April 3, 2023 | Local, Other Defence

Defending Canada

Whether defending Canada from global threats or working with our allies around the world, the Canadian Armed Forces play an essential role in keeping Canadians safe and supporting global security.

To ensure those who serve our country in uniform continue to have the resources they need, Budget 2022 took significant action to reinforce the Canadian Armed Forces. Budget 2023 lays out the next steps to invest in and strengthen the Canadian Armed Forces.

Budget 2023 also takes decisive action to defend Canada and our public institutions from foreign threats and interference.

Stable, Predictable, and Increasing Defence Spending

Canada's defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, committed to ensuring the Department of National Defence (DND) has stable, predictable funding. The government has delivered on this commitment. As a result of Strong, Secure, Engaged and subsequent funding increases, including funding for NORAD modernization and continental defence announced in June 2022, DND's annual budget is expected to more than double over ten years, from $18.6 billion in 2016-17 to $39.7 billion in 2026-27 on a cash basis.

Defence Policy Update

In response to a changed global security environment following Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, the federal government committed in Budget 2022 to a Defence Policy Update that would update Canada's existing defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged.

This review, including public consultations, is ongoing, and is focused on the roles, responsibilities, and capabilities of the Canadian Armed Forces. The Department of National Defence will return with a Defence Policy Update that will ensure the Canadian Armed Forces remain strong at home, secure in North America, and engaged around the world.

With this review ongoing, the Canadian Armed Forces have continued to protect Canada's sovereignty in the Arctic, support our NATO allies in Eastern Europe, and contribute to operations in the Indo-Pacific.

In the past year, the government has made significant, foundational investments in Canada's national defence, which total more than $55 billion over 20 years. These include:

$38.6 billion over 20 years to strengthen the defence of North America, reinforce Canada's support of our partnership with the United States under NORAD, and protect our sovereignty in the North;
$2.1 billion over seven years, starting in 2022-23, and $706.0 million ongoing for Canada's contribution to increasing NATO's common budget;
$1.4 billion over 14 years, starting in 2023-24, to acquire new critical weapons systems needed to protect the Canadian Armed Forces in case of high intensity conflict, including air defence, anti-tank, and anti-drone capabilities;
$605.8 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $2.6 million in remaining amortization, to replenish the Canadian Armed Forces' stocks of ammunition and explosives, and to replace materiel donated to Ukraine;
$562.2 million over six years, starting in 2022-23, with $112.0 million in remaining amortization, and $69 million ongoing to improve the digital systems of the Canadian Armed Forces;
Up to $90.4 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to further support initiatives to increase the capabilities of the Canadian Armed Forces; and,
$30.1 million over four years, starting in 2023-24, and $10.4 million ongoing to establish the new North American regional office in Halifax for NATO's Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic.

In addition, the government is providing $1.4 billion to upgrade the facilities of Joint Task Force 2, Canada's elite counterterrorism unit.

A New Generation of Canadian Fighter Aircraft

With the largest investment in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 30 years, the government is acquiring 88 F-35 fighter aircraft, at a cost of $19 billion. The first of these modern aircraft is scheduled for delivery by 2026.

Canada's new fleet of F-35s will play an essential role in defending Canada's sovereignty, protecting North America, and supporting our allies around the world.

The government will also invest $7.3 billion to modernize, replace, and build new infrastructure to support the arrival of the new F-35s. This is the first project approved under Canada's plan to modernize NORAD.

Establishing the NATO Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence in Montreal

View the impact assessment

Climate change has repercussions for people, economic security, public safety, and critical infrastructure around the world. It also poses a significant threat to global security, and in 2022, NATO's new Strategic Concept recognized climate change for the first time as a major security challenge for the Alliance.

At the 2022 NATO Summit in Madrid, Montreal was announced as the host city for NATO's new Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence, which will bring together NATO allies to mitigate the impact of climate change on military activities and analyze new climate change-driven security challenges, such as the implications for Canada's Arctic.

