The Canadian Tulip Festival holds a special place in Ottawa’s cultural and tourism landscape, rooted in a history of gratitude and camaraderie. As a token of thanks for sheltering the Netherlands’ royal family during WWII—and for Canada’s role in the country’s liberation—Ottawa received a gift of tulip bulbs. Today, over one million tulips bloom in the Capital every May as part of the festival. 

This year, Calian is the key sponsor of the annual event’s opening and closing ceremonies—with highlights including an RCAF “fly by” and drone show, bands, parades, and guest appearances from military VIPs, politicians and other dignitaries.  

For Calian, sponsoring the Canadian Tulip Festival is more than a corporate gesture. With more than 40 years of history in the nation’s capital, Calian’s involvement is a testament to its deep-rooted connection to Ottawa.  

Moreover—as this year’s festival coincides with the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 100^th anniversary—Calian’s sponsorship is a nod to the company’s decades-long training partnership with the RCAF, as well as a deep appreciation and support for the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).  

As a global military training leader, Calian has been a training delivery partner to the Canadian Army for over twenty-five years.  Since 1996, Calian has trained more than 200,000 personnel in Canada, while also delivering health services at over 30 CAF bases and installations across Canada. We also deliver hardware and software solutions to keep Canada’s Armed Forces mission ready. 

Moreover, over the last several years, Calian has provided large, complex military training exercises to build and sustain readiness for NATO and its members.  Calian has delivered training for over 45,000 personnel across numerous NATO organizations and member nations.  

These international endeavours align with Calian’s recent expansion of its defence footprint in Europe, with notable milestones including: 

• Acquisition of Norway’s Comprehensive Training Solutions International (CTS)—In 2020, Calian acquired CTS, a firm specializing in complex training exercises for NATO’s Joint Warfare Centre (JWC). This strategic move enhanced Calian’s foothold in Norway, facilitating access to the European market only one year after the company’s acquisition of Germany-based SatService.  

• Opening of Calian Belgium BV—In August 2023, Calian’s defence footprint expanded with the establishment of Calian Belgium BV. Positioned as a hub for military training endeavours within Belgium’s defence sector, this wholly-owned subsidiary will deliver immersive training akin to Calian’s renowned services in Canada and NATO.  

• Training contract for NATO’s Ex CITADEL BONUS exercise—In 2023, Calian supported NATO’s Ex CITADEL BONUS exercise, preparing the Rapid Reaction Corps (RRC) for high-intensity campaigns. Held in Bydgoszcz, Poland, it included land scenarios with conventional and non-conventional adversaries, plus a Baltic-based component for NATO defence. Calian’s role ensured realistic scenario development, aligned with RRC’s operational concept. 

• Support for NATO LOYAL LEDA 2024—Also in 2023, Calian supported NATO’s Exercise LOYAL LEDA 2024 in Bydgoszcz, Poland, assisting with the development of exercise material for the Grey Cell while providing a Senior EXCON Advisor and a subject matter expert for opposing forces focusing on non-linear operations. The exercise, attended by military and civilian participants, addressed modern operational challenges through comprehensive training scenarios. 

• NATO SHAPE Mission Partner—Most recently, in March 2024, Calian secured contracts with NATO Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) to support the development of Supreme Allied Commander Europe’s (SACEUR) Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) exercise program. As a SHAPE “Mission Partner,” Calian will provide comprehensive assistance in program development, conduct and evaluation to support critical defence initiatives.  

With heightened emphasis on NATO readiness since 2022, Calian maintains its commitment to supporting all of NATO during this pivotal period for the alliance. 

Ultimately, Calian’s sponsorship of this year’s Canadian Tulip Festival embodies a spirit of unity, honouring the legacy of peace that unites nations. As Ottawans and tourists gather to celebrate the festival’s rich history and vibrant culture, Calian proudly stands alongside them, delivering defence solutions that inspire confidence for military customers worldwide—while reflecting the company’s commitment to excellence, innovation and global citizenship. 

To learn more about the Canadian Tulip Festival, visit www.tulipfestival.ca.  

To learn more about Calian Defence Solutions, visit www.calian.com/defence.