Operations

This section contains information on the Department’s results and resources for each of its core responsibilities. It also contains information on related key risks.

Description

Detect, deter and defend against threats to or attacks on Canada. Assist civil authorities and law enforcement, including counter-terrorism, in support of national security, domestic disasters or major emergencies, and conduct Search and Rescue (SAR) operations.

Detect, deter and defend against threats to or attacks on North America in partnership with the United States, including through North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD).

Lead and/or contribute forces to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and coalition efforts to deter and defeat adversaries, including terrorists, to support global stability. Lead and/or contribute to international peace operations and stabilization missions with the United Nations, NATO and other multilateral partners. Engage in capacity building to support the security of other nations and their ability to contribute to security and the security of Canadians abroad while adhering to Canadian standards on Human Rights and the Law of Armed Conflict. Assist civil authorities and non-governmental partners in responding to international and domestic disasters or major emergencies.

Results

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) responded to domestic, continental, and international threats, and anticipated, adapted, and postured for concurrent operations. The Defence Team’s activities helped foster global stability, supported the rules based international order, and increased Canada’s global access and influence. This occurred through:

• Participation in security-focused coalitions and alliances;
• Efforts to develop our defence partners’ capabilities and institutions; and
• Participation in United Nations’ peacekeeping operations and sanctions enforcement efforts, bilateral defence activities, and efforts to advance Women, Peace and Security initiatives.

These results were achieved in support of Government of Canada’s objectives, including defence and security elements of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy which outlines opportunities to increase CAF presence, collect and share intelligence, and deepen defence partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.

The CAF balanced the risk between the demands of force employment and force generation. Since 2020, there continues to be significant increases in pressure to support contingency domestic operations, responding to requests for assistance from civil authorities and non-governmental partners, and addressing the enduring effects from the COVID-19 pandemic on the CAF workforce.

In an era of deteriorating global security, the relationships that have underpinned the rules-based international order for generations are under significant threat. This rapid shift in the geopolitical environment is making the role of Defence more complex.

To address the rise in challenges to the international rules-based order and democratic institutions, the DND/CAF has established bi-lateral and multi-lateral coordination groups together with Global Affairs Canada and Five Eyes partners, an intelligence alliance comprising Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, to measure and adjust planning efforts within the ever-changing context of the information environment. These efforts have produced synchronization and alignment of national and international activities and messaging efforts to contribute to and uphold global stability and security. The DND/CAF continued to investigate and evolve its capabilities and capacity to operate and generate effects within an increasingly interconnected and challenging global operating environment.

In FY 2022-23, the DND/CAF continued contributing to the Government of Canada’s objectives to increase regional stability. The department:

• Conducted capacity building activities with partner forces in key areas including chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threat response with partners such as the Malaysian Armed Forces;
• Delivered training and mentoring, and provided equipment and materiel to partner forces to assist them in overcoming capability shortfalls and achieving self-sufficiency;
• Developed defence and security capabilities of partner forces, lessening the likelihood of future crisis interventions by the international community;
• Promoted interoperability among our partner forces; and
• Began a reconstitution process to balance operational demands and priorities with the available resources.

In addition, the CAF continued developing methods and metrics to assess the effectiveness and performance of military operations in support of Government of Canada objectives. This was primarily achieved by aligning the CAF’s operational assessment terminology and methodology with NATO and by integrating assessment doctrine from key coalition partners. This helped the CAF evaluate how well DND/CAF addresses complex problems in the context of military operations. Once fully developed, these assessments will better support the creation of operational solutions and inform future planning to achieve desired Government of Canada outcomes. The Defence Team will continue sending members to the NATO Operational Assessment Course to further develop DND and CAF’s operational assessment capacity.

DND/CAF enhanced abilities to collect, analyze and share intelligence to detect, recognize, and understand all-pan-domain threats, and position itself to address a constantly evolving threat environment. The Defence Team continued developing and expanding intelligence networks abroad to ensure rapid and timely collection, processing, and exchanges of information.

In addition, Canada continued to work with Five Eyes partners on the increased interoperability of our classified and below secret networks. DND/CAF personnel provided leadership and participated in key interoperability panels, teams, boards and working groups.

