Back to news

July 8, 2020 | Local, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR, Security

Canada restricts military exports to Hong Kong

Dear members,

On July 3, 2020, the Government of Canada announced it will review applications for the export of “sensitive military items” or “sensitive goods” destined to Hong Kong with the same considerations as it does for those items destined for the People's Republic of China.

Whether or not to approve a permit will now be a case-by-case political decision taken by the Minister of Foreign Affairs. What constitutes “sensitive military items” and “sensitive goods” will be determined by Global Affair Canada (GAC), on a case-by-case basis, from items that are found on any of the seven Export Control Group Lists (ECL). Permits for what are considered "sensitive military items" will not be approved.

While Canadian firms have exported very little in the way of ECL Group 2 items to Hong Kong in recent years, these changes appear to create a high level of regulatory risk for companies considering new business opportunities that would require exporting items found on the Export Control Group Lists. You are encouraged to review your business development plans and reconsider accordingly.

You can read the details of the:

  • July 3 Statement here. (link: canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2020/07/canada-takes-action-following-passage-of-national-security-legislation-for-hong-kong.html)
  • July 7 Notice to Exporters (Serial No. 1003) here. (link: international.gc.ca/trade-commerce/controls-controles/notices-avis/1003.aspx?lang=eng)
  • Canada's Export Control Group Lists (ECL) here. (link: international.gc.ca/controls-controles/about-a_propos/expor/guide-2018.aspx?lang=eng)

CADSI is working with GAC to inform impacted companies. If you have any questions, please contact your GAC Permit Officer and let CADSI know of any impacts on your company by emailing Mindy Pearce, Policy Advisor: mindy@defenceandsecurity.ca.

On the same subject

  • Government of Canada announces information technology investment for Canada's military

    January 30, 2019 | Local, C4ISR

    Government of Canada announces information technology investment for Canada's military

    Three contracts to enhance the Canadian Armed Forces' integrated IT systems OTTAWA, Jan. 30, 2019 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is providing its women and men in uniform with the equipment they need to do their jobs and protect Canadians, while maximizing economic benefits to Canadians. Public Services and Procurement Canada, on behalf of National Defence, has awarded three contracts, with a combined value of $621.5 million, to General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada. The contracts will provide support over five years for the Land Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (LC4ISR) system. The Canadian Army depends on these communications and information systems to inform and direct land operations. This includes: Cyber Security Engineering Support: contract valued at up to $56.5 million to support the protection of data information systems from theft and damage to the information they contain Engineering and Integration Support: contract valued at up to $367.25 million to fully integrate the LC4ISR system Transition Software Support: contract valued at up to $197.75 million to provide software support that helps integrate various data points, such as GPS-based position reporting, into a single system to allow for timely and informed decision-making The three contracts combined will help sustain approximately 494 highly skilled jobs in Ottawa, Ontario, and Calgary, Alberta. Quotes "These contracts are yet another example of how our government is building a more agile, better-equipped military, while providing meaningful economic opportunities for Canadian businesses. The Canadian Armed Forces carry out important missions on behalf of all Canadians and require the latest technologies to better understand their operating environment and to detect incoming threats." The Honourable Carla Qualtrough Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility "Through our defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, we are ensuring that our women and men in uniform are well equipped to do the important work we ask of them. The LC4ISR system is a foundational component by which Canadian Army troops stay in touch with each other, our allies and headquarters. These contracts are about ensuring the Canadian Army has what it needs to successfully carry out operations both now and into the future." The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan Minister of National Defence "These defence contracts will bring highly skilled jobs and foster economic benefits to Canadians while supporting the operations of the Canadian Army. These investments exemplify our commitment to deliver on the vital goals set out in Strong, Secure, Engaged." Chandra Arya Member of Parliament for Nepean "Our government is ensuring that Canadians have the support they need to access highly skilled jobs and to benefit from a prosperous economy. These contracts will enhance equipment for the Canadian Armed Forces, increase skills development and grow Key Industrial Capabilities in cyber resilience." The Honourable Navdeep Bains Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Quick facts The Canadian Army's LC4ISR capability is a highly integrated tactical system comprised of interconnected networks of digital communications and information systems that primarily support the Land Forces in operations. These contracts were awarded through fair, open and transparent procurement processes. The Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy applies to these projects, creating jobs and supporting key industrial capabilities in Canada. Related products National Defence's Defence Capabilities Blueprint website Tender notice – LC4ISR – Cyber Security Engineering Support Tender notice – LC4ISR – Engineering and Integration Support Tender notice – LC4ISR – Transition Software Support Defence Procurement Strategy Investing in the Canadian Armed Forces Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Facebook SOURCE Public Services and Procurement Canada https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/government-of-canada-announces-information-technology-investment-for-canada-s-military-816325030.html

