21 May, 2025
This May, RMCSD presents a new format featuring a dynamic panel discussion with three Canadian leaders who bring deep military experience and a shared commitment to understanding global security firsthand.
Captain (Navy) Cal Bricker, Major Quentin Innis (Retired), and Sub-Lieutenant Kevin Vuong toured sites of recent conflict earlier this year—including the Nova Music Festival grounds, Kibbutz Kfar Aza, and the tense borders near Lebanon and the Golan Heights. While there, they met with serving and retired members of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Israeli government officials, and everyday citizens navigating the complex realities of life in a conflict zone.
Over the course of 20 minutes, each panelist will share their reflections on the visit, offering a grounded, multifaceted look at the situation in Israel through a uniquely Canadian military lens. A moderated Q&A will follow, inviting audience engagement with the panel’s insights and experiences.
Don’t miss this thought-provoking session that goes beyond headlines—sharing firsthand observations and strategic reflections from those who witnessed the realities on the ground.
Rockets and Resolve
Canadian Reflections from Israel
Captain (Navy) Cal Bricker, Major Quentin Innis (Retired), and Sub-Lieutenant Kevin Vuong
Wednesday, 21 May 2025
1900 hrs (MT) via Zoom
All are welcome. Registration required.
About the Panelists
Cal Bricker
A decorated military officer, Cal serves as a Captain (Navy) in the Royal Canadian Navy Reserve and has completed three deployments to Afghanistan. He holds a PhD in International Relations and is a Senior Fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs. He sits on the boards of the Royal Canadian Navy Benevolent Fund and other national organizations.
Cal Bricker is the President and CEO of Spirits Canada, representing Canada’s distilled spirits industry. With over 30 years of executive experience in regulated industries, he has led high-profile organizations such as the Ontario Cannabis Store and Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.
Quentin Innis
Quentin Innis is a retired Canadian Army officer with over three decades of service in Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI). His distinguished military career included deployments to Kosovo, Afghanistan (three tours), and Latvia, where he served as Chief of Operations for Task Force Latvia. He served in the Canadian Airborne Regiment, ran parachute testing programs for the Army and Special Operations Forces, and was trained as a Technical Staff Officer in the UK.
After retiring as a Major in 2020, he transitioned to leadership consulting and post-secondary instruction. He currently teaches at NorQuest College and supports Army training initiatives. Quentin also serves on the boards of three veteran organizations: the Patricia Fund; the Hamilton Gault Memorial Fund; and the Edmonton Chapter of Treble Victor.
Kevin Vuong
Kevin Vuong is a Member of Parliament representing Spadina–Fort York and a Canadian Armed Forces Naval Reserve officer. Before entering politics, he worked in finance and community development, with recognition for civic leadership from both the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal and inclusion on Forbes' “30 Under 30” list.
In the Navy, he holds the rank of Sub-Lieutenant and advocates for national security and veterans' issues in Parliament. Kevin’s policy interests bridge defence, innovation, and international trade, shaped by his dual experience in public service and military duty.
Poster background image: Israeli artillery attacks site of Lebanon rocket launch, April 2022. IDF Spokesperson's Unit