Trudeau told NATO that Canada will never meet spending goal, Discord leak shows

On the same subject

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  December 18, 2018 | Local, Land

  General Dynamics Warns Trudeau Over Exit Penalties in Saudi Deal

  By Josh Wingrove Canada is looking for a way out of a $13 billion deal to export armored vehicles to Saudi Arabia -- a move the company warns could leave the government liable for billions. In a television interview Sunday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the government was looking for a way to halt the sale of armored vehicles manufactured by a unit of U.S.-based General Dynamics Corp. “We are engaged with the export permits to try and see if there is a way of no longer exporting these vehicles to Saudi Arabia,” Trudeau told CTV, without elaborating. Full article: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-12-17/trudeau-says-canada-wants-out-of-saudi-vehicle-export-deal

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  May 3, 2019 | Local, Naval

  Minister Sajjan marks the start of construction for the fourth Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship

  May 3, 2019 – Halifax (N.S.) – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces Another important milestone of the National Shipbuilding Strategy was reached today as the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, participated in a ceremony at Irving Shipbuilding highlighting the start of construction for the fourth Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS), the future HMCS William Hall. This is the fourth of six such ships to be built at the Halifax Shipyard for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) as articulated in Canada's defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged. Security in the Arctic is complicated by the region's geography and harsh climate. This new class of vessel was specifically designed to patrol Canada's waters and northernmost regions. It will have the versatility to navigate abroad and contribute to international operations. The Harry DeWolf-class will significantly enhance the CAF's capabilities and presence in the Arctic, better enabling the RCN to assert Arctic sovereignty for years to come. Since the start of construction for the first AOPS in 2015, the project has progressed well. The first vessel is expected to join the RCN's fleet this summer. Quotes “We are making significant progress on the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships as Canadian workers start the construction of the fourth ship, here in Halifax. These vessels will be critical assets to the RCN, enhancing our Arctic capability and greatly contributing to the future success of our operations in the most isolated regions of Canada. As outlined in Strong, Secure, Engaged, our government is delivering modern and versatile equipment to our women and men in uniform so they can successfully accomplish the work we ask of them.” The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence “Today's ceremony for Canada's fourth Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship marks an important milestone. It provides ongoing evidence that the National Shipbuilding Strategy is revitalizing our world-class marine industry, supporting Canadian innovation, creating good middle class jobs, stabilizing employment and generating economic benefits across Canada. We remain firmly committed to the Strategy, and will continue to work closely with our shipbuilding partners to position it for success now and into the future.” The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility “I am delighted to see so much progress on the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships this year, and look forward to seeing it continue in the years to come. Through this partnership with Irving Shipbuilding, we will sustain over 4,000 highly skilled jobs and create opportunities right here at the Halifax Shipyard and throughout Nova Scotia.” The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Rural Economic Development Quick facts The AOPS project is part of Canada's renewed focus on surveillance of Canadian territory, particularly our Arctic regions. As the security dynamics in the Arctic evolve due to such factors as climate change, we will continue to work to secure our northern air and maritime approaches, in coordination with our allies and partners. William Hall received the Victoria Cross in 1859 for heroism and support of the British Army during the relief of Lucknow (1857). Son of freed African-American slaves living in Nova Scotia, he is the first black person, first Nova Scotian, and third Canadian to have been awarded this honour. Four AOPS are now in production, with the construction of the fifth ship expected to begin later in 2019. AOPS 4 is expected to join the RCN fleet in 2022. The AOPS are highly versatile platforms that can be used on a variety of missions at home and abroad, such as coastal surveillance, search and rescue, drug interdiction, support to international partners, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief. Work is ongoing to complete the Nanisivik Naval Facility, which will support operations of the new Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships and other government maritime vessels. This new facility is expected to be complete later this year. Associated links Strong, Secure, Engaged Arctic and offshore patrol ships William Hall National Shipbuilding Strategy Contacts Todd Lane Press Secretary Office of the Minister of National Defence Phone: 613-996-3100 Media Relations Department of National Defence Phone: 613-996-2353 Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2019/05/minister-sajjan-marks-the-start-of-construction-for-the-fourth-arctic-and-offshore-patrol-ship.html

