Nouvelles

Murray Brewster · CBC News The Trump administration fired two warning shots last year over the Liberal government's long-delayed plan to replace Canada's CF-18 fighters, saying the procurement process discriminates against the Lockheed-Martin-built F-35 stealth jet, according to a new academic report. The study by a researcher at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute (MLI) cites leaked Pentagon letters written last summer and late fall to officials at Public Services and Procurement Canada. The report, released Monday, largely blames the Liberal government for the delays in the procurement, while making only a passing reference to the inability of the former Conservative government to deliver on the same program. The report's major revelation involves the leaked letters — which are expected to inflame the debate over the nearly decade-long on-again, off-again plan to replace the air force's 1980s-vintage CF-18s with modern warplanes. The source of the Pentagon's irritation is a federal government policy that insists defence manufacturers deliver specific industrial benefits to Canadian companies. Canada accused of angling for better deal That's not how the F-35 program is structured. Countries that participated in the development of the stealth jet — as Canada did — pay an annual fee to remain part of the program, which gives domestic aerospace companies in those countries the right to bid on F-35 work. The U.S. undersecretary for defence acquisition and sustainment wrote to Canada's assistant deputy minister of defence procurement in Public Services and Procurement Canada last summer to complain about the Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) policy. Ellen Lord warned the policy runs contrary to the F-35 participation agreement and accused Canada of trying to leverage a better deal than its allies. "This text basically stated that Canada had signed the [Memorandum of Understanding] clearly understanding these provisions and could not now try to renegotiate a better deal," said the Aug. 31, 2018 letter, leaked to MLI researcher Richard Shimooka. Lord went on to say the current procurement process "would be fundamentally and structurally prejudicial to any F-35 bid." The point was hammered home when former U.S. Vice-Admiral Mathias Winter, in charge of the Joint Program Office overseeing F-35 development, wrote to Canada's head of future fighter development at Public Services. After reviewing the federal government's draft request for proposals, Winter wrote that the F-35 would not be able to participate given the way the system is structured now. "Fundamentally, the F-35 program is different from Foreign Military Sales or Direct Commercial sales procurements," said the Dec. 18, 2018 letter. "The current [Future Fighter Capability Program] does not allow the F-35 to participate in a fair and open competition that recognizes the special nature and distinct advantages of the partnership." Lockheed-Martin is one of four manufacturers that plan to bid on the fighter jet replacement program. Several defence and defence industry sources told CBC News in a story published last month that the full tender was expected to be released at the end of May, with final bids to be delivered by the end of the year. There is considerable uncertainty about the timeline, however, because of questions and disputes about the project's industrial expectations. "A delay is inevitable," said one defence industry source on Monday. With the release of the letters, the institute's analysis peels back the curtain on perhaps the most contentious of the disputes: how to reconcile the existing F-35 benefits package with the federal government's standard procurement model. Lockheed-Martin would not confirm whether the issues raised in the letters remain active concerns, but sources within both the defence industry and the federal government say there is an ongoing dialogue. The U.S. defence giant, in a statement, said it did not commission the report but acknowledged it had provided "factual information to several think tanks in Canada" about its various programs. The company said the structure of the F-35 program means it is the U.S. defence department that does all of the talking. "We continue to provide our feedback to the U.S. government, which leads all government-to-government discussions related to the Canadian fighter replacement competition," said Cindy Tessier, head of communications for Lockheed Martin Canada. She touted the $1.25 billion in contracts already awarded to Canadian companies because of the F-35 program and said the potential is there for more work once the fighter aircraft reaches full production in a few years. "As a valued current partner on the program, Canadian industry has the opportunity to produce and sustain components and systems to a fleet that is expected to grow to more than 