Meet your speakers
Glenn W. Ackerley
Partner, WeirFoulds LLP
GLENN W. ACKERLEY is a partner of WeirFoulds LLP and chairs the construction law practice group. 听As a "project lawyer", Glenn advises on project structures, construction and consultant contracts, procurement issues, and risk-avoidance strategies. When disputes arise, Glenn acts on construction lien and trust claims, bond claims, and deficiency and delay claims. Gleen also acts as a mediator, arbitrator and referee.
Glenn has been recognized as a leading construction law practitioner in Canadian Legal LEXPERT, Best Lawyers in Canada, and Chambers Canada. 听Glenn is a Past-President of the Canadian College of Construction Lawyers and a Past Chair of the Board of the Toronto Construction Association and is Glenn currently the ex officio legal counsel to the Canadian Construction Documents Committee. 听Glenn continues to teach courses, including the admission course of the Ontario Association of Architects, and the Procurement Law course for Osgoode鈥檚 LL.M. degree program in construction law.
Glenn has received numerous awards for his contributions to the legal profession and the industry, including most recently the Construction & Infrastructure Award of Excellence in 2025 from the Canadian Bar Association, which recognizes outstanding leadership and achievement in the field of construction and infrastructure law in Canada.
Christopher Adams
Vice President, Nunavut, Agnico Eagle
Christopher Adams brings more than 28 years of experience in engineering, leadership, and project development to his role as Vice President, Nunavut at Agnico Eagle Mines. Over the course of his career, he has been a champion for operational excellence across mine sites and consistently led initiatives focused on continuous improvement to safety and performance.
Christopher is recognized for his unwavering commitment to innovation and operational excellence. His leadership style emphasizes meaningful impact, not only within industry but also in mentorship鈥攕haring insights and values with graduating students as they begin their own professional journeys.
RAdm Armstrong
Director General Naval Force Development, Canadian Armed Forces
A son of a multi-generational military family, he grew up in various army and air force bases throughout Canada, but calls Sault Ste-Marie, Ontario his hometown. He joined the Canadian Armed Forces as a Maritime Surface Officer in 1989 and graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) Kingston, with a Bachelor of Arts Honours History in 1993.听
Rear-Admiral Armstrong, upon completion of Naval Warfare Officer training in 1994, joined the Pacific Fleet. Since then, he has served onboard HMC Ships on both coasts conducting several international deployments including WESTPLOY, NATO, Op AUGMENTATION, and Op ALTAIR. He has had the honour and privilege of commanding three of Her Majesty鈥檚 Canadian Ships during his command tour and deployed onboard HMCS Toronto as Commanding Officer for Op REASSURANCE in 2014-2015.
RAdm Armstrong has served in staff positions at Maritime Pacific and Canadian Fleet Atlantic Headquarters. He has served in the National Capital Region in Naval Force Development and as the Chief of Staff for the Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy.
RAdm Armstrong is a graduate of the Canadian Forces College Joint Command and Staff Program and the National Security Program. He holds a Master鈥檚 degree in Defence Studies (MDS) and a Master鈥檚 degree in Public Administration both from the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) Kingston.
RAdm Armstrong and his bride have raised two outstanding young adults who both excel in the world of academics and athletics. RAdm Armstrong enjoys hockey and rugby (both sports he plays poorly, but with heart), cycling and coaching.
General M.A.J. Carignan, CMM, MSC, MSM, CD
Chief of the Defence Staff, Canadian Armed Forces
General Jennie Carignan was commissioned into the Canadian Military Engineers in1990 following her graduation from the Royal Military College of Canada. Throughout her distinguished career, she has commanded at multiple levels, including two Combat Engineer Regiments, Royal Military College Saint-Jean, the 2nd Canadian Division, and NATO Mission Iraq. With operational experience in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Golan Heights, and Afghanistan, she has also led efforts to strengthen professional conduct and culture within the Canadian Armed Forces. An accomplished scholar and highly decorated officer, General Carignan was appointed Chief of the Defence Staff in July 2024.
