Roundtable on Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy

Dr. Roy Rempel worked the advisor responsible for defence policy in the office of the Prime Minister from 2010 to 2015. In addition, he has worked in government in various capacities, including in the Minister's office at Public Safety, at Treasury Board and at the Department of International Trade. He is the author of three books related to Canadian foreign and defence policy and has taught international relations including at Memorial University and Carleton University. He has received his PhD from Queens University.

Anton Sestritsyn is a Principal at VOSAVIS, based in Ottawa. He brings senior experience in federal politics, public affairs, and international diplomacy, advising leaders from Parliament Hill to the United Nations. He has expertise in IT, Health, Housing, Manufacturing and Defence. Anton has held executive roles in both public and private sectors and is fluent in multiple languages.

Ven is a Partner and Data Analytics leader in KPMG’s Risk Services practice with over 22 years of experience in data strategy, governance, advanced analytics, and process automation across multiple industries. In recent years, Ven has spearheaded KPMG Canada’s work in Trusted Data & AI, data and AI strategy development, and regulatory data pipelines within the Public Sector—particularly in Defence. He is a member of KPMG Canada’s AI Governance Committee and a core member of the Defence Industry team.

Erin brings more than 20 years of experience shaping narratives across broadcast, digital, and organizational strategy. From her early days in Canadian journalism to founding Story Studio Network, she’s built a career at the intersection of clarity, creativity, and responsibility. Erin will help our teams craft stories that feel human, grounded, and resonant, while also leading important conversations about how AI is reshaping communications.