The mandate of the DND and the CF is to:

Protect Canada and defend its sovereignty;

Remain a strong, reliable partner in defence of North America; and

Project leadership abroad.

On any given day in Canada, our Navy, Army and Air Force have thousands of personnel protecting Canadian territory, our air space, maritime approaches, and our interests. From the Arctic and life-saving search and rescue missions, to helping civilian authorities respond to crises and natural disasters, the CF and National Defence stand ready to protect Canada.

Totalling 105,000 members in the Regular Force, Reserve Force, and Canadian Rangers, the CF is also supported by civilian personnel. With the Government of Canada’s strategic investments, the CF continues to be a first-class, modern military, and with an integrated civil-military defence team, Canada is positioned for excellence in defence.

The Canada-United States defence relationship and the unique binational partnership of our countries through the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD), is the bedrock of Canadian and continental security and defence.

In the wider hemisphere, the Canadian defence team plays an important diplomatic and operational role in support of the Government of Canada’s Americas Strategy, including through our contribution to key missions in the hemisphere and our deepening defence partnership with the countries of the Americas.

And around the world, the Canadian Forces and National Defence play a significant role in meeting crises and challenges to international security and regional stability, including through NATO and alongside allies and partners in operations from Kosovo to Sudan, from the Middle East to Libya and Afghanistan. CF personnel serve overseas on 15 missions.

After 10 years of combat and operations in Kandahar, Canada continues to invest in Afghan security through the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan, whose purpose is to transfer responsibility for security and governance to Afghanistan by 2014. We have provided up to 950 CF trainers, their support personnel, and 45 Canadian civilian police to help train Afghan National Security Forces.

As we transitioned to a training mission in Afghanistan, we also worked to ensure those ill and injured who returned to Canada have the care they need. Canada is regarded as an international leader in our care for ill and injured personnel.

The Agency works to create opportunities for economic growth in in Atlantic Canada by helping businesses become more competitive, innovative, and productive, by working with diverse communities to develop and diversify local economies, and by championing the strengths of Atlantic Canada. Together, with Atlantic Canadians, we are building a stronger economy.

With our many partners in economic development, ACOA works to strengthen the Atlantic economy through:

Enterprise Development – helping improve the business climate and lending a hand for individual business start-ups, modernizations, and expansions.

Community Development — working with communities to nurture economic growth, improve local infrastructure, and develop opportunities in the local economy.

Policy, advocacy, and coordination — being a champion for Atlantic Canada by representing the region’s interests at the national level in areas like policy development, research and analysis, and in work with other departments to ensure coordination of policies and programs.

ACOA puts special emphasis on initiatives that foster:

- Greater productivity

- The commercialization of innovative technologies

- Improved global competitiveness

- Skills development

ACOA is made up of dedicated people working for the prosperity of the Atlantic region. We work with businesses and communities to make things happen in Atlantic Canada.

Halifax International Security Forum is known around the world as one of the most important international summits on issues of security and prosperity.  Backed by a significant investment from the Government of Canada, the Halifax International Security Forum creates a unique environment where government and industry leaders come together to find solutions to complex—and otherwise intractable—issues.

In recognition of the important contribution to mutual education on strategic issues between the public and private sectors, the Government of Canada and MEG Energy announced in August 2012 the creation of the Halifax Canada Club — a permanent body for the private sector to support the work of the Halifax International Security Forum.  Together, this public-private partnership of the Government of Canada and the Halifax Canada Club will ensure that the Halifax International Security Forum’s fundamental mission to build greater international security and global prosperity will continue to grow.

The purpose of the Halifax Canada Club is to ensure that the Halifax International Security Forum continues to create the unique environment that allows for significant education between government and industry that, in turn, leads to cooperation, action and results on matters of global concern.  Halifax Canada Club members agree that when responsible industry and democratic governments work together, the result is enhanced public policy that leads to increased prosperity and greater international security.

The Halifax International Security Forum community, including the Halifax Canada Club, is limited to respected leaders in their fields with a declared commitment to international peace and security.

CRITERIA AND CONTACT

The Halifax Canada Club serves as a permanent body for the private sector to support the work of the Halifax International Security Forum.  The Halifax Canada Club ensures that Halifax International Security Forum continues to create a unique environment that allows for significant education between government and strategic industries that, in turn, leads to cooperation, action and results on matters of global concern.

The Halifax Canada Club will be extending membership invitations to prominent Canadian and international companies and individuals who are respected leaders in their fields with a declared commitment to international peace and security.

If you are interested in exploring membership opportunities, please contact Mr. Joseph Hall, Halifax International Security Forum Vice President, at +1 (202) 688-2469 or joe@halifaxtheforum.org.