On May 12, 2016 the Atlantic Council hosted a private strategy session with Canada’s Minister of National Defense, Harjit Singh Sajjan. The event convened a small group of distinguished experts to offer insights and analysis into key security challenges, including Russia, the new security landscape in Europe, and security threats to North America. The Minister also outlined his perspective on a range of emerging national security challenges, touching on homegrown extremists, cyber threats, and interagency collaboration.

Minister Sajjan was elected as a Member of Parliament for Vancouver South and appointed Minister of National Defense in November 2015. Sajjan has had a highly-lauded public service career spanning the military, law enforcement, and public office. He is also the first Sikh to command a Canadian army regiment. Prior to his military service, Minister Sajjan served 11 years on the Vancouver police force, leading the city’s anti-gang and drug-trafficking efforts.