Plans at a glance

Plans at a glance

In 2020-21, the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) will carry out their mandate to achieve results related to six Core Responsibilities:

• Operations
• Ready Forces
• Defence Team
• Future Force Design
• Procurement of Capabilities
• Sustainable Bases, Information Technology Systems and Infrastructure

More information on the Core Responsibilities can be seen in the Supporting information on the Program Inventory section of this report.

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

The department continues to implement Strong, Secure, Engaged: Canada’s Defence Policy^{Footnote ii} (SSE). In order to achieve the 111 initiatives outlined in SSE^{Footnote iii}, the department undertook an audit of its implementation during fiscal year (FY) 2018-19. As a result, the department is strengthening its internal management processes to support SSE. In addition, business analytics tools are being improved to enable better oversight and further support the implementation of the SSE initiatives. These initiatives support both the strategic and the day-to-day management of the defence program across DND/CAF.

Anticipate, Adapt, Act

The CAF’s core missions are: detecting, deterring and defending against threats to Canada and North America; providing assistance to civil authorities/law enforcement in support of national security; assisting and in some cases leading forces for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), coalition and United Nations peace operations; contributing to global stability and security, as well as engaging in capacity building; responding to domestic and international disasters; and conducting search and rescue operations.

Some of the key planned operations for FY 2020-21 include:

Strong at Home

• Operation LENTUS^{Footnote iv}: Support Canadian civil authorities to respond to the impact of extreme climate events and disaster relief operations, as required.
• Operation LIMPID^{Footnote v}: Detect threats to Canada through awareness of air, maritime, land, space and cyber domains.
• Operation NANOOK^{Footnote vi}: Synchronize operational and training activities that enhance collaboration with other government departments, agencies and regional mission partners to increase interoperability, readiness and presence in the North.
• Search and Rescue^{Footnote vii}: Provide aeronautical Search and Rescue, coordinate the aeronautical and maritime Search and Rescue system, as well as assist with ground Search and Rescue efforts which may include Canadian Rangers and Primary Reserve members.

Secure in North America

• Operation NOBLE EAGLE: Identify, monitor and defend against all forms of aerial threats to ensure the security of Canada and the United States. Coordination with law enforcement, such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), maybe be included. The operation began as a response to the 9/11 attacks.
• NORAD^{Footnote viii}: Provide aerospace and maritime warning and aerospace control capabilities to protect and respond against threats to Canada and the United States, through the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) Agreement.
• Operation CARIBBE^{Footnote ix}: Fight illicit trafficking by transnational organized crime in the Caribbean Basin, the Eastern Pacific Ocean and the coastal waters of Central America by working with partners in the multinational campaign (Operation MARTILLO).

Engaged in the World

• Operation IMPACT^{Footnote x}: Train Iraqi security forces and strengthen Iraqi military education institutions so Iraqi forces can prevent the return of Daesh.
• Operation NEON^{Footnote xi}: Support the implementation of United Nations Security Council sanctions imposed against North Korea.
• Operation PRESENCE^{Footnote xii}: Deploy a Tactical Airlift Detachment from Entebbe, Uganda. This will assist the United Nations’ Regional Support Centre by transporting personnel, equipment and supplies to sustain ongoing missions in the region. The CAF will contribute to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), through specialized staff officers in MINUSMA Headquarters.
• Operation REASSURANCE^{Footnote xiii}: Conduct assurance and deterrence measures through leadership of NATO’s multinational enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battle Group in Latvia; deploy a frigate into a Standing NATO Maritime Group; and support NATO enhanced air policing in Romania on a rotational non-permanent basis.
• Operation UNIFIER^{Footnote xiv}: Assist with security force training. The CAF will support the Security Forces of Ukraine to improve and build their capability and capacity. The CAF will contribute to a multi-organizational effort to support and develop Ukraine’s security forces, to foster greater western alignment and structural reform in the country.
• Operation PROJECTION^{Footnote xv}: Enhance relationships with Canada’s allies and partners in maritime environments around the world through conducting training, exercises and engagements with foreign navies and other international security partners. It also supports NATO Maritime Command, United States Naval Forces and other allied operations to make the world more secure.