To close capability gaps across the air, maritime, cyber, space, information and land domains, the CAF continued to identify, develop and recommend modifications and investments to its capabilities. DND/CAF expanded pan-domain awareness in the Arctic and the maritime approaches by conducting operations and exercises in the high arctic. This expansion supported both continental defence and NORAD missions through innovative options and a system of systems approach for Northern Approaches Surveillance. This includes, but is not limited to, the replacement of the North Warning System with a layered system of sensors including Arctic and Polar Over the Horizon Radars (OTHR) and the Defence Enhanced Surveillance from Space Project. Which enables further detection and identification of potential threats and carries out the Pan-domain Situational Awareness Executive Group mandate. A highlight of this effort was the progress made towards the implementation of OTHR.

National Defence assumed an assertive posture in the cyber domain to ensure the ability to defend against malicious cyber actors and potential adversaries, as well as improve the capability to conduct offensive cyber operations. The Department:

• Collaborated with Communications Security Establishment (CSE) on the development of offensive cyber operations capabilities on behalf of the Government of Canada;
• Supported several deployed CAF missions within cyberspace, often in collaboration with CSE. Through this support the CAF confirmed the success of the CAF’s non-kinetic targeting processes, the respective authorities involved, the rules of engagement considerations, and the detailed coordination that are necessary for these types of operations;
• Developed a refined Cyber Incident Response Plan that streamlines response coordination internally and with other agencies;
• Advanced capabilities, capacity and expertise to support deployed operations in a contested cyber environment;
• Worked with Government of Canada partners, including Shared Services Canada to maintain the stability, integrity, and availability of Information Management/Information Technology capabilities that support critical services and operations within the department.

Incremental Costs for Major Canadian Armed Forces Operations and information on current CAF operations and exercises are available on the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces’ website.

Gender-based analysis plus (GBA Plus)

The Defence Team used GBA Plus in the planning and conduct of all operations, specifically:

• Full-time Gender Advisors and part-time Gender Focal Points were maintained in every named operation to advise commanders and staff on the conduct of GBA Plus, on gender perspectives, and in the use of findings in the planning and execution of all operations with expert support from Directorate Gender Equality and Intersection Analysis.
• Deployed personnel completed training to continue to integrate GBA Plus and the Women Peace and Security agenda into current and planned operations and exercises. Integrating gender perspectives into the planning and conduct of operations increased understanding of the effects of operations on vulnerable groups, improved our situational and cultural awareness, and ensured cognition of the gender considerations that support mission success.

Defence recognized that diversity of representation in peacekeeping improves overall performance, provides for greater access to communities, helps in promoting human rights and the protection of civilians, and encourages equality-seeking groups to become a meaningful part of peace and political processes. Canada supported the United Nations in their efforts to increase women’s meaningful participation in uniformed roles in peace support operations, both through the broader, Whole of Government Elsie Initiative, and through deployments under Operation PRESENCE (Elsie) and Operation PRESENCE (Training Support to Peace Operations). In FY 2022-23:

• Under Operation PRESENCE (Elsie), Defence participated in a four-month tour of Ghana Armed Forces garrisons, supporting the Ghana Armed Forces by collecting grassroots data to establish a baseline formulation of a Ghana Armed Forces Gender Policy.
• Under Operation PRESENCE (Training Support to Peace Operations), Defence developed the gender balanced United Nations Engagement Platoon concept and curriculum. This directly supported a commitment made by the Prime Minster at the 2017 United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial in Vancouver, to promote inclusive peace operations and to deliver innovative training in support of peacekeeping. Specific accomplishments includes the United Nations approval of the Engagement Platoon curriculum in October 2022, and the subsequent training of trainers conducted in Entebbe, Uganda, for uniformed and civilian members from twelve United Nations Troop Contributing Countries in March 2023.

As part of efforts to modernize NORAD and strengthen continental defence, the Defence Team continued to work throughout the policy development process to ensure that GBA Plus considerations were captured and that gender and intersectional perspectives were integrated into the proposals and advice being developed for Government consideration. With Northern initiatives and investments expected to be critical to fulfilling this commitment, the Defence Team continued this work to ensure that continental defence efforts are underpinned by meaningful dialogue with key stakeholders, including Northern and Indigenous partners, to ensure that various viewpoints and priorities are incorporated into this work. The Defence Team will take a distinctions-based, nation-to-nation approach to Indigenous engagement and consultation throughout this process.