Derrick Cheung, LL.M, MBA, MA
President and Chief Executive Officer, Defence Construction Canada
Prior to his appointment as 黑料正能量鈥檚 President and CEO, Derrick has held high-level positions with large publicly-traded, private and public complex organizations. With expertise in the defence (infrastructure, equipment, materiel, environment and real property), transportation (air, rail, marine, road and public transportation), infrastructure (roads, bridges, and public works), real estate and energy industries, he has demonstrated proficiency in realizing strategic outcomes, optimizing performance, maximizing productivity and championing operational excellence. Derrick is a Chartered Director (C.Dir.) and holds master鈥檚 degrees in Laws (International Business), Business Administration, and Arts (Leading Innovation and Change). He is also Vice-Chair of Canadian Water Network and former Advisory Committee member of the University of Waterloo鈥檚 Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics.
Commodore Matthew Coates
Naval Warfare Officer, Royal Canadian Navy
A native of Halifax Nova Scotia, Cmdre Coates is a Naval Warfare Officer in the Royal Canadian Navy. He graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada Kingston, with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1998, and from Salve Regina University in 2010 with a Masters in Management.
Cmdre Coates has held numerous staff and sea-going appointments, deploying multiple times on operations around the globe. Memorable highlights include a 2011 deployment as Executive Officer in HMCS CHARLOTTETOWN in support of NATO operations off the coast of Libya, and his appointment in 2013 as the Commanding Officer of HMCS IROQUOIS, a Tribal Class Destroyer. After his time in IROQUOIS he assumed command of Sea Training Atlantic where he was responsible for at-sea ship readiness and certification training.
He is a two-time graduate of the United States Naval War College in Newport Rhode Island where he attended the Naval Staff College (class of 2010) and Naval Command College (class of 2017).
In July 2017, he assumed the post of Director Naval Strategy, providing Force Development guidance in support of the future Navy. During this time Cmdre Coates was selected to participate in the RIMPAC 2018 Executive Steering Committee, responsible for planning major aspects of the multi-national exercise. He then deployed with the Chilean Navy as Deputy to the Combined Force Maritime Component Commander for the exercise.
In July 2019, he assumed the post of Director Human Rights and Diversity within Chief Military Personnel, working to ensure the Canadian Armed Forces, along with the Defence Team, are an inclusive, equitable and diverse organization.
After two rewarding and educational years in CMP, he returned to Navy lines, moving to Victoria BC to take up the appointment as Commander, Naval Personnel and Training Group.
Evolving the Naval Training System to be best positioned to meet the needs of the RCN's future fleet, Cmdre Coates completed three busy years prior to his appointment as Commander Standing NATO Maritime Group 2, during a ceremony 1 July 2024 in Toulon, France.
Cmdre Coates was appointed Director General Readiness, Canadian Joint Operations Command, in early 2025, on return from six months at sea Commanding one of NATO's high readiness Task Groups in the Eastern Mediterranean.
When not at work, Matthew and his wife enjoy time camping with their two boys, and cheering them on at the ball park and hockey arena.
Colonel Marc Comeau
Director of Air and Space Support (A4), Royal Canadian Air Force Headquarters
Colonel Marc Comeau was born into a military family and grew up across Canada and in Germany. After graduating from university and working as Consulting Engineer at a small firm in Toronto he eventually enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces in 2003 as a Construction Engineer.
Col Comeau had held numerous command and staff positions throughout his career. He has had the privilege of working at both 3 Wing Bagotville and 4 Wing Cold Lake, at Real Property Operations Group Headquarters within ADM(IE) as Chief of Staff Central, the Canadian Joint Operations Command Headquarters as the Joint Engineer, and now at the RCAF Headquarters in Ottawa.
Col Comeau was promoted to his current rank in June 2025 and was subsequently appointed as A4, Director Air and Space Support.
Col Comeau is a graduate of the Joint Command and Staff Program from the Canadian Forces College, holds a Bachelor of Engineering Science in Civil (Structural) Engineering from the University of Western Ontario, and a Masters of Defence Studies from the Royal Military College of Canada. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the Province of Ontario.
Philip Ducharme
Vice President, Entrepreneurship & Procurement, Canadian Council for Indigenous Business
Philip Ducharme is currently the Vice President of Entrepreneurship & Procurement at the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business. In his role he is responsible for leading Supply Change鈩, CCIB鈥檚 Indigenous Procurement Strategy and the Tools for Indigenous Business (TIB) program.
