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News release 45-day consultation on economic security open until September 23 August 9, 2024 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada Supply chain disruptions, rising protectionism and unfair trade practices can undermine Canada’s access to international trade markets, compromise our supply chains and harm our national security. They can also hurt Canadian competitiveness, jobs and economic prosperity. Canada is continuously looking to promote resiliency and a level playing field while ensuring its economy remains competitive and secure. Today, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, announced the launch of public consultations on potential new measures to advance and defend Canada’s economic security interests. The consultations, which will be held over 45 days from August 9, 2024 to September 23, 2024, will help assess whether Canada has the best tools to promote economic prosperity and resilience. As a trading nation, Canada’s prosperity relies on a system of rules and institutions that provides predictability and stability for international trade and investment. Canada remains firmly committed to supporting an open, fair and inclusive rules-based international trade system. To participate in these consultations, please read the privacy notice statement and send your written submission to the email address indicated on the consultations web page before September 23, 2024. Canada also launched on July 2, 2024, consultations on potential policy responses to unfair Chinese trade practices in electric vehicles (EV). This was a separate consultation led by the Department of Finance Canada. The consultations closed on August 1, 2024. Quotes “We are engaging with Canadians to ensure that our economy remains strong and secure in the face of policies and practices that can undermine our competitiveness and prosperity. We are seeking Canadians’ views on ways in which we can improve our economic security toolkit to advance Canada’s growth and defend its economic interests.” - Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development Related products Public consultations on potential new measures to advance and defend Canada’s economic security interests Privacy notice: Public consultations on potential new measures to advance and defend Canada’s economic security interests https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2024/08/launch-of-public-consultations-on-potential-new-measures-to-advance-and-defend-canadas-economic-security-interests.html

The Pentagon's CTO said Wednesday the Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve plays a key role in prioritizing experimentation for joint requirements.