The Defence Team issued a Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) Directive on Implementation of the Vancouver Principles in June 2022, establishing a governance, monitoring, and reporting framework for ongoing efforts. The Dallaire Centre of Excellence for Peace and Security subsequently produced an Aide-Memoire for Canadian Armed Forces Responses to Preventing the Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers. Follow on and complementary efforts included the drafting of two Joint Doctrine Notes, the first on the foundation for implementation of the Vancouver Principles, and the second on CAF Responses to Preventing the Unlawful Recruitment and Use of Children in Conflict.

More information on GBA Plus can be found in the “GBA Plus Supplementary Information Table” in the Supplementary Information Tables section of this report.

Innovation

In FY 2022-23, NORAD continued its rapid development effort in support of its information dominance and decision-superiority strategic priorities. The Cloud-Based Command and Control (CBC2) capability (formerly referred to as Pathfinder) was advanced to the next stage of development known as Minimum Viable Product 4 and project management was formally handed over to the United States Air Force Command, Control, Communications and Battle Management, or Command, Control, Communications and Battle Management (C3BM) for continued development towards Initial Operational Capability aimed for the fall of 2023. Moreover, NORAD, in coordination with the United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), continued to support the Global Information Dominance Experiment to advance the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning in support of decision-making.

Some of the work that was done in improving mobility and enhancing surveillance capabilities in Canada’s North included:

• NATO Human Factors and Medicine Task Group (HFM RTG) 310: Cold weather injury medical tracking survey. Pilot completed in 2023 and final survey to be completed in FY 2023-24;
• Collaboration with National Research Council on Indigenous Clothing, with two contract reports delivered;
• International collaborations;
• NATO: HFM RTG 310 and RSY 349: Human Performance and Medical Treatment and Support during Cold weather Operations (ending 2023);
• International Cooperative Engagement Program for Polar Research: Human Performance Working Group;
• Clothing (project agreement definition progressed and Aviation Life Support Equipment (ALSE) International field trial planned 2024);
• The Technical Cooperation Program: Multi-domain Cold Stress Thermal Model (including listing existing thermal models and evaluation);
• Genomics (Canada/United States – United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine and Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (year one of data collection complete);
• Operation NANOOK : Conducted operational and training activities which enhanced collaboration with Other Government Departments, agencies, territorial and Indigenous Governments, and local organizations to increase interoperability, readiness and presence in the North. Operation NANOOK activities for FY 2022-23 are found in Departmental Result 2.1 in this report;
• Using the NORAD Modernization Research and Development investment that was announced in Budget 21, DND/CAF executed the All-Domain Situational Awareness Executive Group (which has been renamed the “Continental Surveillance Science and Technology Executive Oversight Group”) with a mandate to deliver on advanced means of ensuring Canadian awareness of the Arctic and maritime approaches to Canada. In close collaboration with our partners in the United States, new technologies were explored that will provide surveillance and detection capabilities against pan-domain threats. These new technologies include:
  • Research into extending the range of Over-the-Horizon Radar in the polar regions;
  • Investigating technological solutions for persistent underwater surveillance of Canada’s maritime approaches; and
  • Exploring state-of-the-art digital high-resolution space-based radar technology for broad-area surveillance, as well analyzing architectures to use these novel technologies together to support an integrated and layered defence for North America.
• Improving surveillance and control in the Arctic. Defence expanded pan-domain awareness in the Arctic in support of continental defence and NORAD missions through innovative options for Northern Approaches Surveillance. This includes, but is not limited to, developing Arctic and Polar Over the Horizon Radars for long-range surveillance of northern approaches, strengthening space-based surveillance through the Defence Enhanced Surveillance from Space Project, continuing to operate and maintain the North Warning System and delivering on the Continental Surveillance Science and Technology Executive Oversight Group mandate to deliver on advance means of ensuring Canadian awareness of the Arctic and maritime approaches to Canada. DND/CAF continued to collaborate with the United States to develop new technologies and capabilities that will provide surveillance and detection capabilities against pan-domain threats at a range that allows decision makers to operate at the speed of relevance;

The department continued the development of data-driven and AI-powered systems and techniques to support Command and Control (C2) and battle management by accelerating the overall decision cycles while enabling multi-domain operations. Work continued to progress on the development of tools to train and support operators to improve the overall effectiveness of human-AI collaboration, while ensuring human trust in AI decision making.

