Protest Targets Defense Conference Sponsored by Western University in London

Western University sponsored a defense industry conference held at RBC Place in London on October 23, 2026. Arms Embargo Forest City organized a protest outside the venue, aiming to pressure investors to divest from military partnerships. David Heap, an associate professor at Western University, participated in the protest, calling on London to prioritize housing and public services over military spending.

The event highlights public debate over the economic utility of defense spending versus social investment. Bertha Wall, a member of Arms Embargo Forest City, stated that the money spent at the conference was not improving the community.