October 8 – 9

Vancouver, BC

Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre

When it comes to effective cybersecurity, it truly takes a village.

Hosted by CANARIE, the goal of the Canadian SecuR&E Forum is to build community and foster learning and knowledge-sharing by connecting contributors to cybersecurity across Canada’s research and education (R&E) sector.

In R&E, cybersecurity is more than a technical challenge — it’s a shared responsibility that spans IT, risk management, compliance, and beyond. Through plenary sessions and technical and executive breakouts, the SecuR&E Forum brings together the full spectrum of professionals advancing cybersecurity at Canada’s universities, colleges, polytechnics, and cégeps.

Connect, collaborate, and lead alongside colleagues who are strengthening the R&E sector’s collective cyber resilience.

What to expect

2 days

2 tracks

120+ attendees

15+ speakers

∞ networking opportunities

Who should attend

Cybersecurity practitioners

Executives with cybersecurity-related responsibilities

(e.g., CISOs, CIOs, Directors of Information Security, and similar roles)

Risk, compliance, and insurance specialists overseeing cybersecurity

Cybersecurity researchers

Those contributing to cybersecurity strategies in the research or post-secondary sector

early bird registration rate starting at $449
standard registration rate starting at $449
students registration rate starting at $199
Check to see if your organization is a CANARIE Member.

Travel Subsidies

All travel subsidies have been distributed.

A small number of travel subsidies of up to $1,500 each are available to offset travel expenses for attendees from remote or small institutions on a first-approved, first-served basis. To apply for a travel subsidy, please complete this short form. Travel subsidies are only available to attendees from Canadian universities, colleges, polytechnics, cégeps, or research institutions. There is a limit of one travel subsidy per institution.

Decisions on travel subsidies will be confirmed within 5 business days of the receipt of applications.

Accommodations

We have secured a limited room block at the SecuR&E Forum venue, the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre in downtown Vancouver, at the highly discounted rate of $299 + taxes, while supplies last.

About the Venue

The Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre is centrally located in downtown Vancouver and a short distance from attractions such as Stanley Park, English Bay, the Seawall, Yaletown, and Robson Street. The hotel offers both city and ocean views and the comforts of home in a chic, urban setting. Guests are welcome to work out in the on-site fitness centre or take a dip in the heated pool.

image of the venue with pricing of $299 per night at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre

All travel subsidies have been distributed.

Please note:
There are limited spots available in this block. Hotel rooms in Vancouver throughout October are at a premium, so please book your accommodations as soon as possible using the link below. The last day you can book reservations in the group room block is Friday, September 5, 2025, by 12 a.m. PT.

SecuR&E Forum Reservations:

You can also make reservations by calling the hotel directly at 1-604-331-1000 or toll free at 1-888-627-7058. Please quote the group name 2025 Canadian SecuR&E Forum when you call.

Speakers

Photographic portrait of SecuR&E Forum 2025 Speaker Mathieu Bertrand

Mathieu Bertrand

CIO | uOttawa

Photographic portrait of SecuR&E Forum 2025 Speaker John Cuzzola

John Cuzzola

Director of Information Security | Thompson Rivers University

Photographic portrait of SecuR&E Forum 2025 Speaker Pooria Madani

Pooria Madani

Professor | Ontario Tech University

Photographic portrait of SecuR&E Forum 2025 Speaker Jennifer Lane

Jennifer Lane

CIO | Nunavut Arctic College

Photographic portrait of SecuR&E Forum 2025 Speaker Sunny Jassal

Sunny Jassal

CISO | British Columbia Institute of Technology

Photographic portrait of SecuR&E Forum 2025 Speaker Sheena Yap Chan

Sheena Yap Chan

Founder | The Tao of Self-Confidence

Photographic portrait of SecuR&E Forum 2025 Speaker Gregory Smith

Gregory Smith

CIO | University of Waterloo

Photographic portrait of SecuR&E Forum 2025 Speaker Christopher van den Berg

Christopher van den Berg

Director, Research Security | Western University

Photographic portrait of SecuR&E Forum 2025 Speaker Silvain Chenard

Sylvain Chenard

Quantum-Safe Networks Solution Leader | Nokia

Photographic portrait of SecuR&E Forum 2025 Speaker Jon Furguson

Jon Furguson

VP Cyber and DNS | CIRA

Photographic portrait of SecuR&E Forum 2025 Speaker Chris Lyman

Chris Lynam

Director General, National Cybercrime Coordination Centre and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre | RCMP

Photographic portrait of SecuR&E Forum 2025 Speaker Mathieu Bertrand

Mathieu Bertrand

CIO | uOttawa

Mathieu has been the Chief Information Security Officer at the University of Ottawa since 2022. He joined the university and the higher-education sector in 2019, motivated by a desire to make a meaningful contribution to Canadian society. With over 15 years of experience in IT, Mathieu previously held several leadership roles in software companies. Starting at uOttawa as a project manager, Mathieu transitioned to the information security team, where he leads the transformation of the university’s information security risk management program. Under his leadership, the university has strengthened its cybersecurity posture and built strong partnerships across faculties and services. Mathieu’s approach is grounded in integrity, professionalism, empathy, and leading by example. He is passionate about advancing cybersecurity in higher education and fostering a culture of resilience and collaboration. 