In FY 2022-23, DND/CAF continued its experimentation/innovation efforts to improve joint operations through two key initiatives:

• Multi Domain Command and Control Concept Development and Experimentation (renamed: Agile Pan-Domain Command and Control Experimentation Endeavour or APDCCXe): The DND/CAF continued developing data-driven and AI-powered systems and techniques associated with the C2 Pathfinder initiative to enable multi-domain operations and evolve CAF planning and C2 for the conduct of Multi Domain Campaigning; and
• Coalition Warrior Interoperability eXperiment (CWIX) 22: To support Multi Domain Campaigning, the CAF participated in CWIX 22, exploring methods for improved information-sharing capabilities, interoperability, and C2 functions, specifically through extended and augmented reality experiments with NATO, allies and select non-NATO entities. The Canadian Forces Experimental Network (CFXNet) / Combined Federated Battle Laboratories Network supported several other organization connectivity with Canada during CWIX 22.

Note: To ensure clarity and alignment with other strategic documents, a Domain is a defined sphere where distinct groups of specific activities are undertaken, effects created to achieve specific objectives. Domains can be delineated by both physical and non-physical characteristics. Pan-Domain represents the construct/framework that facilitates the orchestration of activities across multiple domains to achieve a desired end-state.

This information and these collaboration experiments supported the development of concepts, organizational designs, and doctrine.

Additional defence-related experimentation activities are outlined in this report under Core Responsibility 2 – Ready Forces and 4 – Future Force Design.

Key Risks

Two of the Key Corporate Risks directly associated with Operations are articulated below:

Physical Environment – There is a risk that changes to the physical environment of Canada and the world, including changes due to climate change, will impact the type, frequency, and conduct of DND/CAF activities.

Cyber Intrusion – There is a risk of serious harm (e.g. loss of sensitive data, disruption to the network, physical electronic damage, loss of confidence in institution/reputation, etc.) resulting from a cyber-intrusion.

The risks above can affect the department’s ability to achieve the Departmental Results of the Operations Core Responsibility.

As the Defence Departmental Results Framework reflects a chain of delivery from conceiving of the required armed forces, to developing them and then executing operations, the activities to mitigate the risks to Operations can also be found in other Core Responsibilities which deliver building blocks that enable the results of Operations.

Many of the preventative and mitigating controls for these risks are articulated as activities of each Departmental Result below.

Departmental Result 1.1 – Canadians are protected against threats to and attacks on Canada

The CAF, in cooperation with NORAD and USNORTHCOM, continued to detect, deter and defend against threats to Canada and North America and remained prepared to support provincial and territorial authorities in response to natural disasters.

In FY 2022-23, the CAF worked diligently to enhance its ability to collect, analyse, and share intelligence products to ensure a robust all-source understanding of the areas of intelligence interest. The focus was on ensuring intelligence products are written to release for broadest dissemination to partner organizations within Canada, as well as international partners with whom the Government of Canada is sustaining and building close intelligence partnerships.

The primary means by which the CAF enhanced its intelligence capabilities were through the continued development and expansion of the Intelligence Requirement Management and Collection Management System and the clear direction of National Intelligence Priorities, promulgated by the CDS Intelligence, which supported the institution of intelligence systems that enable the effective flow of information between the tactical and strategic levels. This expansion continued the alignment of information requirements of all agencies internal to the CAF, linked to policy, direction, and national priorities. This coordination created efficiencies in the intelligence cycle by reducing duplication of effort among intelligence entities. Improvements in Joint Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (JISR) ensured decision makers within the CAF and Government of Canada were provided better information, primarily through communication of operational effects.  