In the last 30 years, Philip has held several senior roles with various Indigenous organizations across Canada in a variety of sectors including business, health, education, employment and awards and recognition. Philip currently participates on the City of Toronto鈥檚 First Nations, Inuit and M茅tis Procurement Advisory Circle. He is a member of the Supplier Stakeholder Network, Procurement Assistance Canada 鈥 Ontario region as well as being a member of the DIAG Indigenous Procurement Working Group.
Philip graduated from the University of Regina in Business Administration.
Philip Ducharme is a proud M茅tis with all eight of his Great-Grandparents attached to M茅tis Scrip applications and is a member of the Manitoba M茅tis Federation.
Sarah Evans
Director General, Environment and Sustainable Management (DGESM), Infrastructure and Environment, Department of National Defence
Sarah Evans is the Director General of the Environment and Sustainable Management (DGESM) within Infrastructure and Environment at the Department of National Defence (DND).听
DGESM鈥檚 main role is to provide support and expertise to environmental programs and projects within DND by giving direction and management advice, oversight, and related professional services in environmental protection and stewardship. By effectively and innovatively integrating energy and environmental considerations into the activities driven by the Defence mandate, DGESM supports DND and the Canadian Armed Force鈥檚 goal to become leaders in sustainable development in Canada.
Sarah has a Masters Certificate in Project Management from York and Carleton Universities and an Honours Baccalaureate in Social Sciences, Honours Economics, from the University of Ottawa.
Tracy Fleck
Director General of Indigenous Affairs, Department of National Defence
Tracy Fleck, a member of Saddle Lake Cree Nation in Treaty 6 territory, joined the Department of National Defence in 2023 as the Director General of Indigenous Affairs. Her career spans federal, provincial, municipal, and First Nations governments, as well as work as an Indigenous lawyer focused on governance and treaty implementation. She has served as a Federal Treaty and Self Government Negotiator, Executive Director of Strategic Policy for the BC Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Associate Regional Director General for Indigenous Services Canada in Manitoba, and Director General of the Indigenous Partnerships Office at Natural Resources Canada. Tracy holds an LL.B. from the University of Victoria, an LL.M. from the University of Ottawa, and completed Indigenous Studies at Victoria University of Wellington as an international scholarship recipient. With extensive experience in Indigenous law, policy, and reconciliation, she is committed to strengthening relationships between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian government. Tracy lives in Coast Salish territory with her family and contributes to Indigenous boards and post secondary teaching when time permits.
Nicolas Forget, MSc
Vice-President, Operations鈥擯rocurement, Defence Construction Canada
Nicolas joined 黑料正能量 in 2001 as Coordinator, Environmental Services, in the Quebec Regional Office. He moved to Ottawa three years later to, among other things, support various projects across the Arctic. With Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from the Universit茅 de Montr茅al and Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Technician Level 1 certification, Nicolas also developed 黑料正能量鈥檚 UXO practice area. Returning to the Quebec Region in 2008, he served as Operations Manager and led the region鈥檚 Project and Program Management Services and Real Property Management Services service lines. Nicolas became Quebec Regional Director in 2017, a position he held until 2022. After exploring opportunities in the private sector, Nicolas returned to 黑料正能量 in December 2023 to take up his current role.
Brigadier-General E.J.J.S. Fortin, CD
Commander Real Property Operations Canadian Armed Forces, Department of National Defence
Brigadier-General 脡ric Fortin joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1994.
During his career, he has held several tactical, operational, and strategic positions in both combat and construction engineering.
BGen Fortin鈥檚 postings have taken him to Quebec City, Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, Kingston, and Australia. He was the 25th Commanding Officer du 5e R茅giment du G茅nie de Combat and he also served with Canadian Joint Operations Command, the Chief Military Engineer, Canadian Army Land Warfare Centre, and Assistant Deputy Minister (Infrastructure and Environment).
He has deployed on domestic operations, and abroad in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Afghanistan, Haiti and finally in Kuwait, serving with the US Forces as Deputy Director Directorate of Strategic Communication.
