Niagara College’s Vice President, Research, Innovation & Strategic Enterprises, Dr. Marc Nantel, appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research on June 11 to provide expert testimony as part of the Committee’s study on Canada’s dual-use and defence research needs.
The study is examining how postsecondary institutions, the National Research Council (NRC), and industry partners can help advance Canada’s defence and dual-use research priorities, particularly in relation to NATO spending targets and the growing demand for innovation and skilled talent in the defence sector.
Dr. Nantel speaks before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research.
A respected leader in applied research and innovation, Dr. Nantel brought decades of scientific, academic, and industry experience to the discussion. He earned a Bachelor of Science (1987) and Master of Science (1990) in Physics from McGill University, followed by a PhD (1994) from the Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique – Énergie, Matériaux et Télécommunications (INRS). After completing postdoctoral research in France and at the University of Michigan, where he focused on ultrafast laser-produced visible and X-ray pulses and their applications, he went on to serve as an Adjunct Professor of Physics at the University of Toronto from 1998 to 2008.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Nantel highlighted the critical role colleges play in building Canada’s skilled workforce.
“Our graduates are the backbone of industry: for every PhD, MBA or engineer in a company, there are many more tradespeople, technicians, and technologists who support them,” said Dr. Nantel.
He went on to emphasize the importance of developing a highly skilled workforce to meet emerging defence and security challenges. He pointed to NC’s leadership in launching Canada’s first defence-focused public post-secondary education programs: the Defence Systems Engineering Technician and Defence Systems Engineering Technology (DSET) programs.
Dr. Nantel also highlighted Niagara College’s extensive applied research operations and its potential to strengthen Canada’s defence capabilities across multiple sectors. Through centres such as the Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (WAMIC), the Food and Beverage Innovation Centre, the Horticultural and Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre, and the Healthy Ageing and Wellness Innovation Centre, NC is developing practical, industry-driven solutions with applications in both civilian and defence environments.
The appearance before the Committee served as a fitting capstone to Dr. Nantel’s distinguished career in research and innovation leadership. Retiring from Niagara College at the end of June, Dr. Nantel has been instrumental in building one of Canada’s leading college research enterprises, helping position NC as a national leader in applied research, industry collaboration, and workforce development. His lasting legacy can be seen in the College’s strong culture of innovation, extensive industry partnerships, and the countless students and businesses that have benefited from his vision and leadership.
To watch Dr. Nantel’s testimony in front of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research, click here.