Further, DND/CAF protected Canadians from threats by:

• Responding to Requests for Federal Assistance (RFA), as directed by the Government of Canada, for a range of domestic emergencies by providing military support on an as-needed basis and only at the request of the provincial or territorial authority through the Minister of Public Safety. Typically, this is in the form of disaster response assistance (Operation LENTUS). The Defence Team executed several Operation LENTUS iterations in FY 2022-23, including CAF support to Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador after Hurricane FIONA.
• Overall, in FY 2022-23, the CAF supported:
• Six permanent RFAs in Canada;
• Eleven emergency RFAs in Canada;
• Eight RFAs in Europe; and
• Three RFAs in the Middle East/Africa.
• In general, RFAs have greatly increased during the past decade and are anticipated to continue this trend. These challenges are aggravating the personnel shortfalls which have resulted in the Directive For CAF Reconstitution;
• Operation NOBLE EAGLE :Following the terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001, NORAD created Operation NOBLE EAGLE, which provides response to asymmetric air security threats occurring within Canada and the United States, and the approaches to North America. This includes, but is not limited to, civilian aircraft and/or other platforms being used as a weapon. Collaboration among Other Government Departments and agencies is essential to the successful execution of this operation;
• Operation LIMPID - Through Operation LIMPID the CAF continued to detect threats to Canada through routine watch over Canada’s air, maritime, land, and aerospace domains and maintaining a physical presence in some areas. The CAF continued to exercise its Sovereignty and has conducted operations in the Arctic to counter unregistered dual-use scientific efforts;

• Strengthened collaboration with Other Government Departments and agencies such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) through conducting operational-level engagement. These activities supported preparedness, interoperability and mutual support, as outlined in the Federal Emergency Response Plan;
• Worked with other authorities and agencies in support of law enforcement and national security, and Other Government Departments. Ongoing operations included support for Parks Canada for avalanche control (Operation PALACI ) and support to the President of the United States visit to Canada in March 2023;
• Worked together with other authorities such as the Department of Canadian Heritage in supporting the 2022 Royal Tour of Canada by their Royal Highnesses, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall which celebrated the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, marking the 70th anniversary of her accession to the Throne. In addition, the Defence Team supported Operation BRIDGE which contributed to the Government of Canada’s marking of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with a 10-day period of mourning and a national commemorative ceremony including CAF participation in the State Funeral in London, England on 19 September 2022;
• Beyond our support to CAF operations, the department continued to work with Government of Canada colleagues mandated to provide cyber security across the Government of Canada, ensuring combined cyber capabilities were aligned. The department continued to enhance its ability to defend DND/CAF systems and networks through the strengthening of relationships with key Government of Canada stakeholders such as the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security; and
• The Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) remained positioned to identify, confront, and defeat threats to Canadians and Canadian interests at home and abroad through a cooperative joint interagency and multinational approach. CANSOFCOM maintained situational awareness of potential threats, sustained high readiness to mitigate threats in North America and around the world, and conducted joint operations and collaborated with allies and National Security partners to identify potential threats.

Results achieved

The following table shows, for the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces, the results achieved, the performance indicators, the targets and the target dates for FY 2022–23, and the actual results for the three most recent fiscal years for which results are available.

Departmental results	Performance indicators	Target	Date to achieve target	2020–21 Actual results	2021-22 Actual results	2022-23 Actual results
1.1 Canadians are protected against threats to and attacks on Canada	% of requests for assistance that are fulfilled	100%	31 March 2023	100%	100%	100%
	% of force elements that are deployed within established timelines	100%	31 March 2023	100%	100%	100%
	% of stated objectives met by domestic operations	100%	31 March 2023	95%	95%	95%Footnote *
	Extent to which the Canadian Armed Forces is effective in domestic operations	The CAF is effective in the conduct of domestic operations	31 March 2023	This is a qualitative indicator	This is a qualitative indicator	This is a qualitative indicatorFootnote **

Financial, human resources and performance information for the DND and CAF Program Inventory is available in the GC InfoBase.

Departmental Result 1.2 – People in distress receive effective search and rescue response

In FY 2022–23, there were 9, 454 Search and Rescue (SAR) incidents (cases), with 1,779 cases having a final classification of 1 (Distress) or 2 (Imminent Distress). Other SAR case classifications consist of 3- situations requiring assistance to prevent case degradation to greater potential danger, 4- false alarm or hoax, or 5- outside of the Canadian area of responsibility. All Joint Rescue Coordination Centre SAR cases were handled effectively and delivered through to conclusion or handed over to an appropriate agency.

The Canadian Rangers, an integral component of the CAF, are a diverse and agile localized capability generated for employment by the CAF to assist the Government of Canada presence in sparsely settled remote, northern, coastal and isolated areas. Through RFAs in support of provincial or territorial authorities’ mandates to conduct search and rescue during FY 2022-23, the Canadian Rangers supported 33 ground SAR missions. During the same period, Canadian Rangers responded to two RFA from provincial or territorial authorities.

