Results at a glance - DRR 2016-17

In 2016-17 we made great progress in delivering real results for Canadians in meeting the commitments contained in the Minister’s Mandate letter as well as broader departmental and Government of Canada priorities. Below are some highlights of the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces’ 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 FTE’s (Regular force and civilians): 88,571

Total actual spending: $18,606,153,529

New strategic direction and priorities

In 2016-17, National Defence conducted an open and transparent review process to develop a new defence policy for Canada: Strong, Secue, Engaged. The intent of the new policy provides the strategic clarity required to navigate the complex defence environment, balance priorities, and address affordability challenges while ensuring a close link between defence policy, foreign policy, and national security. Highlights of the process included:

• An unprecedented consultation process that included engagement with the public, academia and experts, Parliament and allies. Activities included: an online consultation portal that received over 20,000 entries from the public ; a strong social media engagement ; six productive roundtable discussions across the country, with three additional events added due to interest (Gender Based Analysis, Industry, Aboriginal); studies conducted by the House and Senate defence committees ; community consultations events held by over 50 Members of Parliament in their communities; and the exchange of insights and lessons learned with allies and partners by the Minister and officials – including a number who have recently completed or have ongoing reviews;
• The use of a rigorous evidence-based policymaking approach to determine the key features of the global security environment including the main opportunities and challenges for Canada, new roles and missions for the Canadian Armed Forces, and the appropriate level of capabilities and resourcing to effectively deliver on the defence mandate.
• Alignment of the policy to key Government priorities and policy initiatives, particularly: renewed international engagement and cooperation; focus on innovation; the health and well-being of our military members; women, peace and security; Defence contribution to the economy; and climate and the environment;
• Third party validation of costing methodologies by a number of independent firms that has resulted in a fully funded and rigorously costed defence policy; and
• A focus on results and accountability that will continue through and guide the implementation of the new policy – Strong, Secure, Engaged: Canada’s Defence Policy – released on 7 June 2017. Full details of the new policy can be found at http://dgpaapp.forces.gc.ca/en/canada-defence-policy/index.asp.

A well-supported and well-equipped Canadian Armed Forces

The success of National Defence requires our service members to be appropriately equipped to meet challenges now and into the future, with both the right equipment to carry out their tasks, and through a comprehensive system of service and support that helps military members navigate the opportunities and challenges of military life.

Highlights of our results to better support our people include:

• Working closely with Veterans Affairs Canada to reduce complexity and simplify service delivery for releasing CAF members, veterans and their families, as well as enhancing transition services at integrated personnel support centres;
• Simplifying and consolidating existing financial benefits for our personnel; and
• Continuing with the full implementation of Operation HONOUR to ensure a healthy and supportive workplace. These efforts include taking significant action to improve victim support; initiate prevention programs; update policies; enhance subject matter expertise of those who provide support and assistance to victims; embed Operation HONOUR concepts across all levels of education and training; hold leaders to account for their response and actions; take decisive action to deter perpetrators; and engage and empower all members of the CAF to take action to address and eliminate sexual violence and harassment.

Highlights of our results to better equip the Canadian Armed Forces include:

• Completing the planning and due diligence requirements for the Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP) to ensure that the Government can launch an open, competitive, and transparent process to replace Canada’s fighter fleet within the current mandate of government. The FFCP is in the options analysis phase;
• Meeting commitments to invest in the Royal Canadian Navy through the National Shipbuilding Strategy that will provide the new Joint Support Ships, Canadian Surface Combatants (CSC) and Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships that will form the backbone of Canada’s modernized Navy. Key milestones included the approval of a revised procurement strategy for the CSC, the commencement of design and engineering of the Joint Support Ships, and the commencement of construction of the second Arctic Offshore Patrol ship;
• Completing modernization of the HALIFAX-Class Frigates to ensure Canada has a capable surface fleet until CSCs come into service;
• Beginning implementation of the Fixed Wing Search and Rescue Project that will replace Canada’s current fleet of search and rescue aircraft;
• Entering Cyclone maritime helicopters into service; and
• Accepting the first delivery of the Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicles that will enhance the Canadian Army’s ability to conduct the full spectrum of military operations.

Delivering operational excellence, at home, in North America, and abroad

Protecting Canada, Canadians and Canadian interests by delivering operational excellence at home, in North America and abroad is the core business of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. Over the past year, the Canadian Armed Forces have:

• Protected Canadians at home whether deploying personnel in response to the January 2017 ice storm in New Brunswick, combating forest fires in Fort McMurray or responding to Search and Rescue calls;
• Effectively exercised and enhanced Canadian sovereignty through the NANOOK series of sovereignty operations and daily activities to ensure the monitoring of Canada’s air, land and sea approaches;
• Delivered on Canada’s strong commitment to NORAD on an ongoing basis by providing key personnel, capabilities and infrastructure to ensure North America is secure in close collaboration and cooperation with the United States;
• Adopted a new whole-of-government approach to Operation IMPACT characterized by increased contribution to the advising and assisting of Iraq security forces, as well as humanitarian assistance, stabilization support and capacity building;
• Contributed to the security of our allies and deterred adversaries by renewing the mandate for Operation REASSURANCE and becoming a Framework Nation in Latvia in support of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) enhanced Forward Presence; and
• Continued to support Ukraine, including renewing the mandate for Operation UNIFIER.