Budget 2023 proposes to provide $40.4 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $0.3 million in remaining amortization and $7 million ongoing, to Global Affairs Canada and the Department of National Defence to establish the NATO Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence.

https://www.budget.canada.ca/2023/report-rapport/chap5-en.html#a2

On the same subject

August 7, 2024 | Local, Other Defence

Minister Blair announces contract award for new 480-room military accommodations facility at CFB Esquimalt and highlights plan to build more homes on military bases
News release August 7, 2024 – Esquimalt, British Columbia – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, announced that a new, 480-room accommodations facility for Canadian Armed Forces members will be built at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt – and that a contract has been awarded to begin design work. The new 31,700 m2 facility for Junior Non-Commission Members will provide incoming Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) personnel with modern and functional infrastructure at CFB Esquimalt as they train and prepare for tomorrow’s security challenges. The new facility will consolidate several functions across the Base into one new, central, and modern high-rise. It will include approximately 480 single occupancy rooms, administrative areas, a dining area and galley capable of serving 700 people, a mess that can support 400 people, postal services, coffee shops, and more. The total design and construction contract cost is estimated at $165 million – and the design portion of the design-build contract has now been awarded to Ellis Don Corporation for $10.1 million. Estimated costs are subject to change as design progresses. We expect this project to create or sustain almost 900 jobs during construction. Aligned with the RCN’s Future Naval Training Strategy, these new, consolidated modern accommodations will support the RCN’s intent to have a bi-coastal training model that better meets the needs of our personnel in Esquimalt, helping to limit travel and time away from their families. As indicated in our renewed vision for defence, Our North, Strong and Free, the Government of Canada is committed to improving quality of life for Canadian Armed Forces members and providing them with the tools they need to meet today’s and future challenges. This is why Our North, Strong and Free invests $10.2 billion over 20 years in current and new infrastructure – and additional funding to establish a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) housing strategy, build new housing, and rehabilitate existing housing so CAF members have safe and affordable places to call home where they and their families are posted. In Esquimalt, Minister Blair reiterated that Budget 2024 makes additional investments for the Department of National Defence to build and renovate housing for CAF personnel on bases across Canada. This will support the construction of up to 1,400 new homes and the renovation of an additional 2,500 existing units for CAF members on base in communities such as Esquimalt, Edmonton, Borden, Trenton, Kingston, Petawawa, Ottawa, Valcartier, and Gagetown. Building more on-base housing will not only help meet the housing needs of military personnel but also help address housing demand in surrounding communities, since fewer military personnel will require rentals in these areas. Minister Blair also highlighted the federal government’s national effort to unlock more public lands for housing. National Defence owns 622 properties across Canada – including in Victoria, totalling 2.2 million hectares. Many of these National Defence properties in cities and communities across Canada are not fully utilized and could be unlocked to build more homes for Canadian Armed Forces members, and civilians, to live in. Minister Blair noted that the Government is reviewing the entire federal lands portfolio to identify more lands for housing. As announced in Budget 2024, the government is exploring the redevelopment of parts of National Defence properties – including CFB Esquimalt – which could be used for both military and civilian uses – including building more homes. We expect this review to identify additional lands that are promising for housing across Canada. As the results of this review come through, we will work with the housing sector to build homes wherever possible. Quotes “Canadian Armed Forces members stand ready to defend Canada every day. Wherever they are posted, service members should not have to worry about finding a suitable home. This new housing facility at CFB Esquimalt will provide state-of-the-art accommodations for 480 Armed Forces members – giving them a modern place to live while training. In British Columbia and right across Canada, we are making transformative investments to improve military housing and support our people. The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence Quick facts Funding for the construction and design of this project comes from Canada’s 2017 defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with completion projected for the early 2030s. This project will also include the demolition of the current CFB Esquimalt accommodation facility, Nelles Block. We expect demolition will take place once the new facility is constructed in early 2030s. This new Junior NCM Training Facility will also meet the objectives of the Federal Sustainable Development strategy, the Greening Government Strategy, and will seek two Green Globes Certification. This facility will be designed to be Net Zero compliant and resilient to climate change, featuring energy efficient HVAC and lighting, parking spaces for green vehicles, rainwater capture technology, LED lighting, and more. To date, National Defence has reduced greenhouse gas emissions from its buildings and non-military vehicles by 35.9% across Canada, compared with 2005 levels. As part of their tender application, the Design-Builder is required to propose an Indigenous Benefit Plan that provides a commitment for Indigenous Business subcontracting with a target of 5% of the contract amount. Meeting this target is contingent on market conditions and industry capacity. This procurement strategy will continue our commitment to create more opportunities for Indigenous businesses to succeed and grow. CFB Esquimalt is one of Canada’s two Navy bases – and our government is committed to modernizing housing facilities at both of them. An accommodations facility was already constructed at CFB Halifax and completed in 2017. A twelve-story tower, approximately 19,000 m2 total with 300 rooms and a dining/mess hall, were constructed to support personnel at CFB Halifax in 2017. This project cost was approximately $155 million. As indicated in Budget 2024, the Government of Canada is leading a national effort to unlock more homes on public lands. National Defence owns 622 properties across every province and territory, totalling 2.2 million hectares, in addition to providing housing to many members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Many of these National Defence properties in cities and communities across Canada are not fully utilized and could be unlocked to build more homes for Canadian Armed Forces members, and civilians, to live in. As part of its work to build homes on public lands, Budget 2024 announced that the government is exploring the redevelopment of National Defence properties in Halifax, Toronto, and Victoria that could be suitable for both military and civilian uses. Budget 2024 also announced that the Department of National Defence is working with Canada Lands Company and other partners to divest 14 surplus properties that have potential for housing, and are not needed for National Defence operations. These properties include: The Amherst Armoury in Amherst, Nova Scotia; 96 D'Auteuil and 87 St-Louis in Quebec City, Quebec; The National Defence Medical Centre in Ottawa, Ontario; The HMCS Hunter Armoury in Windsor, Ontario; and, The Brigadier Murphy Armoury in Vernon, British Columbia. Budget 2024 also makes additional investments for the Department of National Defence to build and renovate housing for CAF personnel on bases across Canada. This will support the construction of up to 1,400 new homes and the renovation of an additional 2,500 existing units for CAF members on base in communities such as Esquimalt, Edmonton, Borden, Trenton, Kingston, Petawawa, Ottawa, Valcartier, and Gagetown. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2024/08/minister-blair-announces-contract-award-for-new-480-room-military-accommodations-facility-at-cfb-esquimalt-and-highlights-plan-to-build-more-homes-.html
February 11, 2019 | Local, Naval