Results achieved

The following table shows, for the DND and CAF, the results achieved, the performance indicators, the targets and target dates for FY 2022–23, and the actual results for the three most recent fiscal years for which results are available.

Departmental results	Performance indicators	Target	Date to achieve target	2020–21 Actual results	2021–22 Actual results	2022-23 Actual results
1.2 People in distress receive effective search and rescue response	% of coordinated maritime, aeronautical and joint response to search and rescue incidents deemed effective	100%	31 March 2023	100%	100%	100%
	% of requests for Canadian Armed Forces aeronautical search and rescue assistance that are fulfilled	100%	31 March 2023	100%	100%	99%Footnote *
	% of Canadian Armed Forces aeronautical search and rescue operations that meet established standards	100%	31 March 2023	91%	91%	91%Footnote **

Financial, human resources and performance information for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces’ Program Inventory is available in the GC InfoBase.

Departmental Result 1.3 – Canada’s Arctic sovereignty is preserved and safeguarded

In FY 2022-23, the CAF maintained a year-round presence in Canada’s North and routinely conducted training and operations in the region supporting Canadian presence and ensured the defence, security, and safety of Canada’s Arctic and Northern regions.

The Canadian Rangers (CR) were employed based on geographic location, Government of Canada, CAF, and local needs. To preserve and safeguard Canada’s arctic sovereignty, CR conducted patrols in northern isolated areas, including to the North Warning Systems and critical infrastructure. They also conducted and supported reconnaissance and ground preparation of designated areas in advance of CAF training and operations. They provided local knowledge, cultural advice, predator control, interpretation/translation and guide services to DND/CAF personnel, other partners and allies. Finally, they collected and reported unusual activities and information resulting in advanced warnings of threats, such as the rapidly changing conditions of the terrain, the environment, and climate change.

The Arctic, which continues to be a priority for Canada, has become increasingly accessible because of climate change and technological advances. This region is strategically important and is generating growing interest from Arctic and non-Arctic countries, including competitors. Thus, the importance for the CAF to be able to exert presence and operate effectively in the Arctic is increasing, to contribute to enduring Canadian sovereignty in North.

The CAF continued engagement with northern partners on the development of improvements to Arctic Forward Operating Locations, to maintain the CAF’s ability to operate in the Arctic and adapt to a changed security environment. Arctic communities are the most present and enduring expression of Canada’s sovereignty in the North; therefore, consultation with Northern communities on military activities in the Arctic is essential . In addition, the CAF continued engagement with industry to further develop Defence solutions for the High-Arctic.

For example, in FY 2022-23, DND announced a total investment of $230 million in upgrading the airport runway in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, to support NORAD and the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) ability to operate in the North and Arctic. This will further contribute to NORAD Modernization by contributing greater capacity and capabilities to Arctic and Northern operations, building on important Arctic investments articulated in Strong, Secure, Engaged (SSE): Canada's Defence Policy

• The Defence Team remained an effective capability-building partner by helping Other Canadian Government Departments and agencies, as well as territorial and Indigenous Governments, to fulfill their mandates when authorized. The Defence Team continued to increase its familiarity with and situational awareness of Arctic activities and carried out successful CAF operations in harsh operating environments, including through Operation NANOOK , Operation LIMPID ; Operation BOXTOP and Operation NEVUS . These operations maintained the CAF’s Arctic capabilities, footprint, and readiness all while preserving Canada’s Arctic sovereignty. Additionally, CAF continued collaboration with Indigenous governments and Whole of Government stakeholders via routine engagements, such as the Arctic Security Working Group; and
• Efforts continued to be made to consult and work with Northern Indigenous communities when opportunities for contracting, procurement, or socio-economic benefits existed or were being planned.

The CAF anticipates that climate change will increasingly impact the safety, security, and livelihoods of Northerners, threaten critical defence infrastructure, and complicate search and rescue operations. DND/CAF remained prepared to support Canadian communities in crisis, while encouraging and supporting the continued development of Provincial, Territorial and Municipal emergency response capacities to mitigate the current overreliance on CAF resources for domestic emergency response. The CAF’s readiness to respond and ability to contribute to conducting force generation and training activities must be considered in all deployments, particularly in the current geopolitical climate. In particular, in June 2022, the CAF conducted Operation NANOOK-TATIGIIT in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. This component of the Operation NANOOK series focused on strengthening Whole-of-Government emergency and disaster response cooperation in the North.

