National Defence
Consolidated Future-Oriented Statement of Operations (unaudited)

For the year ending March 31
(in thousands of dollars)

 

Forecast results 2025–26

Planned results 2026–27

Expenses

Operations

4,345,198

5,015,293

Ready forces

13,592,537

14,889,616

Defence team

7,212,910

5,670,484

Future force design

1,095,649

1,385,132

Procurement of capabilities

8,148,273

7,364,099

Sustainable bases and information technology systems and infrastructure

4,653,287

6,346,648

Marine Navigation

178,737

268,381

Marine Operations and Response

832,582

2,343,162

Internal services

1,240,640

1,260,827

Total expenses

41,299,813

44,543,642

Revenues

Sale of goods and services

383,926

381,830

Gains on disposals of assets

23,547

23,419

Interest and gains on foreign exchange

21,738

21,619

Other

19,574

19,467

Revenues earned on behalf of government

(23,049)

(22,923)

Total revenues

425,736

423,412

Net cost of operations before government funding and transfers

40,874,077

44,120,230

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Consolidated Future-Oriented Statement of Operations.

Notes to the Consolidated Future-Oriented Statement of Operations (unaudited)

1. Methodology and significant assumptions

The Consolidated Future-Oriented Statement of Operations has been prepared on the basis of government priorities and departmental plans as described in the Departmental Plan.

The information in the forecast results for fiscal year 2025–26 is mainly based on actual results as at November 30, 2025 and on forecasts for the remainder of the fiscal year. Forecasts have been made for the planned results for fiscal year 2026–27.

The main assumptions underlying the forecasts are as follows:

  • Forecast and planned spending corresponds to the department's mandated activities.
  • 2025–26 Expenses and revenues, including the determination of amounts internal and external to the government, are based on historical data and trends, up-to-date Annual Reference Level Update (ARLU) information and supplementary estimates. The general historical pattern is expected to continue relative to the approved appropriations including the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) commitment.
  • 2026–27 Expenses and revenues, including the determination of amounts internal and external to the government, are based on historical data and trends, up-to-date ARLU information. Figures for the planned results do not include items such as carry-forward funding. The general historical pattern is expected to continue relative to the approved appropriations including the NATO commitment.

These assumptions are made as at December 31, 2025.

2. Variations between actual and forecast financial results

Although every attempt has been made to forecast final results for the remainder of 2025–26 and for 2026–27, actual results achieved for both years are likely to differ from the forecast information presented, and this variation could be material.

In preparing this Consolidated Future-Oriented Statement of Operations, the department has made estimates and assumptions about the future. These estimates and assumptions may differ from the subsequent actual results. Estimates and assumptions are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, and are continually evaluated.

Factors that could lead to material differences between the Consolidated Future-Oriented Statement of Operations and the historical statement of operations include:

  • the timing and the amount of acquisitions and disposals of property, plant and equipment, which may affect gains, losses and amortization expense;
  • the implementation of new collective agreements;
  • economic conditions, which may affect both the amount of revenue earned and the collectability of receivables;
  • impact of potential tariffs imposed by both the United States and Canada;
  • the interest rates in effect at the time of issue, which will affect the net present value of non-interest-bearing loans; and
  • other changes to the operating budget, such as new initiatives or technical adjustments later in the fiscal year.

After the Departmental Plan is tabled in Parliament, the department will not be updating the forecasts for any changes in financial resources made in ensuing supplementary estimates. Variances will be explained in the Departmental Results Report.

3. Summary of significant accounting policies

The Consolidated Future-Oriented Statement of Operations has been prepared using the Government of Canada's accounting policies in effect for fiscal year 2025–26 and is based on Canadian public sector accounting standards. The presentation and results using the stated accounting policies do not result in any significant differences from Canadian public sector accounting standards.

Significant accounting policies are as follows:

a) Consolidation

This Consolidated Future-Oriented Statement of Operations includes the accounts of the sub-entities that the deputy head is accountable for. The accounts of these sub-entities have been consolidated with those of the department and all inter-organizational balances and transactions have been eliminated. The Consolidated Future-Oriented Statement of Operations therefore includes the accounts of the Department of National Defence, the Canadian Armed Forces and several related organizations and agencies in the Defence Portfolio, all of which carry out the Defence mission and are part of the Defence Services Programme.

Organizations and agencies that are part of the Consolidated Future-Oriented Statement of Operations include the following:

  • Canadian Coast Guard;
  • Canadian Forces Housing Agency;
  • Defence Research and Development Canada;
  • Independent Review Panel for Defence Acquisition;
  • Office of the Chief Military Judge;
  • Office of the Judge Advocate General; and
  • Office of the National Defence and the Canadian Forces Ombudsman.