4,000 aircraft," she said. A spokeswoman for Public Services Minister Carla Qualtrough did not address the Pentagon letters directly, but did say the government has engaged in continuous dialogue with potential bidders as it sought feedback on the proposed tender. "The approach is inherently designed to encourage continuous supplier engagement," said Ashley Michnowski. "We do this so that suppliers are able to make informed business decisions. "Our government has been hard working to address as much of the supplier feedback as possible to ensure a level playing field and a fair and open competition with as many eligible suppliers as possible." The process is not yet complete, although it is nearing its conclusion and a final request for proposals will be issued soon, she added. https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trump-administration-claims-ottawa-s-jet-procurement-plan-is-unfair-to-f-35-says-report-1.5125009

By Lee Berthiaume, The Canadian Press OTTAWA — U.S. officials have threatened to pull the F-35 out of the competition to replace the Royal Canadian Air Force's aging CF-18 fighters over the Liberal government's plan to ask bidders to re-invest some of the giant purchase contract in Canadian industry. The warnings are in two letters sent to the government last year and obtained by defence analyst Richard Shimooka. They were released in a report published Monday by the Macdonald-Laurier Institute think-tank. They say the requirement is incompatible with Canada's obligations as a member of the group of countries working together to develop the F-35 stealth fighter in the first place. While the re-investment requirement is standard for most Canadian military procurements, the U.S. officials note Canada agreed not to include it when it signed on as one of nine F-35 partner countries in 2006. Companies in those countries must instead compete for work associated with the plane — only companies from those countries are eligible, but they're supposed to compete on equal footing. The U.S. officials say conditions on bidders that would privilege Canadian companies will mean the F-35 won't be entered in the race. The F-35, which is built by Lockheed Martin, had been expected to go up against the Eurofighter Typhoon, Saab Gripen and Boeing Super Hornet for an 88-plane procurement worth about $19 billion. French company Dassault pulled its Rafale from contention late last year. "In summary, we cannot participate in an offer of the F-35 weapon system where requirements do not align with the F-35 partnership," U.S. Vice-Admiral Mathias Winter, program executive officer for the Pentagon's F-35 office, wrote on Dec. 18. "Such an offer would violate (the F-35 agreement) and place the entire F-35 partnership at risk." In his letter to Paula Folkes-Dallaire, senior director of the fighter-jet program at Public Services and Procurement Canada, Winter asked for clarity by Jan. 31 as to the government's decision on the re-investment requirements. Winter's letter followed a similar one from Ellen Lord, the Pentagon's head of military procurement, on Aug. 31, 2018. In a statement, Public Procurement Minister Carla Qualtrough's spokeswoman said the government has engaged in several rounds of discussions and exchanges with potential bidders, which included providing them with opportunities "to ask questions, raise concerns and provide suggestions. "Our government has been hard working to address as much of the supplier feedback as possible to ensure a level playing field and a fair and open competition with as many eligible suppliers as possible," added Ashley Michnowski. "This stage of the process is not yet complete, though is nearing its conclusion and a final (request for proposals) will be issued soon." The Pentagon's F-35 office did not return requests for comment. Stephen Harper's Conservatives first announced plans to buy 65 F-35s without a competition in 2010, but backed off that plan over questions about cost and concerns over the Defence Department's tactics in getting government approval for the deal. During the 2015 federal election campaign, Justin Trudeau's Liberals promised they would immediately launch an open and fair competition to replace the CF-18s, but not buy the F-35. The Trudeau government has since said the F-35 will be allowed to compete while officials had been expecting to finally launch that competition in the coming weeks. That the re-investment requirement remains unresolved is both surprising and unsurprising given defence experts have long warned it would be a significant obstacle to running a fair and open competition that includes the F-35. Canada, which has already contributed roughly $500 million over the past 20 years toward developing the F-35, could in theory quit as a partner country, but would have to pay more for the stealth fighters if the F-35 won the competition. Canada