The Arctic region is of great strategic importance for continental defence. Increasing the CAF’s presence in the Arctic, improving Arctic surveillance, and strengthening rapid response capabilities will be critical to providing credible deterrence to new and emerging threats. To bolster the CAF’s capabilities in the Arctic, new investments focused on infrastructure improvements, specifically runways. These included lengthening runways, expanding their aprons, repairing surfaces and improvements to their drainage systems. DND/CAF also advanced on the delivery of Arctic commitments from the 2017 Strong, Secure, Engaged (SSE): Canada's Defence Policy, and the 2019 Arctic and Northern Policy Framework. Notably, the third Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Max Bernays, was delivered to the RCN in September 2022.

DND/CAF also demonstrated a persistent presence in the Arctic through regular training activities and operations. Notably, Operation NANOOK, the CAF’s signature Northern operation occurred in four components between summer 2022 and winter 2023. This series of operations demonstrated the CAF’s capacity to project and sustain forces into the Canadian Arctic, and supported deepened collaboration with Other Government Departments, Northern and Indigenous partners, and international Allies.

In FY 22-23, CAF Arctic Training Centre in Resolute Bay, Nunavut, worked in conjunction with the Polar Continental Shelf Program, which is part of Natural Resources Canada, to facilitate both individual and collective training events. Northern Exercise named GUERRIER NORDIQUE 23, a Canadian Army (CA) exercise conducted by the divisional Arctic Response Company with participation from the United States Army and Air National Guard, was supported during the winter of 2023. Additionally, during winter 2023, CAF Search and Rescue (SAR) Tech training was conducted, two serials of RCAF air crew survival training was conducted, as well as the Arctic Operations course for the CA. The Arctic Operations course had international participation from the following allied and partner Armed Forces; the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Sweden.

Results achieved

The following table shows, for the DND and CAF, the results achieved, the performance indicators, the targets and target dates for FY 2022–23, and the actual results for the three most recent fiscal years for which results are available.

Departmental results	Performance indicators	Target	Date to achieve target	2020–21 Actual results	2021–22 Actual results	2022-23 Actual results
1.3 Canada’s Arctic sovereignty is preserved and safeguarded	% of stated objectives met by Arctic operations and exercises	100%	31 March 2023	95%	95%	95%Footnote *

Departmental Result 1.4 – North America is defended against threats and attacks

DND/CAF executed maritime warning, aerospace warning, and aerospace control missions in accordance with the NORAD Agreement and Terms of Reference. Maritime and aerospace warning and aerospace control missions involved the monitoring of aerospace and maritime activities to detect and characterize threats against Canada or the United States, and to ensure that Canada is prepared to respond to those threats. In addition, NORAD adjusted to the rapidly shifting global security environment and deterred aggression by pursuing and employing a capable defence based on global integration, all-domain awareness, information dominance, and decision superiority.

The CAF continued to implement SSE initiative 108, to “enhance and expand the training and effectiveness of the Canadian Rangers to improve their functional capabilities within the CAF”. The CAF started conducting a comprehensive review of the Canadian Rangers (CR) as part of SSE initiative 108 that extends beyond mere growth. In June 2022, the CA stood up a team under the Director CR to formulate a comprehensive CR Enhancement design, including a revised Force employment concept.

The department strengthened continental defence and the modernization of NORAD, as committed to in SSE and as announced by the Government in June 2022. Significant investments were put in motion to support these efforts and to position Canada to work closely with the United States to maintain continental defence and deterrence capabilities. The Defence Team is committed to developing better all domain surveillance, modernizing command and control systems, and upgrading and enhancing the CAF’s domestic and continental defence capabilities, with a particular focus on Canada’s Northern and Arctic approaches.

Efforts to modernize NORAD were taken to ensure that the binational command can continue conducting aerospace warning and control and maritime warning as threats to North America continue to evolve in complexity. As part of this effort, the Defence Team worked with the United States Department of Defense to support Canada-United States collaboration on potential solutions, coordination and alignment of future investments.