More information on current Operations can be found here: Current military operations^{Footnote xvi}.

Well-supported, diverse, resilient people and families

During FY 2020-21, the Defence team will:

• Implement new policies and strategies as they relate to Bill C-65^{Footnote xvii}. This Act amended the Canadian Labour Code to address workplace harassment and violence. The Defence team’s strategy is based on three pillars: (1) prevention, (2) response and (3) support. Concurrently, the Defence team will capitalize on the existing Integrated Conflict and Complaint Management mechanisms, so that existing mechanisms are aligned and harmonized with Bill C-65.
• Develop Defence Team Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and action plans to identify and address significant employment equity gaps across the department.
• Build on the success and lessons learned from the Canadian Armed Forces Employment Equity Plan 2015-20, we will develop and begin the implementation of the next Canadian Armed Forces Employment Equity Plan for 2020-25.
• Undertake a modernization and improvement of CAF recruiting methods. As such, the successor to Operation KAIROS PASSANT^{Footnote xviii} will synchronize and coordinate strategic public engagements with recruiting efforts into a single, focused operation. In year three of a ten-year plan, we will focus this year on moving towards achieving our goal of having women represent 25% of the CAF. Engaging with social media influencers as well as traditional marketing will help us achieve this focus.
• Conduct a fourth meeting with our Provincial and Territorial partners in order to advance the Seamless Canada initiative. This program focuses on improving services for CAF members and their families as they relocate to different locations across Canada.

Sexual Misconduct Response Centre

In FY 2020-21, the Sexual Misconduct Response Centre will undertake the following key activities:

• Complete the National Victim Support Strategy and Implementation Plan;
• Expand the Response and Support Coordination program towards full operating capacity;
• Develop the Independent Legal Advice program for CAF members affected by sexual misconduct;
• Operate the Contribution Program in support of various Sexual Assault Centres in Canada;
• Examine how to implement an Enhanced/Restricted Reporting Option;
• Address the recommendations in the 2015 External Review Authority Report^{Footnote xix}, also referred to as the External Review Authority by former Justice Deschamps;
• Develop a road map for achieving long-term and enduring culture change;
• Implement the CAF Culture Realignment Strategy for Sexual Misconduct, including an Operation HONOUR Campaign Plan and performance measurement framework; and
• Improve processes around reporting, responding to and investigating incidents of sexual misconduct; and continue to learn through stakeholder and subject matter expert engagement.

Gender-based analysis plus (GBA+)

GBA+ assesses how diverse groups of women, men and non-binary people may experience unequal access and impact from policies, programs and initiatives, including exclusion and unintentional harm. Completion of a Needs Analysis to assess training deficiencies for members of the Defence team is a key planned initiative.

More information on GBA+ can be found in the “GBA+ Supplementary Information Table” under the Supplementary information tables section of this report.

Defence Procurement

The government strives to provide the CAF with the modern capabilities they need to succeed in a complex and constantly evolving world. The CAF must be ready and able to deliver across a spectrum of operations — from domestic humanitarian assistance and disaster response, to counter-terrorism and combat operations.

Responsible, timely and effective defence procurement is vital to ensuring the CAF is equipped and ready to protect and defend Canada and Canadians, against the threats of today and tomorrow. The Defence team will reinvest in core capabilities and invest in new areas that will allow the CAF to succeed in meeting Canada’s defence needs. SSE outlines major equipment projects. Key projects for FY 2020-21 include:

• The Canadian Surface Combatant^{Footnote xx}: Design and production engineering of the Canadian Surface Combatant is planned for FY 2020-21. These vessels will be the backbone of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), capable of meeting multiple threats in both open oceans and complex coastal environments. This will allow us to monitor and defend our waters and contribute significantly to international naval operations;
• Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships^{Footnote xxi}: The second Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship, the future HMCS Margaret Brooke, will be delivered to the RCN. These ships will allow the RCN to conduct sovereignty and surveillance operations in Canada’s waters, including the Arctic, as well as to conduct a wide variety of operations abroad. Additionally, two Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships will be delivered in support of the Canadian Coast Guard;
• Fixed Wing Search and Rescue Aircraft Replacement Project^{Footnote xxii}: The Fixed Wing Search and Rescue Aircraft Replacement Project is procuring 16 CC-295 aircraft equipped with advanced technology systems to support Canada’s search and rescue operations, replacing the current Buffalo and Hercules aircraft performing this function. The project is currently in the implementation phase and expects its first aircraft to arrive in Canada in 2020;
• Joint Support Ship^{Footnote xxiii}: This project anticipates project approval for Implementation in spring 2020 with build contract signing later in 2020. Under the Early Block Build contract, Joint Support Ship anticipates having 52 of the 119 blocks completed for the first Joint Support Ship by summer 2020;
• Future Fighter Capability Project^{Footnote xxiv}: The Future Fighter Capability Project will acquire and enter into service 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 project is currently in Definition Phase and in 2020 will be conducting the review of eligible suppliers’ proposals;
• Remotely Piloted Aircraft System^{Footnote xxv}: The Remotely Piloted Aircraft System will deliver a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System capability to provide Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance information and deliver precision strike effects to CAF commanders. The project is currently in Definition Phase and the release of the Request for Proposal is expected in FY 2020-21;
• Medium Support Vehicle Systems^{Footnote xxvi}: These new trucks and ancillary equipment will provide lift and logistical support on the ground and will transport equipment and supplies where they are needed most, both at home and abroad. Final deliveries are expected in fall 2020;
• Logistics Vehicle Modernization^{Footnote xxvii}: The Logistics Vehicle Modernization project will continue to engage with Qualified Suppliers throughout 2020 and 2021. The draft Request for Proposal is planned for 2020 with a final Request for Proposal to Qualified Suppliers in 2021;
• Armoured Combat Support Vehicles: The Armoured Combat Support Vehicle Project will deliver an armoured combat support capability to provide Command Support, Combat Support and Combat Service Support to forward elements of a Brigade Group. These capabilities include, but are not limited to, command vehicles, ambulances and mobile repair teams. The project is currently in the Implementation Phase and the first delivery is expected late 2020;
• CP-140 Aurora Incremental Modernization Project^{Footnote xxviii}: The Aurora Incremental Modernization Project will modernize the mission systems and sensors on 14 CP-140 Aurora aircraft and is expecting Initial Operational Capability of Block IV in late 2020; and
• Cormorant Mid-Life Upgrade Project^{Footnote xxix}: The Cormorant Mid-Life Upgrade Project will extend the estimated life expectancy of the CH-149 to at least 2042 and is expected to be in implementation in fall 2020.

For more information on key equipment projects, please visit the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces’ Current Projects^{Footnote xxx} webpage.

Defence Infrastructure and Environment

The Defence team manages the largest infrastructure portfolio in the federal government. As infrastructure is a critical enabler for CAF operations, the department will continue to modernize the portfolio to support military requirements, improve efficiency and reduce our environmental footprint. During FY 2020-21, the department plans to:

• Dispose of underused or obsolete buildings to improve the efficiency of the infrastructure portfolio while helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions;
• Transform the real property and portfolio management capacity by adapting the organization’s structure and processes to better align with the Corporate Real Estate Model and industry best practices, to enable and support the Defence mandate; and
• Reduce the deficiencies related to primary reserve infrastructure, address the changing demographics within the primary reserve to accommodate for growth and support the introduction of new capabilities related to SSE to improve the overall primary reserve infrastructure portfolio.

Defence Innovation and Business Transformation

DND is modernizing. We are enhancing our data analytics to better drive evidence-based decision-making. A new vision for data, established in the DND/CAF Data Strategy^{Footnote xxxi}, will be applied. The department will develop and amend policies to expand data use in operations and decision-making and to improve accountability for data management. We will implement data governance and data quality frameworks and use them to steward our data. We will support initiatives that implement master data, which will help with data quality and interoperability.

DND will identify business processes and requirements to modernize Defence resource management. The Defence Resource Business Modernization program will support business transformation across the defence enterprise in its effort towards fostering a culture of evidence-based decision-making.