BGen Fortin has a bachelor鈥檚 degree from Laval University, and he completed a Master鈥檚 Degree in Defence Studies at the Royal Military College in Kingston, and he has second Master鈥檚 Degree in National Security and Strategy (War Studies) through Deakin University (Australia). He is a Fellow of the Defence and Strategic Studies Course at the Australian Defence College.
In addition, he has been the Director of the Canadian Army Land Warfare Centre in Kingston, the Chief of Staff of the Canadian Forces Military Police Group in Ottawa, Branch Advisor for the Canadian Military Engineers, and the last Commander of the Canadian Forces Real Property Operations Group as a Colonel.
Promoted in 2026 to his current rank, he is currently serving as the Commander of Canadian Forces Real Property Operations Group.
John Gamble
President and CEO, Association of Consulting Engineering Companies (ACEC)
An internationally recognized expert and thought leader in the areas of consulting engineering and related public policy issues, John Gamble is president and CEO of the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies鈥揅anada (ACEC). In that role, he represents firms that deliver engineering and other professional services for the built and natural environment across Canada and abroad. Before joining ACEC, he held senior executive roles in several professional and industry associations, and was a senior advisor to Ontario Cabinet ministers. John holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Queen鈥檚 University and is a licensed professional engineer. Throughout his career, he has championed the vital role of engineering in improving quality of life, socially, economically and environmentally. He is a frequent contributor to public policy dialogue, regularly engaging with government, academia, industry and civil society. In 2019, he was recognized by the Queen鈥檚 University Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science as part of its 125th anniversary celebrations.
Brooke Gibbons
Director of Intergovernmental Relations and Head Negotiator, Executive Council Office, Government of Yukon
Brooke Gibbons is a senior public sector executive with more than 12 years of experience leading complex organizations, strategic initiatives, and cross-sector partnerships in dynamic and politically sensitive environments. She serves in the Government of Yukon鈥檚 Executive Council Office, providing strategic advice on intergovernmental relations and corporate priorities, with a focus on northern policy, Arctic sovereignty and security, economic development, and regional resilience.
Before joining the Government of Yukon, Brooke held senior leadership roles in the international humanitarian sector, including serving as Country Director in Iraq, where she led a multi-million-dollar portfolio across governance, economic development, water resources, education, and community resilience.
Brooke holds a Master鈥檚 degree in Development and Emergency Practice from Oxford Brookes University and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from York University. She brings both Canadian and international perspectives to the opportunities and challenges facing Canada鈥檚 North.
Rodrigue Gilbert
President, Canadian Construction Association (CCA)
Rodrigue Gilbert is the President of the Canadian Construction Association (CCA). Since joining CCA in February 2018, he has led CCA鈥檚 internal and external communications, government relations and membership management, and the industry practices group.
Prior to CCA, Rod worked for over 21 years, both with and for the federal government. During this time, he worked for 10 years as a political advisor to several federal ministers. After leaving government, he spent four years working for a Crown corporation investment fund in Montreal. He later founded a government relations firm specialized in developing and executing strategic public affairs plans tailored to small and medium-sized businesses.
Rod holds a degree in political science (BA) from Laval University and is fluently bilingual.
Paul Gruner, MBA, CPA, ICD.D
Chief Executive Officer, Tlicho Investment Corporation (Yellowknife, NT)
Paul has 15 years of progressive management experience in several different industries including Oil and Gas Midstream Operations, Civil Construction, Telecommunications and manufacturing. 听He has worked primarily in the North including Northern British Columbia, Yukon, Alaska and currently Northwest Territories. 听In the past he has served as the General Manager of Dakwakada Capital Investments, CEO Det鈥檕n Cho Management LP, and CEO of Tahltan Nation Development Corporation. 听Currently he is the CEO of Tlicho Investment Corporation located in Yellowknife, NWT.
In addition, he is a board member of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB), Li-FT Power and Kingfisher Metals.
Paul has a Master of Business Administration from the University of Northern British Columbia, a Chartered Professional Accounting (CPA) Designation, and the Institute Corporate Director Designation (ICD.D).
