Reserve Force Academic Symposium 2026

A Call to Action: Reserve Force Renewal

Conference details

Date: October 16-17, 2026

Time: 0830-1630 EDT Friday, 0830-1630 EDT Saturday

Location: 
Virtual via MS Teams; or in-person at:
Canadian Forces College
215 Yonge Blvd
North York, ON M5M 3H9

Dress: Business casual or No. 3B for military personnel.

Contact

LCdr Jenn Martin, CD
Telephone: 705-441-2181
Email: Jennifer.Martin@forces.gc.ca

Registration

This symposium welcomes participation from Canada’s allies and international partners, as well as civilian researchers and professionals with an interest in Reserve Force development. This is a collaborative forum that brings together military professionals, academics, and defence stakeholders to explore the evolving role of the Reserve Force in Canada’s defence strategy.

We invite Canadian and international military personnel, defence stakeholders, academics, and interested members of the public to register for the 2026 Reserve Force Academic Symposium.

Who should attend?

• Members of the Canadian Armed Forces (Regular and Reserve)
• Members of allied and partner military forces
• Defence researchers and academics
• Civilian professionals and students interested in military and defence studies
• Government and non-government stakeholders in defence policy

About

The fourth annual Canadian Armed Forces Reserve Force Academic Symposium is sponsored by the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff and hosted by the Chief of Reserves.
The symposium seeks to highlight, share, and unify research related to developing, employing, and supporting Canada’s reserve forces and their capabilities. It emphasizes the unique skills and experiences reservists offer due to their dual employment roles.

Theme

The Reserve Force Academic Symposium 2026 will unite researchers across Canada and abroad devoting their efforts and interest related to Reserve Force Renewal through a hybrid conference. The focus will be on talent management and professional development, recruiting and retention, and training from a Reserve Force perspective.

Presentation topics

Conference leads

• Colonel Martin Barrette, Director Reserve Force Knowledge Management, Chief of Reserves, Vice Chief of Defence Staff
• Lieutenant-Colonel David Sweeney, Academic Engagement, Director Reserve Force Knowledge Management, Chief of Reserves