James Cabangon

Communicating with government officials regarding the alignment of Cambrian College’s capabilities with the Defence Industrial Strategy, including workforce training for autonomous systems, GPS-denied navigation, remote operations, and industrial electrification in support of the Canadian Armed Forces and the “Greening of Defence” initiative. Communicating with government officials about the role of Cambrian College as a national strategic asset within Canada’s defence industrial base, including its Centre for Smart Mining and Industrial Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) Lab, and their applications to defence modernization, workforce development, dual-use technology, and critical minerals security. Seeking federal funding and financial contributions for Cambrian College to support defence workforce training, critical minerals development, and applied research capacity. Funding is being sought through federal programs and entities including FedNor, FedDev Ontario, and critical minerals workforce development initiatives under Natural Resources Canada and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). Cambrian College is also seeking partnership and funding opportunities with Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) and alignment with Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) obligations under defence procurement to position the College as an eligible offset partner for prime contractors. Communicating after the release of the Defence Industrial Strategy to discuss opportunities and alignment of Cambrian College priorities with those of the Government of Canada, including potential partnerships, and expanded institutional capacity in defence workforce training and critical minerals development.

Advocating for government support for Johnson Electric Canada's expansion, which is a critical enabler of Canada’s energy transition and North American supply-chain resilience, protecting high-value manufacturing jobs and reducing tariff/tariff-like risks from US/Global competitors.