Peter Hammerschmidt
Assistant Deputy Minister (Infrastructure and Environment), Department of National Defence
Peter Hammerschmidt was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister (Infrastructure and Environment) in August 2024.
Prior to assuming his current duties, he was Assistant Deputy Minister (Policy). During this time, he was instrumental in advancing several National Defence and government priorities in the context of an increasingly strained and deteriorating international security environment. Mr. Hammerschmidt led the development and launch of Canada鈥檚 defence policy,听Our North, Strong and Free, which secured additional funding and new capabilities for DND/CAF and laid out a new policy vision for the Defence Team. Furthermore, he led the establishment and deepening of key bilateral Defence relationships, including in the Indo-Pacific. He ensured that Defence continued to maintain productive and positive relationships with key domestic and international policy stakeholders within government and academia.
Previously, Mr. Hammerschmidt was Director General Policy Coordination at National Defence, Director General National Cyber Security at Public Safety and Executive Assistant to the Clerk of the Privy Council. He also held the following positions within the Government of Canada: Senior Director Planning and Information Management at the Treasury Board Secretariat, Director Cabinet Liaison at National Defence and First Secretary for Financial and Military Affairs at the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations in New York.
He began his career in the Public Service with the Policy Officer Recruitment Program and held various positions at National Defence from 1998 to 2001.
Mr. Hammerschmidt holds a Master鈥檚 degree from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth and a Bachelor鈥檚 degree from Queen鈥檚 University.
Marty Harris
Board Member, Canadian Construction Association (CCA)
Marty received his Bachelor of Engineering Science from the University of Western Ontario in 1996 and is a licensed engineer in Ontario and New Brunswick. He is an Executive Board member for the Canadian Construction Association, where he also sits as the Chair of the Civil National Advisory Committee, and the Heavy Civil Association of Toronto, and is also a previous Board member of the Ontario Road Builders Association, Ontario General Contractors Association and Nova Scotia Road Builders.听Marty Harris is Executive Vice President, Civil at Aecon Construction Group.
Chris Knowlton
Director, Assistant Deputy Minister (Infrastructure & Environment), Department of National Defence
Chris Knowlton is a senior public servant with Canada鈥檚 Department of National Defence, serving in a director-level role within Assistant Deputy Minister (Infrastructure & Environment). He leads national initiatives in defence real property, infrastructure modernization, energy security, and innovation across one of the federal government鈥檚 largest and most complex asset portfolios.
With more than three decades of experience, Chris advises senior leaders on major capital investments, environmental stewardship, clean energy, infrastructure resilience, and emerging technologies. He began his career as a scientist specializing in environmental risk management and has led multidisciplinary teams in Canada and internationally.
Alongside his civilian career, he is a Commander in the Naval Reserve, bringing operational leadership and a practical understanding of defence requirements to his work. His experience bridges government, science, infrastructure, and military operations, enabling productive engagement with industry partners on innovative, resilient, and sustainable solutions for Canada鈥檚 defence infrastructure.听
Brigadier-General 脡ric Landry
Commander, Canadian Army Support Division, Canadian Armed Forces
Born in Montreal, Brigadier-General 脡ric Landry joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1994 and served with the Royal Canadian Hussars during his undergraduate studies in Business Administration.
In 1997, following his transfer to the Regular Force, he joined the 12e R茅giment blind茅 du Canada (12 RBC) in Valcartier. He served as a troop lead- er and participated in Op PALLADIUM in Bosnia and Herzegovina with D Squadron.
Promoted to Major, he deployed twice to Afghanistan from July 2007 to May 2008 as J35 (Chief of Plans) of Joint Task Force-Kandahar and as the last tank squadron commander from November 2010 to June 2011. For his leadership on this deployment, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.
In 2015, he became the 25th Commander of the 12e R茅giment blind茅 du Canada (12 RBC). He commanded the Regiment during three domestic operations: Op NANOOK and NUNALIVUT in the Canadian North and Op LENTUS during the floods in Quebec in 2017. He was promoted to the rank of Colonel in 2018 and appointed the Deputy Commander of Joint Task Force 鈥 IMPACT. Upon his return from the Middle East, he was appointed Chief of Staff for the 1st Canadian Air Division in Winnipeg. He became the 16th Commander of the 2nd Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group on the 21st of August 2020. He completed the US Army War College in 2023.