The department will drive the government’s Beyond2020^{Footnote xxxii} initiative, supporting a workforce that is agile, equipped and inclusive. It will foster grassroots business innovation. Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&I) play a vital role in Canada’s defence and security by ensuring that the women and men of the CAF are equipped with leading-edge capabilities to address defence and security challenges, both at home and abroad. In FY 2020-21, the Defence team plans to:

• Provide expertise and science and technology advice on surveillance, intelligence, cyber tools for defence, space-related capabilities and threats, energy alternatives, remotely piloted systems, data analytics and counter-improvised explosive device solutions;
• Engage with public safety and security stakeholders to meet the objectives set forth as part of the Canadian Safety and Security Program;
• Evolve the deployment of medium assurance solution in collaboration with Communications Security Establishment;
• Advance research and development in the future of cyber warfare to improve and strengthen both defensive and offensive capabilities;
• Maintain interoperability within the Five Eyes community in a data-centric environment, which will maximise the probability of success in developing a cross-domain solution capability in Canada and allied networks;
• Implement cloud computing capabilities to support major initiatives in data analytics and management, collaboration amongst the Defence team and modernization of classified computing networks;
• Engage with Canadian innovators in solving defence and security challenges through the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security^{Footnote xxxiii} (IDEaS) program. In FY 2020-21, the program will launch the two final tools of the program, issue contracts, deliver outreach activities and progress projects in support of the integrated defence and security ST&I Program and the Government of Canada innovation agenda;
• Sustain ST&I activities to understand the risks and opportunities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and AI-enabled systems. Research and Development efforts will be aimed at reducing workloads on CAF members, exploring the limits of integrating data to support operators and analysts and exploring AI techniques associated with the operation of autonomous vehicles. The ST&I program will also generate advice regarding the integration of AI-enabled systems and processes into operations, planning and decision-making;
• Defend DND networks, assure the integrity of embedded code in vehicle systems and mitigate the risks of connected devices at the tactical edge. The Defence team, in partnership with Communications Security Establishment and Public Safety partners, will advance ST&I efforts to defend and protect both domestic and deployed DND networks, platform systems and infrastructure. Further, the Defence team and Communications Security Establishment will collaborate in policy development to enable Active Cyber Operations; and
• Launch a new initiative aimed at developing tools and processes to assess the veracity of online information and detect/attribute online information campaigns in CAF areas of operation.

Defence Relationship with Indigenous Peoples

The Government of Canada has emphasized its commitment to truth and reconciliation and has established guiding principles for its relationship with Indigenous Peoples in Canada. As part of this commitment, DND and the CAF are focused on strengthening our relationship with Indigenous Peoples across Canada.

In support of whole-of-government commitments, including the 2019 Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, we ensure the Defence team is aware of and complies with our obligations (e.g. Aboriginal and treaty rights, legal duty to consult, contracting, Employment Equity requirements) as reflected in statutes, negotiated agreements and treaties, court decisions and policies. In addition, we are contributing to a number of government-wide priorities related to Indigenous Peoples, including the review of our policies and operational practices to ensure alignment with reconciliation and foster an inclusive workplace free from discrimination and harassment.

In collaboration with Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, DND/CAF will engage Indigenous groups in the implementation of the Safety, Security and Defence Chapter of the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, including in areas of surveillance and an enhanced military presence in Canada’s North.

In 2020-21, DND/CAF will consult and engage with Indigenous groups to advance initiatives of interest to all parties, particularly in Canada’s North. The strategy will set goals and support initiatives to further improve the relationship with our Indigenous partners in preparation for work on North Warning System Renewal and other related infrastructure projects. Consultations will also take place with Indigenous groups in order to support the implementation of the Civilian Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan.

For Indigenous Peoples, true reconciliation requires the Crown to take immediate actions to address their interests and to respect Aboriginal and treaty rights. The department is committed to engage with Indigenous Canadians to discuss issues of common interest. This includes but is not limited to: military operations, exercises off-base, real property transactions (for example, Royal Roads and Mary Hill disposals), construction, demolition, environmental remediation (for example, Former camp Ipperwash), procurement (for example, Kapyong Barracks Demolition) as well as recruitment and retention.

For more information on the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces’ plans, priorities and planned results, see the “Core Responsibilities: planned results and resources, and key risks” section of this report.