CSC Home Team Celebrates Canadian Industry Success
Canada's Combat Ship Team awarded contract for Canadian Surface Combatant OTTAWA, Ontario, Feb. 8, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Canadian technology, experience and infrastructure proved a winning combination for Canada's new fleet of surface combatants, as Canada's Combat Ship Team has been awarded the Canadian Surface Combatant design contract by Irving Shipbuilding. Irving Shipbuilding is the Canadian Surface Combatant prime contractor and will build all 15 ships at Halifax Shipyard. BAE Systems, CAE, Lockheed Martin Canada, L3 Technologies, MDA and Ultra Electronics partnered as Canada's Combat Ship Team to offer the Royal Canadian Navy the most advanced and modern warship design, the Type 26 Global Combat Ship, with high-tech platform innovations from prominent Canadian companies. The solution includes the internationally renowned and Canadian-developed combat management system, CMS 330. Bringing together a pan-Canadian team, the six companies have a uniquely skilled workforce and supply chain that are ready to begin work on the program today. Canada's Combat Ship team employs a combined 9,000 Canadians in 40 facilities from coast to coast and engages a Canadian supply chain of more than 4,000 small and medium sized enterprises. The team also secured several additional partners, including Rolls-Royce with its Canadian-designed and manufactured Mission Bay Handling System that will enable adaptability for the ships' operations. The Type 26 Global Combat Ship is a globally deployable multi-role warship that meets the distinctive mission requirements of the Royal Canadian Navy. It is enhanced with the team's collective Canadian naval expertise in combat system design, integration, training, logistics and program management. Purposely designed for high-end anti-submarine warfare and capable of performing a variety of missions around the world, the Type 26 is acoustically quiet, versatile, highly survivable, and allows for significant growth margins for future modernization. Canada's Combat Ship Team will deliver lasting economic benefits to Canadian industry through $17 billion in value proposition commitments in innovation across Canada's priority areas, including $2 billion in supplier development, $2 billionin research and development, and $200 million in advanced manufacturing. All of this contributes to a strong Canadian team - Canada's Home Team - ready to begin work on day one as promised. Quotes "We are delighted to be part of Canada's Combat Ship Team that has been awarded the Canadian Surface Combatant design contract. We believe that the Type 26 Global Combat Ship is the right solution for Canada, combining Canada's trusted Combat Management System with the world's most advanced warship design and bringing together a pan-Canadian team with a proven track record and current capability to perform complex defence projects." Anne Healey, General Manager - Canada, BAE Systems "As one of Canada's largest defence companies, we are proud to be part of this pan-Canadian team selected for the Canadian Surface Combatant program. We look forward to working closely with the Government of Canada, Irving Shipbuilding and the entire team to develop and deliver world-class capability that prepares the men and women of the Royal Canadian Navy for mission success." Joe Armstrong, Vice President and General Manager - Canada, CAE "This award is true validation of our Canadian capability. Our team is honoured, knowing that we offered the right solution for Canada and a proven ability to perform on complex defence programs. Lockheed Martin Canada is ready to continue serving as Canada's trusted Combat System Integrator, as it has for more than three decades, leveraging the innovation and talent here at home that will ultimately result in unprecedented economic outcome for Canada." Gary Fudge, Vice President and General Manager, Lockheed Martin Canada Rotary and Mission Systems "With over 2,200 Canadians working at L3 Technologies, we stand ready to deliver the latest EO/IR sensors, Integrated Platform Management, Integrated Communications and Torpedo Handling systems for the Canadian Surface Combatant. With proven capability on existing Canadian ships, L3 Technologies is proud to be on the team that will deliver the world leading performance expected by the Royal Canadian Navy." Rich Foster, Vice President, L3 Technologies Canada "As one of Canada's leading space and defence companies, MDA's participation in this project validates our expertise in electronics, antennas, signal processing, system engineering and mission software capabilities. In addition to providing world-class operational CSC capability to the Canadian Armed Forces, this project will be a catalyst for exporting more of our technology to the global naval market." Mike Greenley, Group President, MDA "As the underwater warfare lead on the CSC Home Team we are bringing to bear our considerable depth of anti-submarine warfare experience and capability, ensuring Canada's new ships will provide an enduring operational