could also be on the hook for hundreds of millions more in development fees despite quitting the program, while Canadian companies would not be allowed to compete for work related to the aircraft. In a recent interview, the Department of National Defence's head of military procurement, Patrick Finn, said the government is trying to strike the right balance between military and economic priorities when it comes to the fighter-jet competition. "The feedback we're seeing from some suppliers some are quite content, some would like to see some more flexibility in other areas," he said. "So it's making all of that work, respecting (companies') strengths, keeping everybody in the competition and doing it in a way that brings the right capability to the air force for decades to come." —Follow @leeberthiaume on Twitter Lee Berthiaume, The Canadian Press https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2019/05/06/ottawas-planned-fighter-competition-incompatible-with-f-35-obligations-u-s-3

By Alex Boutilier Ottawa Bureau OTTAWA–Andrew Scheer will announce tomorrow that a Conservative government would start talks with the Trump administration to join the U.S. continental missile defence program, the Star has learned. While the U.S. has sought the Canadian government's co-operation on a missile defence program since the early 2000s, successive governments — both Liberal and Conservative — have refused. But two Conservative sources, who were not authorized to speak on the record, confirmed Scheer will announce a future Conservative government would pursue joining the program, which seeks to detect and stop missile attacks on the U.S. and its allies. Scheer will also announce his party's desire to “modernize” NORAD, the joint Canada-U.S. aerospace defence system, one source who had seen the text of the speech said. The announcements will come as part of a speech Scheer is scheduled to deliver Tuesday in Montreal on the Conservatives' approach to foreign policy. The speech is the first of five policy speeches Scheer is slated to deliver over the next five weeks. Scheer has released little in terms of policy since winning the Conservative leadership in May 2017, leading to Liberal attacks that he doesn't have a plan, especially on the environment. The speeches could blunt that criticism, while giving voters a better sense of what the Conservatives expect to include in their election platform. In addition to foreign affairs, Scheer will deliver speeches on immigration, the economy, “confederation” and the environment. The issue of a ballistic missile defence treaty with the United States has been a contentious one for successive Canadian governments. In 2005, then-prime minister Paul Martin refused to sign a deal with the Bush administration. Stephen Harper rebuffed similar requests from president Barack Obama, and the current Liberal government was similarly cold to the idea in its recently released defence policy overhaul. “The threats facing North America have evolved significantly in the air and maritime environment ... and weapons technology, including ballistic and cruise missiles, has advanced tremendously,” the defence framework reads. “Canada's policy with respect to participation in ballistic missile defence has not changed. However, we intend to engage the United States to look broadly at emerging threats and perils to North America, across all domains, as part of NORAD modernization.” Canadian governments' reluctance to join the American missile defence shield has typically had more to do with domestic politics than national security or defence considerations, according to Eugene Lang, an adjunct professor at the Queen's University school of policy studies. “There's been a lot of political sensitivity around it for Canadian governments that were feeling it was going to be controversial for Canada to sign on to this thing,” said Lang, who served as chief of staff to two Liberal defence ministers. “That was certainly the case in the early 2000s with the Bush administration because the Bush administration's foreign and military policy was deeply unpopular in Canada. Now the Trump administration's military and security policy, I don't know if it's deeply unpopular (but) we know Trump is deeply unpopular.” Whoever wins the upcoming federal election will likely face increased pressure from the Trump administration to participate — and help pay for — a planned update of the U.S. ballistic missile defence system. In January, President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. will deploy a new space-based system for detecting and stopping ballistic missiles aimed at the U.S. and its allies. But Trump also said that the allies who benefit from that defence system will be expected to pay their share of the cost. With files from the Canadian Press https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2019/05/06/scheer-government-would-seek-to-join-us-missile-defence-program.html