Statement August 8, 2024 – Vancouver, B.C. – National Defence/Canadian Armed Forces Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence of Canada, and the Honourable Richard Marles, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence of Australia, released a joint statement following their bilateral meeting. Statement 1. Canada and Australia enjoy a partnership based on shared history, values and friendship. Facing an increasingly complicated strategic environment, we commit to strengthen our defence relationship and reinforce our collective ability to respond to global challenges. 2. We commit to enhancing the interoperability of our armed forces. We will explore ways to reduce barriers to collaboration, including through arrangements to facilitate value-added defence and industrial activities and to support operational cooperation. We will reinforce collaboration in space, cyber, research and development, advanced capabilities, and science and technology. We remain committed to the Five Eyes partnership. Increased Military Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific 3. As Indo-Pacific nations, we support a region that is peaceful, stable, prosperous, which includes respect for sovereignty and adherence to international law. We underscored the need for all countries to manage strategic competition responsibly and work to reduce the risks of conflict. We commit to deepen our operational cooperation, including by exploring opportunities to conduct joint sails, cooperative deployments, and multilateral exercises and training.  4. Australia welcomes Canada’s increased defence presence throughout the Indo-Pacific region, as outlined in Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. Since the release of this strategy, Canada has increased its annual naval deployments and defence engagement throughout the region, creating additional opportunities for joint training in all domains. Canada welcomes the focus on the Indo-Pacific in Australia’s National Defence Strategy. 5. We continue to enhance our interoperability through participation in multilateral exercises, including in the South China Sea. Australia welcomes the involvement of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Vancouver in Exercise KAKADU next month, and plans for a follow-on ship re-armament activity, which will demonstrate the ability to provide logistics support to regional operations. Australia welcomes Canada’s participation in Exercise TALISMAN SABRE in 2025 and similar future exercises. Global Security 6. As the strategic environments of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific deteriorate we recognize developments in one region directly impact security in the other. We value Australia’s contribution to NATO as an Enhanced Opportunities Partner, which supports an integrated response to global challenges. We welcome the flagship projects NATO launched with its Indo-Pacific partners during the NATO Summit in July 2024, which address shared challenges such as cyber defence, hybrid threats, and resilience. 7. We reiterate our support for a sovereign and independent Ukraine, and our unequivocal condemnation of Russia’s illegal, unjustified, and full-scale invasion. We remain committed to supporting Ukraine to end the war on its own terms. We remain gravely concerned over the increased military cooperation between Russia and North Korea and call on all those with influence on Russia, particularly China, to exert it now to end the war. 8. Canada and Australia are concerned by China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea that are inconsistent with international law. We also emphasize the importance of all states’ ability to exercise rights and freedoms, including freedom of navigation and overflight, in a manner that is consistent with international law as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). We reiterate our strong opposition to destabilizing or coercive actions in the South China Sea, including dangerous maneuvers and the militarization of disputed features. We express grave concern over China’s dangerous actions against Philippine vessels near Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. These actions jeopardize regional peace, stability, and prosperity. We reaffirmed the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award as final and binding on the parties and noted all states have a responsibility to adhere to international law. We are encouraged by the Philippine’s and China’s diplomatic engagement and commitment to de-escalate tensions. 9. We reaffirm the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and our opposition to unilateral changes to the status quo. We call for the peaceful resolution of differences through dialogue without the threat or use of force or coercion. 10. We recognize the importance of the United Nations Command in securing lasting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. We condemn North Korea’s destabilizing launches using ballistic missile technology and its pursuit of nuclear weapons in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions. We are concerned by North Korea’s malicious cyber activity. We support international efforts to monitor North Korea’s sanctions evasion activities. 11. We reaffirm our call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the protection of civilians, the release of all hostages, and a sustained increase in the flow of assistance to address the catastrophic humanitarian situation. We reiterate our call on all parties to the conflict to agree to a comprehensive ceasefire deal. We are gravely concerned about the recent escalation of rhetoric and attacks across the Israel-Lebanon border as well as the prospect of further escalation which could destabilize the entire region. We support all diplomatic efforts to calm tensions and continue to urge de-escalation and restraint. Common Platforms and Capability Development 12. Australia and Canada are making significant investments to bolster our defence capabilities in our national defence strategies. We will explore opportunities for mutual learning and training to increase the interoperability and skillset of military members on shared platforms, such as the F-35 fighter aircraft, the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, and our new warship classes based on the Type 26 frigate design of BAE Systems. 13. We recognize operational effectiveness is underpinned by the strength of our cooperation in science, technology, and capability development. We are prioritizing overcoming challenges to the research, development, procurement, and fielding of advanced military capabilities to maintain our technological edge and support regional stability and security. We look forward to further collaboration in that regard, and recognize Canada’s interest in collaborating on advanced capability projects under AUKUS Pillar II. 14. We will continue addressing challenges collaboratively through the combination of our innovation ecosystems. This will help to maintain our collective technological lead in cyber, autonomous systems, quantum technologies, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, space, defence against hypersonic and advanced cruise missiles, and undersea warfare. Cyber and Space 15. We recognize malicious cyber threats and activities have increased in sophistication and scale. We reaffirm efforts to bolster our operational collaboration to address emerging cyber threats through the Five Eyes partnership, and we commit to deepening our cyber cooperation with Indo-Pacific partners. 16. As members of the Combined Space Operations Initiative and Operation Olympic Defender, we remain committed to a secure and stable space domain. We will continue to improve the coordination of space operations and interoperability of space capabilities, assure access to space, and promote the responsible, lawful, and sustainable use of the space domain. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2024/08/joint-statement-on-strengthening-the-canada-australia-defence-relationship.html

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

NATO collects defence expenditure data from Allies and publishes it on a regular basis. Each Ally’s Ministry of Defence reports current and estimated future defence expenditure according to an agreed definition. The amounts represent payments by a national government that have been or will be made during the course of the fiscal year to meet the needs of its armed forces, those of Allies or of the Alliance. In the figures and tables that follow, NATO also uses economic and demographic information available from the Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs of the European Commission (DG ECFIN) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_226465.htm?selectedLocale=en

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