Ricochet denied press access to CANSEC

 

Defence trade show bars outlets it suspects may produce critical coverage

“With the government of Canada’s renewed focus on defence, […] CADSI is receiving a significant uptick in requests for service, advice, and assistance. Rest assured that your message has been received, and a member of our team will reply as soon as possible.” — Excerpt from CADSI’s general email autoresponse

CANSEC is a global defence and security trade show, and Canada’s largest defence convention. The event, held annually in Ottawa, brings together representatives of private defence companies and dozens of delegations from foreign governments to showcase “leading-edge technology, products and services for land-based, naval, aerospace and joint forces military units.” 

On the CANSEC homepage, the convention reports that attendees will also include 45 MPs, senators and cabinet ministers.The convention was founded in 1998, and is hosted by the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI). 

This week, Ricochet Media’s request for a press pass to cover the event was declined on the basis that our organization “does not meet the CADSI Eligibility Requirements.”

CANSEC’s media accreditation page states: “New media applicants are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and the accreditation decisions are final. CANSEC is a private event and organizers reserve the right to deny accreditation.”

Just hours after the portal for media accreditation opened, this reporter applied for status on assignment for Ricochet Media. After following up, we received the following response by email. 

“Thank you for registering for CANSEC 2026. We have reviewed your application and have declined it for the following reasons:

Your media organization does not meet the CADSI Eligibility Requirements.”

CADSI’s only eligibility criteria regarding media organizations is that applicants must be “a member of an established local, national or international media organization with relevant identification.”  (more...)

Ricochet denied press access to CANSEC