28.10.2025 Report on Procurement Seminar & Luncheon, “Making the Connection to supply goods and services to the Canadian Armed Forces in Latvia”
28.10.2025

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The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Latvia’s (CanCham) Procurement Seminar & Luncheon on “ Making the Connection to supply goods and services to the Canadian Armed Forces in Latvia” took place on Monday, October 27^th, 2025 at the Radisson Blu Daugava Hotel, with over 70 participants attending the event.

Canada has made a crucial commitment to Latvia’s security. Op REASSURANCE is currently the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) largest overseas military deployment, through which the CAF contributes to NATO deterrence and defence measures in Central and Eastern Europe. Under this mission, Canada is the Framework nation of the NATO multinational brigade Latvia.

Task Force Latvia (TFL) is the National Command Element that ensures the success of the Canadian contribution to NATO in Latvia. This involves investing in military infrastructure and coordinating various aspects needed to support this effort through local procurement.

The objective of the event was to introduce members of TFL involved in projects and/or procurement to CanCham members and friends, to explain individual parties’ responsibilities and how they operate, to develop personal contacts, and to understand the overall environment that we are working in.

Highly appreciated by all, event participants were given an opportunity to introduce themselves and their organizations individually to help identify potential business partners with whom to network with after the formal presentations.

H.E. Brian Szwarc, Ambassador of Canada to Latvia, provided an overall review of the Canadian contribution to TFL and the continued commitment of Canada to the security in Latvia and the Baltic region.

 

The CAF was well represented, with five of its members in attendance to speak to and network with participants.

The seminar was presented by Major Randy Aube – Officer Commanding, Canadian Contracts Management Cell (CMC), National Support Element. The presentation was followed by a Question & Answer period followed by additional networking. The focus of the seminar was on goods and services procured by TFL – a seminar solely focussing on infrastructure is planned for February 16^th, 2026.

This was the second in a series of  seminars. The objective was to:

• provide updated information on procurement process from Task Force Latvia (TFL),
• dentify TFL’s immediate and longer-term procurement requirements,
• review how to apply to the Vetted Vendor list,
• provide time for participants to speak directly with TFL representatives to develop personal contacts,

The presentation and contact information is being made available to event participants.

Ed Kalvins then summarized the Roll of the CanCham, and how CanCham can be a part of and assist TFL’s efforts, and stated that the CanCham is available to support the effort whenever required.

As always, time was short and many questions remained unanswered, but it was emphasized that this was the continuation of the cooperation process between CanCham and TFL, and that other events will take place during the following years which will supplement this cooperation. We intend to repeat this event on an annual basis.