CANSEC is Canada’s foremost defence tradeshow. Attendance is restricted to CADSI members, as well as government employees and contractors. May 28-29. EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr., Ottawa, Ont. www.defenceandsecurity.ca

The theme for this year’s conference is “Defence and Security Business Collaboration: Delivering More.” The Canadian, Australian, British and American defence industries have a shared history of business cooperation and investment that dates back decades and continues today. Presented by CADSI and others. May 27. Hilton Garden Inn, Ottawa, Ont. www.defenceandsecurity.ca

Senate Speaker Noel Kinsella, Senator Asha Seth and CNIB CEO John Rafferty host a parliamentary reception today. Come and test your vision with the tools used by CNIB low vision specialists use to provide rehabilitation services to Canadians experiencing vision loss. May 15, 12-1:30 p.m. Room 160-S, Centre Block, Parliament Hill. RSVP to christine.robbins@cnib.ca 

Reach Canada presents a star-studded benefit cabaret with Mary Walsh, singer Maria Hawkins, and illusionist Diego Lopez. May 14, 7 p.m. (dessert reception); 7:30 performance, $75. St. Elias Centre. 750 Ridgewood Ave., Ottawa, Ont. 613-236-6636 or www.reach.ca

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce hosts International Trade Day with speakers including Perrin Beatty, president, Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Ed Fast, minister of International Trade, and Ted Donohue, president and CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. One topic of focus will be “Twenty years after NAFTA, is the partnership between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico weakening?” May 14, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Ottawa Convention Centre, 55 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, Ont.

Former Canadian ambassador and Senator Doug Roche, along with Embassy senior editor Jim Creskey celebrate the launch of Roche’s new book Peacemakers: How People Around the World are Building a World Free of War. Presented by the Rideau Institute and Octopus Books. May 13, 5-6:30 p.m. Cartier Place Hotel, 180 Cooper St., Ottawa, Ont.

The European Union Centre of Excellence and others present a half-day workshop on how Canada and the EU ensure that all of their citizens can participate fully in society, and identifies some of the coordination challenges facing Canada. May 13, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Free for IPAC members. Room 608, Robertson Hall, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, Ont. Register to http://eucaworkshops.com

The CSDP one-day symposium will focus on “EU-Canada Cooperation in Common Security and Defense Policy: Current Engagement and Future Prospects.” The symposium is also an ideal opportunity for Canadian military and foreign policy officials to exchange views and experience with their European counterparts. May 8. Ottawa, Ont. eeas.europa.eu/csdp/about-csdp/index_en.htm

The Economic Club of Canada presents a panel discussion “Let’s Talk Mental Health.” Speakers include Louise Bradley, President and CEO, Mental Health Commission of Canada, and Dr. Michael Teechan, President, Canadian Psychiatric Association. May 8, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The Westin Hotel, 11 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, Ont. www.economicclub.ca

Polytechnics Canada’s 2014 Annual Policy Conference will feature an all-party political panel, Minister for Employment and Social Development Jason Kenney, and Matthew Crawford, author of Shop Class as Soul Craft. The conference theme is “Polytechnic Education: The future we want, the difference we make. May 7-8. Algonquin College, Ottawa, Ont.