Photographic portrait of SecuR&E Forum 2025 Speaker John Cuzzola

John Cuzzola

Director of Information Security | Thompson Rivers University

John Cuzzola is the Information Security Director at Thompson Rivers University (TRU), where he is responsible for the institution’s cyber-defence strategy. He holds degrees in Information Systems and Mathematics, and industry credentials Certified Ethical Hacker (Master) and CNDA. Prior to joining TRU in 2021, John served as Network Manager and later Technology Director for School District 73 for almost two decades. A committed life-long learner, John has co-authored 17 peer-reviewed papers as a research associate with Toronto Metropolitan University and is listed as lead inventor on two patents in data-intelligence technologies. As a sessional instructor at TRU, He has taught programming, Ethical Hacking, and Biometric Authentication; hoping to instill his passion for learning while helping develop the next generation of security professionals. His experience within secondary as a technology director, and within post-secondary as a researcher, instructor, and security director has given him a unique perspective on securing educational environments. 

Photographic portrait of SecuR&E Forum 2025 Speaker Pooria Madani

Pooria Madani

Professor | Ontario Tech University

Dr. Pooria M. is a professor of Networking & IT Security at Ontario Tech University and Director of its Institute for Cybersecurity and Resilient Systems. His research spans adversarial machine learning, AI-driven malware mutation, and security for satellite and critical-infrastructure systems, with recent work demonstrating how large-language models can generate evasive code variants. Beyond academia, he founded AlecTech Inc., a Canada-based SOC-as-a-Service provider that helps SMBs and public agencies manage cyber risk. Dr. M. has authored publications in ACM DTRAP, IEEE AeroConf, ESORICS, and IEEE Transactions on Information Forensics & Security, and regularly advises industry forums and government bodies on emerging AI-enabled threats. 

Photographic portrait of SecuR&E Forum 2025 Speaker Jennifer Lane

Jennifer Lane

CIO | Nunavut Arctic College

Jennifer Lane is a nationally recognized IT Executive and Innovation Strategist with over 20 years of experience leading digital transformation across public and Indigenous sectors. As Executive Consultant and Acting CIO for Nunavut Arctic College, she has implemented territory-wide connectivity and cybersecurity strategies, including Canada’s first LEO-based research and education network. A keynote speaker at TNC 2024 and the CANARIC Summit, Jennifer is known for her practical, bold leadership in complex IT environments. She actively advises on AI for good, digital ethics, and remote community resilience. 

 

Photographic portrait of SecuR&E Forum 2025 Speaker Sunny Jassal

Sunny Jassal

CISO | British Columbia Institute of Technology

I’m an enthusiastic cybersecurity leader with 20+ years of experience driving secure digital transformation. I bridge the gap between business and technology, translating strategy into actionable plans that enable innovation while safeguarding critical assets. As a trusted advisor to executives and boards, I leverage my expertise in cybersecurity and corporate governance to foster a “security-by-design” culture. My background includes leading high-performing technical teams across diverse industries. Credentials: – MBA Candidate, Carleton University – B.Tech in Technology Management, BCIT – Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO) – Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) – Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE) – Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) 

 

Photographic portrait of SecuR&E Forum 2025 Speaker Sheena Yap Chan

Sheena Yap Chan

Founder | The Tao of Self-Confidence

Sheena Yap Chan is a Wall Street Journal and Publishers Weekly bestselling author, keynote speaker, strategist, and award-winning podcaster recognized for her work in elevating women’s leadership and self-confidence through the power of media and visibility. She is the founder of the Confidence Through Visibility movement and host of The Tao of Self-Confidence podcast, ranked in the top 0.5% globally with over 1.3 million downloads and 800+ interviews featuring celebrities, CEOs, and cultural icons. Her debut book, The Tao of Self-Confidence, was named one of the top 20 best self-confidence books of all time by Book Authority, while her latest release, Bridging the Confidence Gap, is a bold call to reimagine leadership by making visibility and self-trust core competencies. Through her signature VISIBLE Framework, Sheena delivers transformational keynotes & corporate programs that help organizations bridge the confidence gap, retain diverse talent, and build cultures where women are seen, heard, and respected. 

 

Photographic portrait of SecuR&E Forum 2025 Speaker Gregory Smith

Gregory Smith

CIO | University of Waterloo

Gregory Smith was appointed the University of Waterloo’s CIO on June 1, 2023. Greg provides enterprise-wide leadership to a highly distributed IT community across campus, working closely with the University’s senior leadership to foster alignment of IT expenditure and effort to support the university’s core missions. Greg has nine years of experience as a volunteer governor for a local Community Health Centre, including four years as Chair (2018-2022), during which time he worked to guide the organizational response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Greg has worked in Higher Education for his whole career, beginning in Student Housing, Living-Learning Programs, and IT. A graduate of the Richard Ivey School of Business (HBA and MBA), Greg’s leadership style is focused on building teams, empowering up-and-coming talent, and collaborative engagement. Outside of work, Greg tries to be the best dad possible to his four young kids, most often found at the hockey rink. 