advantage to the Royal Canadian Navy. This work will generate high-tech jobs in Nova Scotia for sonar design and manufacturing and add to our existing significant export capability." Bernard Mills, President, Ultra Electronics Maritime Systems "Our experience and world-leading capability as providers of integrated power and propulsion solutions will deliver these warships with exceptional power through-life and the superb acoustic performance essential to anti-submarine warfare operations. Our Canadian-designed and manufactured Mission Bay Handling System will allow the essential flexibility and adaptability for future operations." Bruce Lennie, Vice President Business Development & Government Affairs, Rolls-Royce Canada About BAE Systems BAE Systems is a world leading shipbuilding, support and maintenance company with the skills and expertise to design, build, integrate, test, commission and support complex warships. BAE Systems has a strong track record of collaboration with customers and industrial partners worldwide to share technology and skills – helping countries grow their naval and industrial capabilities. Canadian industry is already integral to the Type 26 Global Combat Ship program. BAE Systems has operated in Canada for over 100 years partnering over a recent period with over 240 Canadian companies. BAE is active across Canada with equipment including Hawk trainer jets, Submarines, cyber security, Hybrid drive busses, and naval guns. About CAE As a globally-recognized training systems integrator, CAE is committed to providing defence and security forces world-class training centres, training services, and a comprehensive portfolio of training solutions. CAE is headquartered in Canada and has employees in 15 locations across the country. About Lockheed Martin Canada Lockheed Martin Canada has been Canada's trusted defence partner for nearly 80 years and has a proud legacy of providing innovative naval systems and sustainment solutions for Canada and abroad. For more than three decades, Lockheed Martin Canada has demonstrated its capability and commitment to the Royal Canadian Navy as the Prime Contractor and Combat System Integrator for the HALIFAX Class Frigates. The company employs approximately 1,000 employees at major facilities in Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax, Calgary, and Victoria, working on a wide range of major programs spanning the aerospace, defence and commercial sectors. About L3 Technologies A leading provider of communication, electronic and sensor systems used on military, homeland security and commercial platforms, L3 Technologies is also a prime contractor in aerospace systems, security and detection systems, and pilot training. With over 50 years of business operations in Canada, L3 has a strong Canadian presence with L3 MAPPS, L3 MAS, L3 Communication Systems Canada and L3 WESCAM that each have experience working on technologies and projects for the Royal Canadian Navy. About MDA MDA is an internationally recognized leader in space robotics, space sensors, satellite payloads, antennas and subsystems, surveillance and intelligence systems, defence and maritime systems, and geospatial radar imagery. MDA's extensive space expertise and heritage translates into mission-critical defence and commercial applications that include multi-platform command, control and surveillance systems, aeronautical information systems, land administration systems and terrestrial robotics. MDA is also a leading supplier of actionable mission-critical information and insights derived from multiple data sources. Founded in 1969, MDA is recognized as one of Canada's most successful technology ventures with locations in Richmond, Ottawa, Brampton, Montreal, Halifax and the United Kingdom. MDA has supported the Royal Canadian Navy for over two decades. About Ultra Electronics Based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Ultra Electronics is a part of the Ultra Electronics Group, an international defense and aerospace company. Ultra Electronics has been delivering world-leading underwater warfare solutions to the defense market for 70 years. Ultra Electronics has been highly successful in transforming its research investment into the technologically-advanced underwater battlespace sensor systems that it delivers to both Royal Canadian Navy and internationally. Today, Ultra Electronics is recognized worldwide for its expertise in hull mounted sonar, towed active and passive arrays, sonar sensors, and underwater acoustics. About Rolls-Royce Rolls-Royce pioneers cutting edge technology to provide highly-efficient integrated power and propulsion solutions. Rolls-Royce has been established in Canada for over 70 years and today employs over 1500 Canadians at eight locations across six provinces. Rolls-Royce plays an active role in many of the world's major defence programs offering advanced system solutions to navies and coastguards. SOURCE Lockheed Martin https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2019-02-08-CSC-Home-Team-Celebrates-Canadian-Industry-Success
October 30, 2020 | Local, Aerospace