Le 3 mai 2019 - Halifax (N.-É.) - Défense nationale/Forces armées canadiennes Un autre jalon important de la Stratégie nationale de construction navale a été franchi aujourd'hui lorsque l'honorable Harjit S. Sajjan, ministre de la Défense nationale, a participé à une cérémonie au Chantier naval de Irving soulignant le début de la construction du quatrième NPEA, le futur NCSM William Hall. Il s'agit du quatrième des six navires de ce genre à être construits au chantier naval de Halifax pour la Marine royale canadienne (MRC), conformément à la politique de défense du Canada Protection, Sécurité, Engagement. La sécurité dans l'Arctique est compliquée par la géographie et le climat rigoureux de la région. Cette nouvelle classe de navires a été spécialement conçue pour patrouiller dans les eaux canadiennes et les régions nordiques. La polyvalence de ces navires leur permettra aussi de naviguer à l'étranger et contribuer aux opérations internationales. La classe Harry DeWolf améliorera considérablement les capacités et la présence des FAC dans l'Arctique, ce qui permettra à la MRC de mieux affirmer sa souveraineté dans l'Arctique pour les années à venir. Depuis le début de la construction du premier NPEA en 2015, le projet a bien progressé. Le premier navire devrait se joindre à la flotte de la MRC cet été. Citations « Nous réalisons d'importants progrès sur les navires de patrouille extracôtiers et de l'Arctique alors que les travailleurs canadiens entreprennent la construction du quatrième navire, ici, à Halifax. Ces navires constitueront des atouts essentiels pour la MRC, car ils amélioreront notre capacité dans l'Arctique et contribueront grandement au succès futur de nos opérations dans les régions les plus isolées du Canada. Comme nous l'avons indiqué dans Protection, Sécurité, Engagement, notre gouvernement fournit de l'équipement moderne et polyvalent à nos femmes et à nos hommes en uniforme afin qu'ils puissent accomplir avec succès le travail que nous leur confions. » L'honorable Harjit S. Sajjan Ministre de la Défense nationale « La cérémonie d'aujourd'hui pour le quatrième navire de patrouille extracôtier et de l'Arctique du Canada marque un jalon important. Elle est un témoignage que la Stratégie nationale de construction navale revitalise notre industrie maritime, appuie l'innovation technologique canadienne, crée des emplois stables et génère des retombées économiques partout au Canada. Nous demeurons fermement engagés envers la Stratégie et continuerons de travailler en étroite collaboration avec nos partenaires de la construction navale afin d'en assurer le succès, maintenant et à l'avenir. » L'honorable Carla Qualtrough, Ministre des Services publics et de l'Approvisionnement et de l'Accessibilité « Je suis ravie de constater tous les progrès accomplis cette année sur les navires de patrouille extracôtiers et de l'Arctique, et j'ai h'te de voir le reste du projet progresser dans les années à venir. Gr'ce à ce partenariat avec Irving Shipbuilding, nous allons conserver plus de 4 000 emplois hautement qualifiés et créer des occasions ici, à Halifax, et partout en Nouvelle-Écosse. » L'honorable Bernadette Jordan, Ministre du Développement économique rural Faits en bref Le projet des NPEA s'inscrit dans le cadre du regain d'intérêt du Canada pour la surveillance du territoire, en particulier dans les régions arctiques. À mesure que la dynamique de la sécurité dans l'Arctique évolue, en raison de facteurs tels que les changements climatiques, nous continuerons de travailler à sécuriser nos approches aériennes et maritimes dans le Nord, en coordination avec nos alliés et nos partenaires. William Hall a reçu la Croix de Victoria en 1859 pour son héroïsme et le soutien qu'il a apporté à l'Armée britannique lors de la libération de Lucknow (1857). Fils d'esclaves afro-américains affranchis vivant en Nouvelle-Écosse, il est la première personne noire, le premier Néo-Écossais et le troisième Canadien à avoir reçu cet honneur. Quatre NPEA sont actuellement en production, et la construction du cinquième navire devrait débuter plus tard en 2019. Le quatrième NPEA devrait rejoindre la flotte de la MRC en 2022. Les NPEA sont des plates-formes très polyvalentes qui peuvent être utilisées dans le cadre de diverses missions au pays et à l'étranger, comme la surveillance côtière, la recherche et le sauvetage, l'interception des drogues, le soutien aux partenaires internationaux, l'aide humanitaire et les secours en cas de catastrophe. Les travaux se poursuivent pour achever l'installation navale de Nanisivik, qui appuiera les opérations des nouveaux navires de patrouille extracôtiers et de l'Arctique et d'autres navires maritimes du gouvernement. Cette nouvelle installation devrait être terminée plus tard cette année. Liens connexes Protection, Sécurité, Engagement Navires de patrouille extracôtiers et de l'Arctique William Hall Stratégie nationale de construction navale Personnes-ressources Todd Lane Attaché de presse Cabinet du ministre de la Défense nationale Tél. : 613-996-3100 Relations avec les médias Ministère de la Défense nationale Tél. : 613-996-2353 Courriel : mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca https://www.canada.ca/fr/ministere-defense-nationale/nouvelles/2019/05/le-ministre-sajjan-marque-le-debut-de-la-construction-du-quatrieme-navire-de-patrouille-extracotier-et-de-larctique.html

