Results at a glance

Canada’s vision for Defence — Strong at home, Secure in North America, Engaged in the world

In 2018-19, we delivered results for Canadians and made substantial progress on broader departmental and Government of Canada priorities. The Department of National Defence (DND) continues to anticipate emerging threats and challenges, adapt to changing circumstances, and act effectively in cooperation with our allies and partners.

Abroad, we have taken on leadership roles and promoted Canadian values of peace, human rights, and democracy. At home, we have invested in new Defence facilities across the country, launched processes to equip the Defence Team with the tools they need, and fostered partnerships to ensure that we are prepared for today’s threats and those that lie ahead.

Below are some highlights of the Defence Team’s achievements over the past year. For more information on the department’s plans, priorities, and results achieved, see the “Results: what we achieved” section of this report.

Total actual full-time equivalents (FTE)’s (Military/Regular Force and civilians): 91,970

Total actual spending: $21,615,941,912

Well supported, diverse, resilient people and families

We made significant improvements to the single-most important element of Strong, Secure, Engaged; taking care of our people. We placed an unprecedented focus on building a Defence Team that is well-supported, diverse, and resilient. This year, we:

Operation HONOUR

Operation HONOURFootnote xvi was developed to address sexual misconduct and the longer-term challenge of changing a sexualized culture. As an initial step, the Sexual Misconduct Response CentreFootnote xvii was established. Although part of DND, it is independent from the chain of command. The Sexual Misconduct Response Centre ensures comprehensive support to CAF members affected by sexual misconduct. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2018-19, we:

  • Piloted the Response and Support Coordination program. It provides CAF members with proactive case coordination, advocacy, accompaniment and in-person support, assistance with workplace accommodations, and other forms of practical assistance; and
  • Released Progress Report #4 - Addressing Sexual MisconductFootnote xviii.

Investments to enhance capability and capacity

We are ensuring the CAF have the modern capabilities needed to succeed in a complex and constantly evolving world. The CAF must be ready and able to deliver across a spectrum of simultaneous operations — from domestic humanitarian assistance and disaster response to counter-terrorism and high intensity combat operations to peace support operations. To meet these requirements, the Defence Team has reinvested in core capabilities and invested in new areas that will allow the CAF to succeed in meeting Canada’s defence needs into the future. In FY 2018-19, some of the investments included:

  • The Canadian Surface CombatantFootnote xix project to acquire 15 new warships. It is the largest and most complex procurement undertaken by the Government of Canada. A winning bid has been selected to design the ships based on the BAE Systems Type 26 Global Combat ShipFootnote xx;
  • The Joint Support ShipsFootnote xxi project. Construction began in June 2018 and will consist of two new replenishment ships for the Royal Canadian Navy. The Joint Support Ships will support operations at sea and ashore — whether they are combat, humanitarian, or disaster relief;
  • The initial delivery of new logistics trucks to Valcartier through the Medium Support Vehicle System ProjectFootnote xxii. These trucks can be switched from a regular cargo truck, capable of towing artillery, to an armoured version for personnel operating in high-risk environments;
  • The draft Request for Proposals for the Future Fighter Capability ProjectFootnote xxiii was released. This will result in the successful acquisition and entry into service of 88 advanced fighter aircraft, along with the associated equipment, weapons, and sustainment capability that leverages Canadian capabilities and contributes to economic growth and jobs;
  • The Interim Fighter CapabilityFootnote xxiv project. DND signed a purchasing agreement with the Australian Government for the purchase of 18 F/A-18 fighter aircraft, spares, and equipment to ensure the Royal Canadian Air Force can continue to fulfill its missions;
  • The Integrated Soldier System ProjectFootnote xxv. The contract was awarded to procure this cutting-edge technology that significantly enhances soldiers’ situational awareness, allowing them to digitally visualize the location of other connected soldiers. With this system, soldiers will have the ability to generate reports, send messages, and share information digitally;
  • Updating our infrastructure, as more than half of it is over 50 years old. In 2018-19, we invested about $577 million in major construction and recapitalization projects as well as $263 million in maintenance and repairs. The Willow Park Armoury, for example, opened in August 2018 and is home to three Army Reserve units and a recruitment office;
  • We invested $165 million in green infrastructure projects to green our operations and reduce our environmental footprint. Further, we lowered our greenhouse gas emissions by 32% from 2005 levels (excluding military fleets). We are on track to reduce our emissions by 40% by 2030 and are working towards meeting the new federal target of 80% (below 2005 levels) by 2050;
  • We made significant progress in streamlining defence procurement. Our contracting authorities are increasing from $1 million to $5 million. This will allow us to handle over 80% of our contracts in-house; and
  • We advanced 333 capital projects in support of Strong, Secure, Engaged: Canada’s Defence Policy — inclusive of the major equipment, information management and information technology, and infrastructure projects included in the Defence Investment Plan 2018Footnote xxvi.