 

Photographic portrait of SecuR&E Forum 2025 Speaker Christopher van den Berg

Christopher van den Berg

Director, Research Security | Western University

Chris van den Berg is a seasoned public sector leader and military commander with nearly 20 years of experience driving innovation, transformation, and strategic impact across defence, industry and education. He currently serves as Director of Research Security at Western University, where he established the university’s inaugural research security program. His previous roles include Deputy Director of HR Business Management for the Canadian Armed Forces, overseeing enterprise change management, and Commanding Officer of multiple military units, including Task Force Kabul. A recognized expert in risk management, organizational resilience, and stakeholder engagement, he has led multimillion-dollar defence programs, advised senior leadership, and managed international academic initiatives. He holds a Master of Science in Public Administration from Leiden University in the Netherlands. 

Photographic portrait of SecuR&E Forum 2025 Speaker Silvain Chenard

Sylvain Chenard

Quantum-Safe Networks Solution Leader | Nokia

With nearly three decades of experience and innovation in the telecommunications industry, Sylvain Chenard is the Quantum-Safe Networks solutions leader for Nokia’s Network Infrastructure Business. His expertise spans secure optical communication systems, cryptography, software virtualization, analytics, and fiber-optics communication. Collaborating with Nokia Bell Labs, Sylvain defines and productizes cutting-edge techniques and algorithms focused on the emerging field of Quantum-Safe Networks to secure the digital infrastructure of the future. Prior to Nokia, Sylvain defined roadmaps and strategies for leading-edge technologies at Alcatel-Lucent, serving as Principal Product Line Manager for Secure Management Systems. He holds a BSc in Electrical Engineering from the University of Laval, Canada, and has invented five patents in system automation and virtualization. As a Nokia Distinguished Member of Technical Staff, IEEE senior member, and member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec, Sylvain continues to shape the future of secure digital communication. 

 

Photographic portrait of SecuR&E Forum 2025 Speaker Jon Furguson

Jon Furguson

VP Cyber and DNS | CIRA

Jon leads the Cybersecurity & DNS services unit at CIRA that builds upon the organization’s world class DNS services to provide cybersecurity services and training to Canadians and the global internet community.

Photographic portrait of SecuR&E Forum 2025 Speaker Chris Lyman

Chris Lynam

Director General, National Cybercrime Coordination Centre and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre | RCMP

Chris Lynam is currently the Director General of the National Cybercrime Coordination Centre and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre within the RCMP. He led extensive work and consultations with other government departments, law enforcement partners across Canada and the private sector to conceptualize and design a national cybercrime coordination mechanism for Canada. He previously worked for Public Safety Canada and within the Security and Intelligence Secretariat of the Privy Council Office where he was part of the team that supported the National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister. Outside the RCMP, he is a member of the Army Reserve and served as the Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding of the Governor General’s Foot Guards, an Infantry Regiment based in Ottawa.

 

Program

We’re currently working on the program. Please check back for updates.

Day 1 – October 8, 2025

Day 2 – October 9, 2025

Sponsorship

The Canadian SecuR&E Forum is a bi-annual showcase for trailblazing visionaries who discuss their transformative work with an intimate gathering of cybersecurity leaders and practitioners from Canada’s research and post-secondary education communities.

Canadian SecuR&E Forum sponsors can strengthen their exposure to and collaboration with attendees through extended networking sessions and opportunities that include brand promotion, exhibition, and the introduction of speakers.

2025 SecuR&E Forum Sponsors

SecuR&E Platinum Partner

SecuR&E Gold Partners

ManageEngine Logo
Nokia Logo

Social Events

Welcome Reception

At the end of Day 1, join SecuR&E Forum attendees for hors d’oeuvres in the Wall Centre’s Constellation Suite, with 360-degree views of the Vancouver skyline from the 34th floor.

SecuR&E Fun Run/Walk

Pack your running shoes for the SecuR&E Fun Run/Walk!

5 km Fun Run/Walk
7:00 a.m. on October 9 (Day 2)
Meet up: Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre lobby

Full route details to be shared later.

P.S.: Our early morning runners/walkers will receive some fun swag for their participation!

From our past attendees…

“Thank you to everyone involved and I am already counting down the days until next year!”

“The forum exceeded my expectations and was well worth the trip to Vancouver. I appreciate all of the behind-the-scenes work that needs to be done in order to have a smooth-running event. Well done!”

“Thank you to everyone involved and I am already counting down the days until next year!”

“Another well-organized, well-run CANARIE event.”

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