LÉVIS, QC, April 30, 2019 /CNW/ - Icebreaking is a key factor in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of people and goods on Canadian waterways, and helps contribute to year-round shipping and economic growth. That is why the Government of Canada is committed to providing the Canadian Coast Guard with the equipment it needs to ensure these waterways are kept safe and open for business. The Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, and the Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility, the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, announced today that Chantier Davie of Lévis, Quebec, was awarded a contract of $7,198,164.30 for the dry-dock refit of the CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent, Canada's largest icebreaker. The scheduled refit of the CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent will ensure the Canadian Coast Guard continues to provide critical icebreaking and other marine services effectively. This contract was awarded on April 15, 2019following an Advanced Contract Award Notice issued on November 16, 2018. Minister Wilkinson also announced the names of the two interim icebreakers currently undergoing conversion work at Chantier Davie; CCGS Jean Goodwill and CCGS Vincent Massey. These ships will be available to support Coast Guard programs by late 2019 and summer 2020, respectively. In December 2018, the Canadian Coast Guard accepted the first of three interim icebreakers which were acquired to supplement its existing fleet during vessel life extension and repair periods. CCGS Jean Goodwill takes its name from one of the founding members of the Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada and contemporary champion of public health services for Indigenous people. CCGS Vincent Massey, is named after the first Canadian appointed to the post of Governor General, which until then was occupied by British born individuals. The Right Honourable Vincent Massey was appointed Governor General on the recommendation of then Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent. CCGS Jean Goodwill and CCGS Vincent Massey will be part of the national Coast Guard fleet which carries out icebreaking duties in Atlantic Canada, the St. Lawrence and the Great Lakes, and Arctic regions. CCGS Jean Goodwill's homeport will be in Halifax, NS, and CCGS Vincent Massey in Quebec City, QC. Quotes "The refit of CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent is an important part of the planned maintenance of the Coast Guard's icebreaking fleet. Regular maintenance helps ensure our largest vessel is ready to provide essential icebreaking services to Canadians, especially in the Arctic where shipping escorts are essential to resupplying northern communities. Furthermore, we look forward to welcoming CCGS Jean Goodwill and CCGS Vincent Massey to the fleet to help support the Coast Guard with the essential work they do in Canadian waters." The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard "Canadians from coast to coast to coast rely on the Canadian Coast Guard to protect their coastlines and their livelihoods. This contract will ensure the men and women of the Canadian Coast Guard are properly equipped to do their important work, while also helping sustain good middle-class jobs at the Davie Shipyard." The Honourable Carla Qualtrough Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility "Our government's contract award to Davie Shipyard is a testament to the exceptional expertise of the shipbuilding workers in our region. Their internationally recognized expertise and professionalism will continue to be put to work for the benefit of the Canadian Coast Guard, the safety of our waterways and our economy." The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos Member of Parliament for Québec Quick Facts The CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent is Canada's largest icebreaker, homeported in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. Icebreakers are crucial to Coast Guard services, vital to the safety of mariners, the protection of coastal waters, resupply of northern communities and the orderly flow of commerce through Canadian waters. The award of this contract follows an Advance Contract Award Notice (ACAN), which was issued on