In terms of new capabilities to anticipate and adapt to new threats and challenges, the CAF has prioritized cyber security, joint intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms. These platforms give decision makers a comprehensive picture of the operating environment. In FY 2018-19 we:

Renew nation-to-nation relationships with Indigenous Peoples

We remain committed to improving and renewing nation-to-nation relationships with Indigenous Peoples. National Defence has operational practices that intersect with Indigenous rights or interests. We continue to take steps to align our activities with reconciliation principles. Some of the activities undertaken during FY 2018-19 include:

  • Coordinated a series of Indigenous events (e.g. Indigenous walk, cultural awareness training, KAIROS Blanket Exercise);
  • Organized Bold Eagle, Raven, Black Bear, Grey Wolf, and Carcajou (Wolverine) summer programs. Open to Indigenous people, these programs combine Indigenous culture and teachings with military training to help participants develop valuable skills such as self-confidence, self-discipline, teamwork, time management, respect, and physical fitness;
  • Engaged with Indigenous groups and organizations to discuss areas of common interest such as property disposal (e.g. Kapyong Barracks, Royal Roads, Ste Foy), access agreements (e.g. Goose Spit peninsula in Comox, British Columbia), military operations, land remediation, and policy development;
  • Provided opportunities to Indigenous businesses to supply goods and services in support of Defence procurement; and
  • Inaugurated the first permanent CAF Indigenous Spiritual Lodge at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School.

Operations

The CAF conducts Military operationsFootnote xxxi on behalf of the Government of Canada. To this end, the CAF endeavours to detect, deter and defend against threats to or attacks on Canada and North America and provides supports to global peace and stability. Further, the CAF’s operations can also include emergency response, search and rescue, humanitarian assistance, and support to law enforcement.

Search and Rescue

The CAF Search and Rescue work with other government partners and search and rescue volunteers to respond to incidents within Canada. In 2018-19, the CAF Search and Rescue coordinated responses to 8,773 search and rescue incidents across the country.

Canada’s North

Canada has renewed its focus on surveillance and control of Canadian territory and approaches, particularly our Arctic regions.

Operation NANOOKFootnote xxxii occurs every year across Canada’s northern most regions. Its objectives include:

  • Adapting to environmental changes and improving the way we operate in Arctic conditions;
  • Improving coordination with Indigenous, federal, and territorial governments and northern partners;
  • Working with mission partners to best respond to safety and security issues in the North responding to a simulated emergency scenario and/or natural disaster in Canada’s North; and
  • In 2018-19, the CAF had the following activities in support of Operation NANOOK:
    • Approximately 270 CAF members participated in a major air disaster exercises;
    • Approximately 300 CAF members deployed and participated in a maritime domain defence and security exercise; and
    • CAF members conducted a series of presence activities (such as; presence patrols, water and air reconnaissance, and survival training) along the Northwest Passage.

North America

Operation LENTUSFootnote xxxiii is the CAF’s contingency plan to support Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response of provincial and territorial authorities in the case of a major natural disaster. Specialized abilities such as engineering, health services, force protection, transport, aviation, or logistics may also be employed.

  • In 2018-19, the CAF responded to six natural disasters — floods, fires, and winter storms — in five provinces.

Central and South America

Operation CARIBBEFootnote xxxiv is Canada’s contribution to a multinational campaign against transnational criminal organizations in the eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea to help stop trafficking by organized crime.

  • In FY 2018-19, Canada’s role made a direct contribution to the interdiction of 17,000 kilograms (approximately 37,500 pounds) of illicit substances.

Europe

Operation REASSURANCEFootnote xxxv is part of NATO’s assurance and deterrence measures. These measures aim to reinforce NATO’s collective defence. It also shows the strength of Allied solidarity.

Operation UNIFIERFootnote xxxvii is the CAF’s multinational joint support military training mission to help the Security Forces of Ukraine. This aid will improve and build their capability and capacity to conduct military operations across the full spectrum of conflict.

Africa

Operation PRESENCEFootnote xxxviii  is part of Canada’s efforts within the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). Its goal is to help set conditions for durable peace, development, and prosperity in Mali.

  • In FY 2018-19, the CAF transported 5,700 passengers and 350,000 pounds (approximately 159,000 kilograms) of cargo, enabling United Nations tactical reach into previously inaccessible communities. Canada contributed to 24/7 capability to medically evacuate United Nations forces by air.

Middle East

Operation ARTEMISFootnote xxxix is the CAF’s contribution to maritime security and counter-terrorism and maritime security operations in Middle Eastern and East African waters. The CAF works with its allies and partners to help stop crime in this region.

  • In FY 2018-19, this mission saw the disruption of an estimated $1.8 billion of illicit substances.

Operation IMPACTFootnote xl is the CAF effort to provide training, advice, and assistance to the Iraqi security forces, and support the Global Coalition and NATO with highly skilled personnel.

  • Canada is commanding the NATO-led training mission to better develop the skills of the Iraqi army and help Iraq build a more effective national security structure to stabilize the country. Canada’s contribution is also designed to improve democratic governance.

Around the globe

Operation PROJECTIONFootnote xli sees our ships contribute to global security and stability.

  • In 2018, the CAF deployed a maritime patrol aircraft and approximately 40 personnel when Canada participated in an initiative to counter North Korea’s maritime smuggling.

For a complete list of current operations: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/operations/military-operations/current-operations/list.html

For more information on the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces’ plans, priorities and results achieved, see the “Results: what we achieved” section of this report.

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