BGen Landry was promoted to his current rank in June 2023 and spent 2 years as Deputy Commanding General 鈥 Operations with the US Army鈥檚 1st Corps.
He took command of 4th Canadian Division / Joint Task Force Central in August 2025 and became the inaugural Commander of Canadian Army Support Division as of September 10, 2026.
Genevieve Lehoux
Senior Director, NORAD Modernization Infrastructure Project Delivery, North American Aerospace Defense Command
Genevieve Lehoux joined the Department of National Defence in August 2023 following a distinguished 31-year career in the Canadian Armed Forces. She brings extensive leadership experience in defence infrastructure, operations, and engineering, having served in positions across Canada and overseas, including as a deployed Task Force Engineer, Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering, Officer Commanding of the Construction Engineering and Management Squadron at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering, Commanding Officer of 17 Wing Logistics and Engineering Branch, and Joint Engineer at Canadian Joint Operations Command. She attained the rank of Colonel, with her final military posting as Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force Aerospace Warfare Centre in Trenton, Ontario.
Genevieve currently serves as Senior Director, NORAD Modernization Infrastructure Project Delivery, where she leads a team of Project Directors and Project Managers responsible for the planning, development, and delivery of infrastructure projects supporting NORAD modernization across Canada. In this role, she oversees a diverse portfolio of complex, strategic projects designed to strengthen continental defence capabilities and enable future NORAD operational requirements.
Verna McGregor
Elder
Elder Verna McGregor is an Omama-winini Algonquin from the community of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation, located approximately 140 kilometres north of Ottawa鈥揋atineau.
She remains grounded in her language, culture, and community, contributing to cultural revitalization. This included holding traditional medicine walks and听
language gatherings with various Elders and knowledge keepers from not only the Algonquin communities but other First Nation communities.
Verna鈥檚 past experience included having worked in real estate and banking in the Ottawa area which led to working for the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) in the area of Economic Development. This led to managing a task force on the issue of access to capital for Aboriginal Peoples.听
Verna returned to her community of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg to become the community economic development officer. One of her projects was the creation of a state-of-the-art maple syrup processing facility - Awazibi Pure Maple Syrup with a tag line: 鈥淏lending Tradition with Technology鈥. The facility commenced production at 10,000 taps and today is at 18,000 taps.
Her educational background includes studies in economics at the University of Ottawa, marketing management at McGill University and Project Management certification from Algonquin College.
MGen Nicolas Pilon, MSM, CD
Chief of Staff Infrastructure and Environment, Department of National Defence
MGen Nicolas Pilon was commissioned into the Canadian Military Engineers in 1996. He served with both 5 and 2 Combat Engineer Regiments, commanding the latter. He was also senior instructor at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering, and later served as Commandant of the Royal Military College Saint-Jean, overseeing its full return to university status. Between 1999 and 2015, MGen Pilon deployed to East Timor, Afghanistan (twice) and Haiti, on this last mission serving as Chief of Staff of the United Nations Military Forces. Prior to being appointed Chief of Staff, Infrastructure and Environment, he was Director General, Strategies, Effects and Readiness, supporting the Chief of the Defence Staff in providing military advice to the Government of Canada. MGen Pilon is the Canadian Armed Forces鈥 Chief Military Engineer. He holds a Master鈥檚 degree in Defence Studies from the Royal Military College of Canada and is a member of the Professional Engineers of Ontario.
Neil O鈥橰ourke
Director General, Fleet and Maritime Services, Canadian Coast Guard, Department of National Defence
Neil O鈥橰ourke joined the Canadian Coast Guard in August 2009 and has held a number of increasingly senior leadership roles since that time.
In October 2012, Neil was appointed Director, Integrated Logistic Support. In this role, he was responsible for an array of technical and business services for the Integrated Technical Services. In June 2015, Neil was appointed as Senior Director, Safe Shipping and Economic Intelligence. During this time, he was responsible for the development of national strategies to sustain and transform the Canadian Coast Guard鈥檚 marine navigation programs. Neil was the national lead for Arctic program policy, user fees, and the implementation of e-Navigation in Canadian waters. He also served as a councillor with the International Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authority (IALA) on behalf of Canada.
