About Philippe Lagassé
Philippe Lagassé, PhD
Philippe Lagassé is one of Canada’s leading academic experts on the machinery of government, defence policy, and military procurement. A tenured university professor, Lagassé brings more than two decades of high-level experience translating complex policy challenges into clear, actionable strategies for public and private sector leaders.
He has advised the Canadian government on over 100 military and coast guard procurements during his tenure on the Independent Review Panel on Defence Acquisition (2015–2022) and the CF-18 Replacement Panel (2012–2014). He has completed major research reports for government departments, served as an advisor to ministers and political staff, and been an expert witness before parliamentary committees in both Canada and the United Kingdom.
Lagassé is known for his clarity, discretion, and candour. He has published extensively in top newspapers and magazines, including The Atlantic, The Globe & Mail, La Presse, and Le Devoir, and has been interviewed more than 600 times in national and international media, including the BBC, CBC, and New York Times.
In 2025, he was awarded the Canadian Forces Distinguished Service Medallion for an “exemplary contribution to Canadian defence policy” by the Chief of the Defence Staff. He holds a PhD in Political Science and has taught at two of Canada’s leading schools of public policy and international affairs. His academic work has allowed him to conduct in-depth research and high-level interviews in Australia, Belgium, France, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
He lives in Ottawa with his two children.