Operating context

National Defence policies and activities are informed by the evolving security context in which the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) operates. Strong, Secure, Engaged: Canada’s Defence Policy (SSE), identifies three broad trends that continue to shape the modern security environment:

1. The evolving balance of power;
2. The changing nature of conflict; and
3. The rapid evolution of technology.

These trends continue to shape the context in which the Department of National Defence (DND) and the CAF must operate. A common realization from these trends is that many of the modern threats faced by Canada are diffuse and transcend national borders undermining the security once provided by Canada’s geography. This requires Canada’s engagement to help promote security and stability both at home and abroad.

Similar to the experience across government and across the country, the COVID-19 pandemic posed challenges and constraints across DND and CAF activities in FY 2020-21. From recruitment to training to operations, DND faced challenges across its core responsibilities and programs over the reporting period. In response to the pandemic-related needs of Canada and Canadians, CAF capabilities and personnel prioritized its support to civil authorities through deployments to long-term care facilities; support to northern and remote communities; and assistance to other government departments, such as the Public Health Agency Canada.

Against the backdrop of an ever-evolving operating context and recovery from the pandemic over the longer term, DND and the CAF remain focused on implementing SSE. The effective implementation of this comprehensive, 20-year plan is essential to ensuring that the CAF is well prepared to execute its mandate and meet Canada’s defence needs. A focus on the care and services that we provide to our people will continue, as well as ongoing adaptation of our culture to promote inclusiveness and welcome greater diversity within our workforce. Taken together, these efforts will ensure that Canada can continue to field an agile, multipurpose and combat-ready military that can conduct the full spectrum of military operations simultaneously across multiple theatres of operations.

For more information regarding the Operating Context, please see Strong, Secure, Engaged: Canada’s Defence Policy (SSE)^{Footnote i} – Chapter 4 – Global Context.

20 August, 2021