# London Hosts Defence Procurement Conference

The Best Defence Conference returned to London, Ontario, on October 20, 2026, bringing defence and public-safety contractors together with military officials and government procurement agencies as the article reported increased Canadian federal military spending. The conference provides industry networking and market-awareness value, but no solicitation, contract award, funding amount, or procurement contact was identified; attendance should not be treated as evidence of a near-term bidding opportunity.

- Contractors can use the event to build relationships with participating industry and government stakeholders and gauge interest in defence-related markets.
- The reported spending trend may be relevant to longer-term business planning, but the signal provides no program, requirement, or funding details to support a specific bid decision.
- General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada sponsored the conference; its sponsorship does not indicate a contract award or procurement role.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** October 20, 2026

### Government Entities
- Government of Canada
- London Police Service

### Vendors
- General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada (Conference sponsor)

### Key Quotes
> Defence is an economic issue as much as anything. It creates very high-paying jobs, skilled jobs in advanced manufacturing, innovation, and technology. So, it’s very important to our economy as well as to the country’s defence.
> — Kristen Duever, Chief Operating Officer, London Chamber of Commerce

### Sources
- [Protesters return as defence trade show attendees eye more spending](https://www.ctvnews.ca/london/article/protesters-return-to-defence-trade-show-as-attendees-position-for-increased-defence-spending) - CTV News