16 April, 2025
The threats facing Canada’s national security are evolving—often quietly, yet with significant implications for our sovereignty and defence. In this compelling session, Major-General Sylvain Y. Ménard (Retired), former Chief Fighter and NORAD Capability for the Royal Canadian Air Force, will dissect three critical challenges shaping Canada’s security landscape:
- Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) Threats
How adversaries are developing technologies and strategies to block or limit Canada and its allies’ ability to operate in key regions, affecting military mobility, deterrence, and defence capabilities. - Threats to the Arctic and Domestic Airspace
As geopolitical tensions rise, Canada’s northern and domestic airspace faces increasing pressure. What risks are emerging, and how must Canada respond to safeguard its territorial integrity? - Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) and Emerging Technologies
The rapid proliferation of drones and autonomous systems presents both strategic threats and operational opportunities. How should Canada adapt?
With decades of operational and strategic experience—including combat missions over Libya, command roles in NORAD, and leadership of Canada’s CF-18 fighter forces, as well as its modernization—MGen Ménard will provide a rare insider’s perspective on the realities of modern defence.
Beyond these pressing challenges, he will also discuss how Canada’s defence posture is positioned in light of the new U.S. administration. What opportunities exist for collaboration in military acquisitions and aerospace development? How can Canada leverage these shifts to strengthen its national security?
Following a 30-minute presentation, the audience is encouraged to engage in respectful discourse through relevant questions and constructive challenges. These non-partisan discussions aim to foster thought-provoking exchanges that promote understanding, encourage diverse perspectives, and ensure all parties leave better informed on security and defence.
Join us for an eye-opening discussion on the hidden but escalating risks to Canada’s safety and prosperity—along with the strategic choices ahead.
Hidden in Plain Sight
The Subtle but Concerning Threat to Canada’s National Security and Prosperity
Major-General Sylvain Y. Ménard, MSM, CD (Retired)
Wednesday, 16 April 2025
1800 hrs (MT) via Zoom
All are welcome. Registration required.
About the Presenter
Sylvain is the owner and founder of SYMbiostrat Consultants Inc., a boutique consulting firm specializing in strategic advice across the defence, aerospace, high-tech industries, leadership and law of armed conflict enterprises. He currently works with Prospectus, a specialized GR firm, to provide strategic advice across several domains from defence to aerospace and high tech industries.
Sylvain retired from the Canadian Armed Forces in June 2024 at the rank of Major-General. His last tenure in uniform was as the Chief Fighter and NORAD Capability, Royal Canadian Air Force in the National Capital Region, where he was responsible for the management of all projects related to the current and future fighter aircraft and NORAD capability, a portfolio of over $60B CAD.
Sylvain joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1989 and attended the Royal Military College of Saint-Jean (RMC) Saint-Jean, and Royal Roads Military College (RMCC) Victoria, from which he graduated in 1994. He proceeded through pilot training and received his wings in 1995. In 1996, he was posted to 439 Squadron, Bagotville, Quebec, where he flew the CT-133 Silverstar in a combat-support role. In 1998, he completed the Fighter Pilot Lead in Training and the Fighter Pilot Course on the CF-188 Hornet at the 410 Operational Training Unit in Cold Lake, Alberta. He then flew the CF-188 operationally with 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron from 1999 to 2003, and completed the Fighter Weapons Instructor Course (FWIC) and the Tactical Leadership Program (TLP). In his distinguished flying career, Sylvain has accumulated over 2,600 flying hours on jet aircraft, with 1,600 of those hours in the CF-188 Hornet.
Over the course of his career, he held various significant staff assignments. He was the 3 Wing Evaluations, Exercise and Plans Officer, held the positions of Flight Commander, Operations Officer, and Deputy Squadron Commander at 425 Squadron. He worked at the 1 Canadian Air Division Headquarter as A3 Fighters, principal adviser to the operational commander for all fighter matters. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2008 during Op ATHENA to work within the International Security and Assistance Force (ISAF) Combined Joint Operations Centre. As the Commanding Officer of 425 Squadron from 2010 to 2012, he led the expeditious deployment of the Canadian fighters and air-to-air refuellers detachment to Italy during the Arab Spring of 2011 in support of Op MOBILE, the country’s contribution to NATO Op UNIFIED PROTECTOR. Over the course of that mission Sylvain flew numerous combat missions over Libya in support of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973.
In 2008, Sylvain completed the Joint Command and Staff College (JCSP) in Toronto, and in 2015 the USAF Air War College (AWC) in Montgomery, Alabama. He assumed command of 3 Wing/Canadian Forces Base Bagotville (2013- 2015) and filled the role of Director Defence Program Coordination in Ottawa (2015- 2017). Following, he assumed the duties of Deputy Commander Continental U.S. NORAD Region in July 2017, where he was responsible for the region’s continuous air defence readiness in addition to the defence of the U.S. National Capital Region and POTUS Air security when travelling in the continental U.S. Sylvain holds a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the USAF Air University in Montgomery, Alabama, a Master’s degree in Defence Studies from the RMC Kingston, Ontario, a Bachelor degree in Space Sciences and Physics from RRMC Victoria, British Columbia and a certificate in Complex Projects and Procurement Leadership from the TELFER School of Management, University of Ottawa, Ontario.