November 16, 2018 and closed on December 4, 2018. The ACAN process helps to ensure a fair, open, and transparent procurement process, by allowing any interested supplier to demonstrate how it could meet the requirements of the ACAN. As of December 2018, the value of the work awarded under the repair, refit and maintenance portion of the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) is now over $4.5B.This includes $1.56B in contracts awarded to Quebec shipyards under the NSS. On December 14, 2018, the Canadian Coast Guard accepted the first of three interim icebreakers being converted by Chantier Davie as part of a $610-million contract awarded in August 2018. The three icebreakers were acquired to supplement the Coast Guard's existing fleet during vessel life extension and repair periods, providing continuous on-water capability during scheduled maintenance periods. In accordance with the Canadian Coast Guard ship naming policy, CCGS Jean Goodwill and CCGS Vincent Massey were named to honour Canadian leaders who made significant contributions to Canada. Associated Links Canadian Coast Guard's new icebreakers National Shipbuilding Strategy Canadian Coast Guard Navigation Officer Program Stay Connected Follow the Canadian Coast Guard on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Subscribe to receive our news releases and more via RSS feeds. For more information or to subscribe, visit http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/rss-eng.htm. SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada For further information: Jocelyn Lubczuk, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, 343-548-7863, Jocelyn.lubczuk@dfo-mpo.gc.ca; Media Relations, Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, 613-990-7537, Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/government-of-canada-awards-contract-to-chantier-davie-for-refit-of-canadian-coast-guard-icebreaker-and-unveils-names-of-interim-icebreakers-857320833.html

GATINEAU, QC, April 29, 2019 /CNW/ - The National Shipbuilding Strategy continues to deliver on its commitment to equip the Royal Canadian Navy with the ships needed to serve Canadians, while bringing jobs and prosperity to communities across the country and revitalizing our marine industry. Today, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Gaspésie–Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, announced that Public Services and Procurement Canada, on behalf of National Defence, has awarded a contract of $102 million (including taxes) to Ocean Industries Inc., from Isle‑aux-Coudres, Quebec, for the acquisition of four tugs. These new tugs will provide towing, firefighting and other critical support services to both the Atlantic and Pacific Maritime Forces. They will replace the Royal Canadian Navy's five civilian-crewed Glen-class large tugs and two Fire-class rescue boats. This contract will help sustain or create up to 140 jobs for Ocean Industries Inc. and its subcontractors. Quotes "The Government of Canada is committed to equipping the women and men of the Royal Canadian Navy with the ships they need to carry out their important work. Today's announcement is yet another example of how the National Shipbuilding Strategy is supporting jobs and prosperity in communities across Canada, including in Quebec." The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Gaspésie–Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine "Large tugs are an essential part of the auxiliary fleet that supports the Royal Canadian Navy. They help berth our warships as they arrive from operations or as they leave to support our allies. The Government of Canadais providing the Royal Canadian Navy with the equipment they need to fulfill the missions we ask of them. Furthermore, this defence contract to build four large tugs in Canada will contribute to growing our economy and strengthening our middle class." The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan Minister of National Defence "We're very pleased to have obtained this contact to complete this project at our shipyard in Isle-aux-Coudres in the Charlevoix region. Though we've built a lot of ships, this is the most important contract ever taken on by Ocean Industries Inc. Today, it's our advanced expertise as a builder and naval tug operator that is recognized by the federal government. We worked hard to present the federal government with a competitive offer, and we're pleased that our efforts are materializing in these initial significant economic results for our company related to the National Shipbuilding Strategy." Jacques Tanguay President and Chief Executive Officer, Ocean Group Quick facts Two of these tugs will go to Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt in British Columbia. The other two will be delivered to CFB Halifax in Nova Scotia. The first two tugs are scheduled to be delivered in 2021. The last two tugs will be delivered in 2023. Canada has applied a voluntary set-aside for the Aboriginal participation component at 1% of the contract value. Related products Royal Canadian Navy Ocean Industries Inc. Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Facebook SOURCE Public Services and Procurement Canada https://www.newswire.ca/fr/news-releases/government-of-canada-awards-contract-for-acquisition-of-four-naval-large-tugs-806906347.html