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  March 14, 2019 | Local, Aerospace

  Launching Canada's Space Strategy - Government releases plan for future space exploration, space science and jobs

  EDMONTON, March 6, 2019 /CNW/ - From pioneering satellite communications technologies to building the "Canadarm" and space-based radar systems, Canada has been making key contributions to space science and technology for over six decades. Investing in science, innovation and research unlocks new opportunities for economic growth, creates thousands of jobs for hard-working Canadians, and helps us understand the world we live in and our place in it. Today, the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, announced a national space strategy that recognizes the strategic value of space and space exploration for Canada. Canada's commitment to participating in theLunar Gatewayforms the cornerstone of Exploration, Imagination, Innovation: A New Space Strategy for Canada, which aims to leverage Canadian strengths like robotics, while advancing science and innovation in exciting areas like AI and biomedical technologies. Furthermore, to help prepare the next generation for the jobs of the future, the Junior Astronaut initiative will capitalize on the inspirational power of space to engage youth in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, among the wide range of space-related skills and activities. The Strategy describes how the Government will position Canada's space industry to take full advantage of the growing global space economy while ensuring that Canada keeps pace. It will also support innovative space firms through a dedicated investment so that they can scale up and thrive both in Canada and abroad. The Strategy also places priority on harnessing space science and technology to solve important challenges on Earth, including: investing in satellite communications technologies for broadband, including connectivity in rural and remote regions; exploring how the delivery of healthcare services in isolated communities can be improved through lessons learned in space; funding the development and demonstration of lunar science and technologies in fields that include AI, robotics and health; and leveraging the unique data collected from Canada's space-based assets to grow businesses and conduct cutting-edge science, including about the impact of climate change on Earth's atmosphere. Space exploration increases our knowledge of our planet and universe, encourages research and discoveries, and creates new business opportunities here in Canada to improve our daily lives. Through the Strategy, the Government of Canada is supporting future generations of innovators and explorers and ensuring that Canadians are ready to take advantage of the jobs and industries of tomorrow. Quick facts The Strategy is informed by the views and perspectives gathered by Canada's Space Advisory Board. On February 28, 2019, the Government of Canada announced an investment of $1.9 billion over 24 years for the next generation of smart, AI-powered space robotics for the U.S.-led Lunar Gateway. The government is also providing $150 million over 5 years for the Lunar Exploration Accelerator Program (LEAP). LEAP will fund the development and demonstration of lunar science and technologies in fields that include AI, robotics and health. The Junior Astronaut initiative includes space activities and a competition to train at CSA headquarters in Saint-Hubert, Quebec, with real astronauts. Canada's space sector currently employs 10,000 highly skilled workers, generates $5.5 billion in Canada's economy annually, and averages $2 billion in export sales. Space generates lucrative commercial opportunities for our companies. Morgan Stanley expects the global space market to triple in size to US$1.1 trillion by 2040. The Government of Canada has invested more than $2.5 billion since 2015 in Canada's space sector, extending our participation in the International Space Station, providing funding to the Canadian Space Agency to test technologies in space, and helping Canadian companies scale up through the Strategic Innovation Fund. "By aiming for the moon, we allow our children to reach for the stars. Space represents limitless possibilities and endless discoveries. For every astronaut we send to space, there are thousands of Canadians who are part of the journey. Canada's space strategy will foster our next generation of astronauts, engineers and scientists and will ensure Canadians and Canadian businesses benefit from the growing opportunities in the space economy." The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Links Canada's Space Strategy (pdf) Lunar Gateway Junior Astronauts Space Advisory Board Strategic Innovation Fund Website: http://asc-csa.gc.ca Email:ASC.Medias-Media.CSA@canada.ca Follow us on Social Media SOURCE Canadian Space Agency https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/launching-canada-s-space-strategy-government-releases-plan-for-future-space-exploration-space-science-and-jobs-840773359.html