY Centre starting early May 28. In past years the protesters have delayed vehicles entering the centre. Article content Brent Patterson, a peace activist who is helping organize the 'Shut Down CANSEC' protests, said a number of companies exhibiting at this year's event are supplying weapons to Israel for its operations in Gaza. 'People are aware that that the weapons companies that are arming the genocide are at the EY Centre so there is definitely the motivation to come out and protest,' he said in an interview. Article content Patterson said organizers are hoping to attract between 200 and 300 demonstrators. Article content Article content He noted that Canadian-made military equipment is also being exported to countries that have poor human rights records or are involved in repressing their own citizens. 'We are saying no to repression, no to genocide,' Patterson added. Article content Last year, nine individuals were arrested at the EY Centre demonstrations, with the courts either handing out sentences involving community service or issuing peace bonds outlining restrictions for the individuals. 'Ironically (the bonds) involved orders not to disturb the peace by protesting against war,' Patterson said.