  • Royal Canadian Navy getting new miniature maritime drone this summer- Update on defence industry news and contracts

    April 26, 2018 | Local, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR

    Royal Canadian Navy getting new miniature maritime drone this summer- Update on defence industry news and contracts

    DAVID PUGLIESE, OTTAWA CITIZEN Here is defence industry news from my article in the latest issue of Esprit de Corps magazine: MDA, a Maxar Technologies company, signed a contract worth around $8 million to provide the Department of National Defence with what is being called a Maritime Miniature Unmanned Aircraft Systems (MMUAS). The contract also includes services to support training, resource and equipment development activities and development and validation of naval tactics and new capability development, according to the firm. MDA's solution is based on the Puma AE (All Environment) unmanned aircraft built by Aeroviroment.The photo above courtesy of the U.S. Navy shows the Puma AE. The Puma has the ability to carry additional payloads as required for specific missions. The MMUAS is the first UAS project that will see the RCN operate and maintain its own capability and provide a sustainable shipborne, near real-time, Beyond Visual Line Of Sight (BVLOS) ISR capability with an expected introduction to the fleet in the summer of 2018 onboard Kingston-class ships. The Puma AE is operated from the same control station as the Raven UAS which has been provided by MDA to the Canadian Army since 2013. In addition, MDA, also announced it has signed a contract with an unnamed international customer for the provision of turnkey, unmanned aircraft system surveillance services. The contract includes options for additional years. MDA's UAS service will use a fleet of Schiebel CAMCOPTER S-100 rotary-wing unmanned aircraft to provide surveillance information. MDA will be responsible for all aspects of the service including acquisition of all the systems and required infrastructure, training, airworthiness, logistics, supply chain, maintenance and all flight operations, the firm noted. The S-100 aircraft is a vertical takeoff and landing UAS, which does not require a prepared area or supporting launch or recovery equipment. It operates day and night and is a very capable platform for a wide range of different surveillance payloads to meet a broad set of mission requirements. MDA's UAS service will equip the S-100 fleet with L3 WESCAM MX-10 EO/IR payloads. The MX-10 is a high-performance, multi-sensor multi-spectral imaging system for tactical surveillance missions. It carries multiple sensors including both high-definition day modes and night infrared modes. The MX-10 is currently operational for twelve nations worldwide on the S-100. Pratt & Whitney Canada has signed a 12-year Fleet Management Program agreement with Specialist Aviation Services for 24 PW210A engines powering 12 Leonardo AW169 helicopters. The program has been specifically tailored to SAS's needs and helps reduce operating costs and simplifies fleet operations management, according to Pratt and Whitney. Operating primarily in the United Kingdom, SAS provides support to emergency services and other major organizations that rely on aircraft to support their operations. SAS is one of the fleet leaders on the AW169 program. Rheinmetall has won the first request for proposals for preliminary studies relating to European Union defence research financed by the EU's European Defence Union. Under a project known as “Generic Open Soldier Systems Reference Architecture”, or GOSSRA, the European Commission has put the Düsseldorf-based tech group in charge of a consortium consisting of partners from nine different EU member states. Under the GOSSRA project, studies will be conducted into developing an open reference architecture as the basis of EU-wide standardized soldier systems. This includes electronics, voice and data communication, software solutions, man-machine interfaces, sensors and effectors. Rheinmetall makes the German Bundeswehr's IdZ-ES soldier system as well as the Canadian military's Argus system. http://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/royal-canadian-navy-getting-new-miniature-maritime-drone-this-summer-update-on-defence-industry-news-and-contracts

  • Liberal government defence policy boosts military spending, commits to new purchases of helicopters, missiles, aircraft

    April 8, 2024 | Local, Land

    Liberal government defence policy boosts military spending, commits to new purchases of helicopters, missiles, aircraft

    Canada is to buy a new fleet of early warning aircrafts, helicopters and missiles—and bring defence spending up to 1.76 per cent of GDP

All news