The organizations below are excluded from the consolidation because these organizations are not part of the Defence Services Programme, although they fall under the responsibility of the Minister of National Defence.

  • Military Grievance External Review Committee;
  • Military Police Complaints Commission of Canada; and
  • Communications Security Establishment.

b) Expenses

The department records expenses on an accrual basis. Transfer payments are recorded as expenses when authorization for the payment exists and the recipient has met the eligibility or the entitlements criteria (for grants) or the performance conditions (for contributions) established for the transfer payment program.

Vacation pay and compensatory leave are accrued as the benefits are earned by employees under their respective terms of employment.

Services provided without charge by other government departments for accommodation, employee contributions to health and dental insurance plans, worker's compensation coverage and legal services are recorded as operating expenses at their estimated cost.

c) Revenues

Revenues are comprised of revenues earned from non-tax sources.

Revenues from regulatory fees are recognized in the accounts based on the services provided in the fiscal year.

Deferred revenue consists of amounts received in advance of the delivery of goods and rendering of services that will be recognized as revenue in a subsequent fiscal year as it is earned. Also, funds received from external parties for a specified purpose are recorded upon receipt as deferred revenue. Other revenues are recognized in the period the event giving rise to the revenues occurred.

Revenues that are non-respendable are not available to discharge the department's liabilities. Although the deputy head is expected to maintain accounting control, the position has no authority over the disposition of non-respendable revenues. As a result, non-respendable revenues are considered to be earned on behalf of the Government of Canada and are, therefore, presented as a reduction of the department's gross revenues.

4. Parliamentary authorities

The department is financed by the Government of Canada through parliamentary authorities. Financial reporting of authorities provided to the department differs from financial reporting according to generally accepted accounting principles because authorities are based mainly on cash flow requirements. Items recognized in the Consolidated Future-Oriented Statement of Operations in one year may be funded through parliamentary authorities in prior, current or future years. Accordingly, the department has different net cost of operations for the year on a government funding basis than on an accrual accounting basis. The differences are reconciled in the following tables:

a) Reconciliation of net cost of operations to requested authorities:

(in thousands of dollars)
 

Forecast 2025–26

Planned 2026–27

Net cost of operations before government funding and transfers

40,874,077

44,120,230

Adjustments for items affecting net cost of operations but not affecting authorities

Amortization of tangible capital assets

(3,622,117)

(4,811,131)

Services provided without charge by other government departments

(1,017,415)

(1,078,424)

Increase in employee future benefits

(19,733)

(21,807)

Refund of previous years' expenses

160,144

176,977

Increase in vacation pay and compensatory leave

(14,732)

(16,280)

Loss on disposals of capital assets

(419,445)

(32,120)

Adjustments of tangible capital assets

(161,232)

(178,179)

Refund of program expenses

28,947

31,990

Decrease in deferred revenues

260

287

Decrease (Increase) in accrued liabilities not charged to authorities

(22,443)

34,250

Bad debt expense

(930)

(759)

Proceeds from sale of assets

(16,821)

(15,176)

Increase in environmental liabilities and asset retirement obligations

(108,762)

(153,485)

Miscellaneous

48,981

54,129

Total items affecting net cost of operations but not affecting authorities

(5,165,298)

(6,009,728)

Adjustments for items not affecting net cost of operations but affecting authorities

Acquisition of tangible capital assets

10,147,575

12,573,333

Decrease in lease obligations for capital assets

8,174

1,456

Increase in inventory purchases net of usage and adjustments

112,695

124,541

Increase in prepaid expenses

808,075

893,011

Revenues collected from prior years' receivables

643

710

Total for items not affecting net cost of operations but affecting authorities

11,077,162

13,593,051

Requested authorities

46,785,941

51,703,553

b) Authorities requested:

(in thousands of dollars)
 

Forecast 2025–26

Planned 2026–27

Vote 1: Operating expenditures

25,907,067

27,550,935

Vote 5: Capital expenditures

14,891,016

18,031,653

Vote 10: Grants and contributions

3,117,269

3,291,493

Vote 15: Payments in respect of the long-term disability and life insurance plan for members of the Canadian Forces

589,378

446,728

Statutory amounts

2,281,211

2,382,744

Requested authorities

46,785,941

51,703,553

5. Transfer of the Canadian Coast Guard

On September 2, 2025, Fisheries and Oceans Canada transferred the control and supervision of the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) to National Defence. Revenues and expenses attributed to CCG starting on the effective date are reflected in this Future-Oriented Statement of Operations.

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2026-03-13