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The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Latvia (CanCham) organized this TFL Procurement Seminar & Luncheon on Monday, November 2, 2026, at the Radisson Blu Daugava Hotel in Riga. The event brought together 101 participants representing the Canadian Armed Forces, businesses, public-sector organizations with participation from the Dannish Chamber of Commerce in Latvia (DCCL), the Finnish Chamber of Commerce in Latvia (FCCL), the Polish-Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PLCC), the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). It continued CanCham’s “Making the Connection” series, designed to help businesses understand and pursue opportunities to supply goods and services to the Canadian Armed Forces in Latvia.

Ed Kalvins, Chairman of CanCham, welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of cooperation among allied countries and their business communities. He highlighted CanCham’s Strategic Partnership Initiative (SPI), which seeks to connect Canadian enterprises with suitable partners in Latvia and the wider region, and recognized the participating chambers of commerce.

H.E. Timothy Edwards, 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.

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.

This was the fourth in a series of  such seminars. The objectives of the seminar were to explain TFL procurement procedures and immediate and longer-term requirements, clarify how companies can apply to the Vetted Vendor list, and give participants direct access to the personnel involved in procurement. Individual introductions and networking provided opportunities to establish contacts and identify potential suppliers.

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 March 8^th, 2027.

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

A significant feature of the event was the signing of an agreement between CanCham and the Federation of Security and Defence Industries of Latvia to cooperate in facilitating Canadian companies’ involvement in Latvia and Latvian companies’ involvement in Canada in defence-related business. Elīna Egle-Ločmele, representing the Federation, was invited to address participants in connection with the signing ceremony. The cooperation extends CanCham’s SPI network by adding specialized defence-industry expertise and contacts.

The seminar demonstrated the value of bringing military procurement representatives and potential suppliers together in a practical setting. CanCham intends to continue cooperation with TFL and the participating chambers, while using its Strategic Partnership Initiative and its relationship with the Federation to develop cross-border business connections. A separate DCC procurement seminar focused on infrastructure and construction-related opportunities is planned for March 8, 2027.

You are invited to review the CanCham brochure which describes important information about the CanCham and our upcoming events and please follow https://cancham.lv/ for the latest news and event updates.