There’s more to this posting than the virtual panel, as intriguing as I found the combination of agri-food with defence industrial strategy but those come later, with less detail. First from a May 28, 2026 Canadian Science Policy Centre (CPSC) notice (received via email),
June 4 [2026]: Sowing Security: The Agri-Food Sector and Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy
Join us on June 4 [2026] from 12:00–1:30 PM EST for a timely “Deep Dive” panel exploring the intersection of food security and national resilience. In an era of growing global volatility, food security is no longer just an agricultural issue—it is a cornerstone of national security. As Canada advances its Defence Industrial Strategy [DIS], this session will examine how the agri-food sector can support stable, innovative, and secure supply chains. Featuring experts from research, industry, and policy, the panel will highlight the role of agricultural innovation and food sovereignty in strengthening Canada’s security, including discussions on protecting critical food infrastructure, leveraging dual-use agri-tech, and enhancing resilience against emerging global and environmental threats.
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The CSPC’s “Sowing Secutiry: The Agri-Food Sector and Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy” event page offers details about the speakers,
[Moderator]
Shayan Sharif
Distinguished Research Chair in Agri-Food Biosecurity, Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Studies, University of Guelph
Sharif led various research programs, training initiatives and agri-food research centres owned by the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario and operated by U of G, including those at the Ridgetown Campus. He also oversaw the Laboratory Services Division and fostered relationships with a range of public- and private-sector partners.
Sharif is a professor of immunology whose research focuses on poultry diseases, such as avian influenza. He is dedicated to developing innovative vaccines to control these infections. Additionally, in the past, he led the Poultry Health Research Network, collaborating with experts from academia, government and industry. More recently, he was instrumental in establishing a translational health initiative at the University, bridging veterinary and human health research to translate laboratory discoveries into treatments for both animals and humans.
[Panelists]
Virginia Mulligan
Director of Agriculture and Food Innovation, Alberta Innovates
Virginia Mulligan is Director of Agriculture and Food Innovation, where she designs and delivers strategic programs that support innovation and sustainability in Alberta’s agriculture sector, with additional experience in forestry and energy. She has been involved in developing and delivering initiatives that surface promising technologies and turn ideas into practical tools for end users. Her work supports a diverse portfolio of projects focused on improving resource efficiency, strengthening on-farm practices, and enabling more informed decision-making across the sector. Virginia works closely with industry, academia, and government partners to ensure this work is well informed, collaborative, and responsive to evolving needs. She brings a practical, systems-level perspective on the role of innovation in advancing sustainable and resilient agri-food systems.
Brodie Berrigan
Senior Director of Government Relations and Farm Policy, Canadian Federation of Agriculture
As Senior Director of Government Relations and Farm Policy at the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA), Brodie Berrigan plays a key role in coordinating the organization’s policy development and government relations, with leadership on files including risk management, food security, labour, trade and transportation.
Prior to joining the CFA, he spent many years working for the Government of Canada across several departments, including Public Services and Procurement Canada, the Privy Council Office, and Employment and Social Development Canada.
Mr. Berrigan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History from the University of Ottawa, a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration from Carleton University, and a diploma in Business – Agriculture from Algonquin College.
Dana Dickerson
Director of Market Development and Sustainability, Grain Farmers of Ontario
Dana Dickerson is Director of Market Development and Sustainability at Grain Farmers of Ontario. Working on behalf of 28,000 farmers who grow barley, corn, oats, wheat, and soybeans, Dana focuses on strengthening existing markets and creating new demand across food, feed, fuel, beverage, and bioproduct sectors. She works closely with farmers, processors and governments to encourage value‑added processing innovation in Ontario, grow grain exports, and support farmer and customer sustainability.
Ian Affleck
Vice President – Plant Biotechnology, CropLife Canada
Ian Affleck, is the vice-president of plant biotechnology for CropLife Canada. In this role, Affleck works with domestic and international agricultural stakeholders and governments on the development of policies, regulations, and science related to plant biotechnology. Prior to joining CropLife Canada, Affleck worked at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for 10 years. His work there focused on the regulation of novel plants and new varieties. Affleck holds a B Sc from Nova Scotia Agricultural College and a Masters from the University of Guelph. Affleck has been involved in agriculture from an early age, having grown up on a potato farm in Bedeque, PEI.
[Logistical details]
Date: Jun 4 [2026]
Time:: 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm EDT
Event Category: Virtual Sessions
Website: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5wWYqSlgTZOMaSY7z2Mgqg
I have a few more items from the CSPC’s May 28, 2026 notice. In the order in which they appeared,
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Deadline Extended to June 19 [2026]:
Call for French Editorial Series Vol. 2
The deadline to submit editorials for the French Editorial Series Vol. 2 has been extended to June 19, 2026! This volume features a call for editorials entitled: “Collaborating to Innovate: Building Scientific Bridges Across Regions and Sectors in Canada.”
Scientific collaboration between francophone and other linguistic communities across Canada continues to face challenges due to silos and regional disparities, despite the strong potential for pan-Canadian collaboration. This call seeks proposals that foster scientific collaboration in Canada and create networking opportunities across regions and disciplines, including but not limited to biomedical sciences, social sciences and humanities, natural sciences, and engineering.
For more details and to submit an editorial, click below.
Deadline Extended to June 5 [2026]: Science Meets Parliament (SMP) Federal
2026 Applications
CSPC is excited to announce that the deadline for the SMP Federal 2026 program applications has been extended to June 5, 2026! SMP Federal returns in 2026 following a successful 2025 program. This initiative connects scientists and parliamentarians, fostering dialogue and strengthening evidence-informed policymaking in Canada. SMP Federal will take place November 23 – 24, 2026 in Ottawa, preceding the 18th annual Canadian Science Policy Conference.
For more information on eligibility criteria and to submit an application, click the button below.
Canadian Forum on Social Innovation (CFSI) Symposium – June 3 [2026]
CSPC and Partners present Canadian Forum on Social Innovation (CFSI) Symposium, From Fragmentation to Coherence in Canada’s Science and Innovation Ecosystem
In a knowledge-driven economy, Canadian universities play a central role in advancing the country’s science and research strategy by generating and mobilizing the talent and knowledge that support economic, social and public innovation, national competitiveness, effective regulation, and societal well-being.
On June 3rd 2026 in Calgary, AB, the CFSI Symposium will launch the Strategic Science and Innovation Leadership Initiative (SSIL) and convene a high-level national dialogue on the science and research strategy Canada needs to support a more holistic approach to conceiving, implementing and maintaining the conditions for inclusive prosperity. The CFSI SSIL Symposium will bring together higher education, industry and nonprofit leaders, policymakers, research and community funders and capacity builders to examine how science and research can support Canada’s ambitions across all sectors.
More information is available on our website, or visit the registration page below to join the conversation in Calgary.
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For Canadian science policy wonks, this looks to be a busy June (first half at least).