Boeing would perform Canadian Super Hornet final assembly in US
by Pat Host Boeing would perform final assembly of its F/A-18 Block III Super Hornets in the United States rather than Canada if it wins Canada's Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP) competition. Jim Barnes, Boeing Defense, Space, and Security director of business development in Canada, on 27 October cited the small production run for performing final assembly in St. Louis, Missouri, where the Super Hornet is built. Canada will purchase 88 advanced fighters as part of its competition with the first aircraft anticipated for 2025. The procurement is expected to be worth USD11-14 billion. “It was decided that the benefits of standing up these types of operations in Canada were not worth the investment,” Barnes said. “We are concentrating on the decades of life cycle support for our partners' work share, including potential work on US Navy Super Hornets.” Boeing is competing against the Saab Gripen E with production in Canada and the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) for the FFCP. The winning company will replace the Royal Canadian Air Force's (RCAF's) legacy Boeing F/A-18 (CF-18/CF-188 in national service) fighter fleet. The industrial and technical benefits (ITB) portion of an offeror's bid is an important part of a proposal. Jennifer Seidman, Boeing international strategic partnerships country manager for Canada, said on 27 October that both defence production and skills development were part of the company's ITB proposal, but that she could not provide further details. https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/boeing-would-perform-canadian-super-hornet-final-assembly-in-us

All news