DAVID PUGLIESE, OTTAWA CITIZEN BAE Systems is no longer in the running to bid on a new program to provide Canada with military aircrew training services. BAE Systems was on the list of qualified suppliers for the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program when it was established in December 2018. But on April 2, BAE Systems informed Canada of its decision to officially withdraw from the solicitation process, Public Services and Procurement Canada announced Monday. “BAE Systems is therefore no longer a qualified supplier in the competitive process and will not be invited to submit a proposal to Canada for the FAcT program,” Procurement Canada noted in a statement. The Royal Canadian Air Force has a need for ongoing pilot training, as well as training for air combat systems officers and airborne electronic sensor operators and the FAcT program will provide that training, according to the Department of National Defence. BAE Systems has not yet provided comment on its reasons for withdrawing from the competition. Here is the list of qualified suppliers (in alphabetical order) that the federal government originally published: Airbus Defence and Space Babcock Canada Inc. Leonardo Canada Lockheed Martin Canada Inc. SkyAlyne Canada Limited Partnership https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/bae-systems-withdraws-from-canadian-pilot-training-competition

DAVID PUGLIESE, OTTAWA CITIZEN Though the federal government expects to award a contract for a new fleet of fighter jets in 2022, it admits that schedule is aggressive and could yet face further delays. A request for bids to provide 88 new jets to the Royal Canadian Air Force will be released next month, according to a new update on major Department of National Defence projects released Wednesday, with the proposals to be evaluated by 2021 and a contract to be awarded a year later. But in the update DND also admits that timeline is tenuous. “The approved schedule is considered very aggressive,” it said. “The project team is managing a number of risks which have the potential to impact schedule.” The document doesn't outline the specific risks but DND officials have acknowledged that government negotiations with private contractors on the industrial benefits that are to be linked to the project could cause delays. The Liberals have committed to purchasing the new jets in a program expected to cost up to $19 billion. The competition was launched on Dec. 12, 2017, and Canada expects to examine four different fighter jets as candidates for the RCAF's new fleet. The project team is managing a number of risks which have the potential to impact schedule The first of the jets is expected to be delivered in the mid-2020s, with the full capability available in the early 2030s, according to the DND document. The document also outlines the plan to purchase used Australian F-18s in the interim, which the RACF will use to boost the capability of its current fleet of CF-18s until the new generation aircraft are in service. The first of the Australian jets has already been delivered, with final delivery set for the end of 2021, according to the update. However, the parliamentary budget officer has found this interim solution could cost more than $1 billion, and the auditor general's office has pointed out that the air force is lacking pilots and maintenance crews for the planes it already operates. Wednesday's DND update points out success stories as well as challenges with some of DND's multi-billion dollar projects. Some programs, such as the purchase of Chinook helicopters and tactical armoured patrol vehicles, are completed or are nearing completion with few problems. A new $2-billion program to buy heavy trucks is among those expected to be proceed without issues. Canada also expects to award a contact next year for a mid-life upgrade of the fleet of Cormorant search-and-rescue helicopters, and the conversion of former U.S. presidential helicopters so they can join the flight line for rescue operations. But the report warns there could be problems with other upcoming projects such as the purchase of a fleet of drones. It noted that there might not be enough procurement staff with the required expertise to move that program forward on schedule. The department hopes to deal with the problem by hiring contractors. A draft invitation to qualify for that project was released April 5 and a contact is