In October 2018, Neil became the first Assistant Commissioner, Arctic region. In this role, Neil was asked to lead the implementation of the new Arctic region, by enhancing program and service delivery in the North to better meet the needs of Inuit, First Nation and Metis. From June 2020, he led the transition of the operational responsibility to the Arctic region through the development of a unique internal model between regions. This new model for regional service delivery was the first time that a federal region was inclusive of Inuit Nunangat, and has better prepared the Coast Guard to meet the future demands for service in the Canadian Arctic. Neil represented Canada as the Chair of the Arctic Coast Guard Forum Experts committee from May 2021 to January 2023.
In January 2023, Neil transitioned to the role of Director General, Integrated Technical Services. In this role, Neil was functionally responsible for the lifecycle management of all Coast Guard assets nationally. This includes the acquisition (of non-ship assets), in-service management and disposal. He was responsible for providing functional direction to the regions and Fleet Marine Engineering teams to ensure a consistent, national approach to managing Canadian Coast Guard assets.
Neil currently occupies the role of Director General, Fleet and Maritime Services. In this role, Neil has functional responsibility for the Canadian Coast Guard鈥檚 Fleet, operational planning, and maritime security capabilities.
M茅lanie Pouliot
National Director, Contract Services, Defence Construction Canada
M茅lanie began her career in the private sector as an engineer. She joined 黑料正能量 in 2007 as a Contract Coordinator for the National Capital Region in Ottawa. In 2009, she was promoted to Team Leader, Contract Services where she led a team responsible for procurement plans for DND's capital infrastructure program. M茅lanie subsequently transferred to Head Office as Technical Specialist, Procurement where she was focussed in delivering public-private partnerships. She was promoted to National Director, Contract Services in 2017. M茅lanie holds a bachelor's degree in Applied Science, Chemical Engineering from the University of Ottawa and is a member of Professional Engineers Ontario.
Mykola Pulnyev, PQS(F)
Director, Board of Directors, Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (CIQS)
With over 20 years of distinguished experience in the construction industry, Mykola is a recognized leader in project delivery, commercial strategy, and risk management across Canada. His career spans a wide range of sectors, including infrastructure, defence, nuclear, healthcare, and clean energy, where he has consistently delivered complex, high-value projects with precision and integrity.
Currently serving as a Director on the CIQS Board of Directors, Mykola is a passionate advocate for the advancement of the quantity surveying profession. He is committed to upholding the highest ethical standards and promoting the value of certified professionals in the construction industry.
A strong proponent of innovation, Mykola actively supports the integration of emerging construction technologies and contributes to the development of best practices in project and program management. His advisory work has enriched scientific literature and informed procurement and commercial strategies for public sector capital programs.
Mykola holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Technology Management from Bemidji State University and an Advanced Diploma in Construction Engineering Technology Management from George Brown Polytechnic.
Saleem Sattar
Director General Infrastructure and Environment Engineering Services, Department of National Defence
Saleem Sattar was born and raised in Ottawa. He has undergraduate degrees in Biochemistry and Chemical Engineering from the University of Ottawa and has more than 25yrs of public service experience.
Saleem spent the early part of his career at Transport Canada where he occupied positions of increasing responsibility primarily in the field of real property and environmental management. He worked with airport and port operators, international civil aviation authorities, led R&D Partnerships with the US and managed programs supporting the automotive and freight sectors.
Saleem joined the Department of National Defence in 2010 where he joined ADM(IE) to advance priorities in environmental management. In 2013, Saleem became an Executive and lead the Environment Program in Army HQ. In 2017, Saleem re-joined ADM(IE) as Director General, Environment and Sustainable Management where he led DND/CAF efforts on climate change, compliance, contamination and conservation. In June 2025, he moved to Engineering Services to develop and deliver large infrastructure projects to enable mission success.
