You see it even today with a lot of programs. DND and the tech authority are involving industry right from the get-go.
The first thing they do is look at whether there is something they need. First they identify their need. The next thing they do is go to industry and say, “We're looking for something like this. What have you got?” Industry is being engaged almost right from the beginning.
We've seen, over the last 10 to 15 years, that during CANSEC—of course, you're probably aware of the large show every year here in Ottawa—DND really tells its people to get out there, to go to these events, to engage with industry and to see who's out there and who does what. The people within DND are being educated as to where these companies are and what they do. They are engaging industry pretty much right from the beginning. They're engaging industry with industry days, for example, if there's a certain program.
Really, ever since COVID, these have become more and more common, because we can do hybrid meetings now. People are more used to the virtual concept, so they can get a lot of people involved and can ask them the questions: “What does industry have? What do you have to offer us?”
I think it is working now.