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The Vanguard Podcast

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The Vanguard Podcast
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  • Delivering an All-Encompassing and Sovereign Canadian Sustainment Solution
    In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones sits down with Sheldon Gillis, MSC, CD, CPSP Campaign Lead at Babcock Canada, for a deep and timely conversation about what's next for Canada's submarine future—and why sustainment is just as important as the platform itself. With over 25 years of distinguished service in the Royal Canadian Navy—including command at sea, operational deployments across the globe, leadership roles in the Arctic, and senior oversight of naval requirements—Sheldon brings unparalleled insight into what it takes to deliver a modern, sovereign, and mission-ready submarine capability. Together, they explore the major developments shaping the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), including the recently announced Teaming Agreement between Babcock Canada and Hanwha Ocean. This landmark partnership positions Babcock as the exclusive In-Service Support partner to Hanwha Ocean, uniting world-class submarine design and build expertise with Canada's only proven, industry-led submarine sustainment enterprise. Listeners will hear Sheldon unpack: ·       Why sustainment must be integrated from Day One, in parallel with submarine construction ·       How Babcock's 17 years of experience sustaining the Victoria-class fleet will translate into value, readiness, and reliability for CPSP ·       The advantages of Hanwha Ocean's in-service KSS-III submarine—a platform already operating globally ·       The long-term regional and economic impact CPSP could deliver across Canada, including jobs, innovation, and STEM development ·       What accountability and availability truly mean in designing a future-focused enterprise ·       How Babcock's integrated sustainment approach supports a sovereign, Canadian solution that endures for generations From operational realities at sea to the industrial partnerships required on land, this is a comprehensive look at how Canada can build not just a submarine fleet—but a lasting national capability. Whether you're tracking CPSP, following defence industry developments, or simply interested in how major national projects take shape, this episode offers expert insight into one of the most consequential defence procurements of our time. Tune in to Vanguard Radio for a deep dive into delivering an all-encompassing and sovereign Canadian sustainment solution.
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  • Leadership Under Pressure: Managing Complex Defence Projects
    When the stakes are high and the timeline is tight, what does leadership look like? In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones speaks with Paul Knowles, Senior Vice President and District Manager at PCL Construction, whose nearly 30-year career spans some of Canada's most demanding infrastructure projects. From the nation's capital to remote northern installations, PCL's work under Paul's leadership often unfolds in secure, mission-critical environments—where precision, collaboration, and trust aren't just valued, they're essential. Paul shares his insights into what it takes to deliver complex defence projects under pressure, from balancing transparency with security compliance to fostering collaboration among military, government, and private-sector partners. With a background in civil and construction engineering and decades of experience leading high-performance teams, Paul offers a rare look behind the curtain at how large-scale national projects come together—and the leadership mindset that keeps them on track when the margin for error is razor-thin. Listeners will hear stories of innovation, contingency planning, and real-time problem solving that define modern defence construction in Canada. 🎙 Key discussion topics include: Leading teams when every decision counts Balancing transparency and security requirements Collaborating across the defence ecosystem Innovations driving performance in mission-critical builds The future of leadership in Canada's defence infrastructure landscape
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  • Canada's Newest Defense Supplier is One of the World's Oldest
    Safran is a name that is synonymous with aerospace and defense innovation and now, this global powerhouse is deepening its roots in Canada. In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones sits down with Louis Girardin, CEO of Safran Electronics & Defense Canada, to explore how one of the world's oldest defense innovators is bringing new energy and cutting-edge technologies to Canada's evolving defence landscape. Louis shares his perspective on Safran's long and storied history, the company's expanding footprint in Montreal, and the strategic role Safran Electronics & Defense plays in advancing capabilities across air, land, sea, and space. He discusses how Safran's world-class technologies—ranging from avionics and navigation to optronics and mission systems—are enabling greater interoperability and sovereignty for Canada and its allies. The conversation also delves into the broader Canadian defense market, the challenges and opportunities facing the country as it strengthens its industrial base, and how Safran is helping to build new partnerships and capabilities for the future. Whether you're in the defense industry, a policymaker, or a technology enthusiast, this episode offers a compelling look at how global expertise and Canadian innovation are coming together to shape the next chapter of defense excellence. Key Discussion Points: Who is Safran, and what role does Safran Electronics & Defense play globally? How and when did Safran Electronics & Defense Canada take shape? The company's growing presence and operations in Montreal Safran's contributions to Canada's defence and technology ecosystem Key innovations and technologies supporting national sovereignty Opportunities and challenges in the Canadian market
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  • EllisDon: Supporting Canada's Defence Strategy through Capability and Collaboration
    In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones speaks with Chris Lane, Senior Vice President and Area Manager at EllisDon Corporation, about how one of Canada's leading construction and infrastructure companies is helping to strengthen the nation's defence readiness. Chris shares insights from his decade-long leadership journey with EllisDon—from his early days in the UK's construction sector to overseeing major projects in Canada for clients like the Government of Canada, Defence Construction Canada, and the Department of National Defence. He discusses EllisDon's unique approach to collaboration, innovation, and long-term value creation—factors that set the company apart in an increasingly complex defence infrastructure landscape. Together, they explore EllisDon's role in supporting Canada's National Defence Strategy, its involvement in projects tied to NORAD modernization and the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), and how agile contract models and integrated project delivery are shaping the future of military infrastructure in Canada. This conversation highlights how capability, collaboration, and commitment to excellence are driving EllisDon's contributions to national security and resilience. Topics Include: What differentiates EllisDon in the global construction and defence markets How EllisDon supports Canada's evolving defence and NORAD modernization initiatives The company's perspective on contract models that deliver maximum value for Canadians How EllisDon's expertise positions it to contribute to future submarine and defence infrastructure projects
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  • Building the North: Infrastructure, Innovation, and Indigenous Partnerships
    In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones sits down with Jim Landon, President of ATCO Frontec, and Jim Stark, Director, North of 60, ATCO Frontec, to explore the company's pivotal role in building and sustaining Canada's northern infrastructure. From the Canadian Arctic to Europe, ATCO Frontec delivers the operational backbone that supports government, defence, and industry in some of the most remote and challenging environments on Earth. Together, they discuss how defence and civilian infrastructure needs intersect in the North, the importance of dual-use projects that bolster both national security and community resilience, and the innovative approaches required to deliver facilities management, camp services, and logistical support where conditions are extreme. Listeners will gain insight into ATCO Frontec's deep partnerships with Indigenous communities, including its work with Nasittuq Corporation on the North Warning System and CFS Alert, as well as how these collaborations are creating lasting benefits for northern economies and people. The conversation also looks ahead to the future of northern infrastructure development, exploring how emerging opportunities in defence modernization, sustainability, and strategic infrastructure are reshaping Canada's Arctic presence. Whether you're interested in defence logistics, northern development, or the growing importance of public-private and Indigenous partnerships, this episode offers a compelling look at how ATCO Frontec is helping Canada build, sustain, and secure its North.
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About The Vanguard Podcast

Vanguard is Canada's oldest trade journal of record that provides a forum for Canada's security and defence community, discussing strategic perspectives and overviews of government and military policy and practice, through interviews with leading practitioners and contributions from renowned experts, including representatives from industry. The Vanguard Podcast follows in the footsteps of this great history and seeks to serve the Canadian Government by providing clear and concise information to educate on policy, trends, and industry news.
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