Grant Sayers, CET
Vice-President, Operations鈥擝usiness Management, Defence Construction Canada
Grant joined 黑料正能量 in 2003 as a contract coordinator in Suffield, Alberta. He moved to Comox, B.C., in 2008 as Operations Manager and expanded the team to respond to growth in the Client-Partner鈥檚 capital programs. In 2011, Grant took on the dual role at the Western Regional Office in Edmonton of Regional Service Line Leader for real property as well as Operations Manager responsible for delivering services to the Land Forces Western Area Engineering Branch. Prior to being promoted to Vice-President in 2022, Grant was regional director of both the Quebec and Western regions. He is a Certified Engineering Technologist with a mechanical background.
Paul Schauerte
Senior Director of Naval Infrastructure, Department of National Defence
Paul currently serves as Senior Director of Naval Infrastructure within the Engineering Services Division of the Assistant Deputy Minister (Infrastructure and Environment) [ADM(IE)] at the Department of National Defence (DND). He has been with DND for 11 years, holding various executive positions. With over 25 years of experience in the Canadian Armed Forces and the federal public service, Paul has spent the past 20 years working in federal infrastructure across various departments and central agencies.
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Tracy St. Denis
Assistant Deputy Minister, Defence Coordination, Government of the Northwest Territories
Tracy St. Denis is the Assistant Deputy Minister, Defence Coordination, for the Government of the Northwest Territories. Based in Yellowknife, she serves as the primary liaison between the territorial government, the Department of National Defence, and the Canadian Armed Forces. Her work focuses on aligning defence and security investments with northern priorities, including Arctic infrastructure, NORAD modernization, Indigenous and northern procurement, workforce development, research, and innovation. Since joining the GNWT in 2000, she has held several senior leadership roles in economic development, infrastructure, communications, and investment attraction.
David Thompson
Director General Portfolio Requirements, Department of National Defence
As Director General, Portfolio Requirements at Assistant Deputy Minister Infrastructure and Environment, National Defence, David Thompson leads real property investment, planning, and portfolio management to support Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) operational readiness. He drives innovation in energy strategies, smart buildings, public-private partnerships, and oversees real property advisory services, including natural resources, divestments, accommodations, cyber mission assurance, and emerging defence infrastructure.
Previously, as CEO of the Canadian Forces Housing Agency, he enhanced CAF members鈥 quality of life and led the agency to Platinum Level recognition from Excellence Canada.
David also served at the Department of Justice as Director, Business Management for the Public Safety, Defence, and Immigration portfolio, supporting legal services across nine departments and the War Crimes Unit.
He holds a Professional in Critical Infrastructure Protection (PCIP) designation, a Master of Infrastructure Protection and International Security, a Master of Arts in Defence Management and Policy, and a BA in Economics (Honours).
Lena Trenholm
Senior Director, Construction Project Delivery, Department of National Defence
Lena Trenholm is Senior Director, Construction Project Delivery, at the Department of National Defence. She leads the delivery of major land infrastructure for the Canadian Armed Forces, a portfolio of 126 projects valued at $24B across the country.
With deep experience in major capital delivery, procurement, and project controls, Lena is focused on making DND a predictable, fair and efficient partner for industry, with clearer requirements, sound governance, and projects that get delivered.
Paola Zurro
Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Forces Housing Agency, Department of National Defence
Paola Zurro was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Forces Housing Agency in July 2022.
Prior to this appointment, Paola served as the Senior Director, Architecture and Engineering Services, Real Property Services, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) where she led a client service cost recovery organization. Paola was also the Director of Public Works & Infrastructure, Municipality of Chelsea (Qu茅bec) from 2014 to 2018.
Paola has contributed to the improvement of infrastructure, promoted the use of renewable energies and the advancement of sustainability, accessibility and digitization as an executive in the public sector and also in her previous roles at the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC), the University of Ottawa and Carleton University, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (Austria), the Spanish Embassy to Belgium, as well as for the Inter-Agency Procurement Services Office / United Nations Development Programme (IAPSO/UNDP) (Denmark).
Paola is a professional engineer licensed in Quebec and Ontario, and holds a Master鈥檚 degree in International Business Management and a Master鈥檚 degree in International Relations and Communication. During her career, she has also obtained multiple professional certifications including the IPWEA Professional Certificate in Asset Management Planning and the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design accreditation (LEED AP:BD+C).