expected to be awarded in 2022, the document said. The first of a fleet of new fixed-wing search-and-rescue aircraft, meanwhile, are to be delivered in December. The first plane will be sent to 19 Wing Comox, B.C. in the spring of 2020. The 16 new planes will be phased in between 2020 and 2022. But DND acknowledged it is keeping an eye on the potential that schedule could be affected because of the “complexities associated with transitioning to the new fleet while maintaining the current search and rescue posture.” In addition, DND is keeping watch on problems with its new upgraded light armoured vehicles. Though the vehicles have been delivered on time, some technical issues will be fixed through a retrofit program. There have also been problems with software design and qualification of components in another new fleet of armoured vehicles that will be used for battlefield surveillance, the first of which is to be delivered next year. The first new supply ship for the Royal Canadian Navy, being built in Vancouver, is expected in 2023 but won't be ready for operations until a year later. The delivery of the second supply ship “is currently under review,” the update added. In the meantime, the navy has access to MV Asterix, the supply ship at the heart of the court case involving Vice-Admiral Mark Norman. That ship, currently being leased to the navy by Quebec firm Davie Shipbuilding, was delivered on time and on budget and is considered a procurement success story. https://ottawacitizen.com/news/canada/government-expects-to-award-contract-for-new-fighter-jet-fleet-in-2022-but-admits-it-could-face-delays/wcm/a34c8b83-3838-4ff9-87ac-1741fd434059

Avec une base de données suffisante et une intelligence artificielle, il est parfois possible d'anticiper certains incidents. Certaines plateformes, comme Facebook, travaillent sur des algorithmes permettant de repérer les adolescents suicidaires et d'intervenir dans le cas où ils risquent de passer à l'acte. Au Canada, les forces de l'ordre vont utiliser des modèles prédictifs pour prédire les disparitions avant qu'elles n'aient lieu. Selon un rapport du gouvernement, les modèles prédictifs seront basés sur des publications sur les réseaux sociaux, les dossiers de la police et les services sociaux. Les algorithmes se référeront à une dizaine de facteurs de risques communs, comme des antécédents de fugue ou de violence à la maison, afin d'identifier les personnes susceptibles de disparition. L'initiative fait toutefois l'objet de nombre de critiques. Certains experts pensent que l'utilisation de modèles prédictifs à cette fin pourrait conduire à de faux positifs. Le type d'informations à utiliser n'a pas été dévoilé Le document a été publié le mois dernier par la RDDC (Defence Research and Development Canada), une agence rattachée au ministère de la Défense nationale. Selon le rapport, la conception des modèles prédictifs sera assurée par SPPAL (Saskatchewan Police Predictive Analytics Lab). Ce laboratoire est le fruit d'un partenariat entre la police, le ministère provincial de la Justice et l'Université de la Saskatchewan. La police canadienne utilise déjà les réseaux sociaux pour repérer des cas d'infraction, trouver des suspects et résoudre des enquêtes. Toutefois, le rapport n'indique pas les types d'informations qui seront recueillies sur les médias sociaux. Des risques de faux positifs Tamir Israel est avocat à CIPPIC (Canadian Internet Policy and Public Interest Clinic). Il a reconnu que les modèles prédictifs de SPPAL pourraient être utilisés pour trier les cas suspects selon leur ordre de priorité. Il est en effet nécessaire de distinguer, par exemple, une éventuelle victime d'enlèvement d'une fugueuse habituelle. « Les forces de l'ordre seront invitées à s'appuyer sur les résultats du modèle prédictif » pour décider de la sérieuse prise en charge d'un cas de personne disparue », a-t-il déclaré à Motherbord. Toutefois, il a souligné que ces modèles prédictifs sont souvent opaques dans leur fonctionnement, en s'appuyant sur des facteurs que les policiers eux-mêmes ne peuvent pas évaluer ou deviner. Il a noté que les informations sur les réseaux sociaux ne sont pas toujours fiables et augmentent les risques de faux positifs. Il a également noté que cette méthode pourrait conduire à des résultats faussés lorsque les modèles sont appliqués à des groupes minoritaires. Il craint qu'ils ne fassent pas de différences entre les cultures. « Nous savons que les modèles prédictifs sont loin d'être infaillibles dans des situations réelles et qu'il y aura des faux positifs », a-t-il rappelé. « Les conséquences d'une intervention basée sur un faux positif peuvent être très graves. » http://www.fredzone.org/au-canada-les-policiers-vont-utiliser-les-reseaux-sociaux-pour-predire-les-disparitions-avant-quelles-ne-se-produisent-998 http://cradpdf.drdc-rddc.gc.ca/PDFS/unc335/p809812_A1b.pdf