NORAD is committed to improving domain awareness and information dominance, which is globally integrated to support decision superiority for senior leaders. NORAD continued to campaign daily to support these objectives through operations, such as Operation NOBLE DEFENDER, and exercises, such as Exercise VIGILANT SHIELD. There has been also a concerted effort to conduct activities and initiatives that continued improving these objectives. An example is the multiple engagements, such as the Arctic Security Forces Roundtable, that the command undertakes with like-minded allies and partners to discuss information sharing and interoperability.

Results achieved

The following table shows, for the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces, the results achieved, the performance indicators, the targets and the target dates for FY 2022–23, and the actual results for the three most recent fiscal years for which results are available.

Departmental results	Performance indicators	Target	Date to achieve target	2020–21 Actual results	2021–22 Actual results	2022-23 Actual results
1.4 North America is defended against threats and attacks	% of stated objective met by continental operations	100%	31 March 2023	95%	92%	100%
	% of Canada’s commitments and obligations to the North American Aerospace Defense Command agreement that are met	100%	31 March 2023	100%	100%	98.1%*Footnote *
	Extent to which the Canadian Armed Forces is effective in continental operations	The Canadian Armed Forces is effective in the conduct of continental operations	31 March 2023	This is a qualitative indicator	This is a qualitative indicator	This is a qualitative indicatorFootnote **

DND and CAF Program Inventory is available in the GC InfoBase.

Departmental Result 1.5 – Canadian Armed Forces contribute to a more stable and peaceful world

Since February 2022, the Government of Canada has supported the conflict in Ukraine with the donations of lethal and non-lethal aid. This has enabled Ukrainian Armed Forces to protect their national interests and further repel Russian aggression in their homeland. The equipment that the Government of Canada donated range from M777 Howitzers and Leopard II Tanks to many types of munitions, personal protective equipment, anti-armour systems, sleeping bags, rations and much more. The CAF has also supported the purchasing of non-Canadian Army items that were donated to Ukraine, such as Air Defence Systems, optical devices, and civilian armoured vehicles.

The CAF has also contributed to the effort in Ukraine where CA personnel were actively training them to fight in the conflict. This consisted of basic level training in the United Kingdom, as well as, engineer tank and medical training in Poland. It is assessed that varying degrees of training will continue for the foreseeable future. Additional leadership and other specialist training is also being discussed for future iterations of Operation UNIFIER type missions.

In addition, in FY 2022-23 Canada supported Ukraine with:

• 2 455 SFU trained during 18 course serials to include recruit, Artillery, Engineer, Leopard II and medical training. In addition, episodic artillery training was provided on how to effectively use and maintain Canada’s four donated M777 Howitzers.
• 208 Armoured SUV from Roshel (204 Senators and four land Rovers), and one Armoured Recovery Vehicle (ARV);
• Eight Leopard II Tanks (L2A4 main battle tanks) including spare parts and training for Ukrainian Armoured soldiers in their employment.These heavily armoured and highly protected vehicles provide soldiers with a tactical advantage on the battlefield, thanks to their excellent mobility, firepower, and survivability;
• More than $1 billion in military aid to Ukraine. This includes Senator commercial pattern armoured vehicles, a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) with associated munitions, 39 Armoured Combat Support Vehicles, anti-tank weapons, small arms, spare parts and sustainment. high-resolution drone cameras, and additional miscellaneous equipment;
• 8 000 rounds of 155mm ammunition as well as twelve air defence missiles sourced from CAF inventory to sustain the air defence systems currently deployed in Ukraine. Canada also donated more than 1 800 rounds of 105mm tank training ammunition;
• The delivery of over 10 million pounds of Canadian and international military donations to date out of Air Task Force-Prestwick;
• Over $5 billion in direct financial, military, humanitarian, and other assistance to Ukraine;
• Deployed trainers for members of the Security Forces of Ukraine with the skills needed to fight, win, and save lives effectively in combat situations, and extended its ongoing efforts to train Ukrainian sappers in Poland under Operation UNIFIER until 2023;
• 400 000 pieces of winter clothing, for a total of $15 million. This critical winter equipment included jackets, pants, boots, gloves, and parkas sourced from Canadian companies through the Canadian Commercial Corporation. An additional 100 000 pieces will come from CAF inventory; and
• Ongoing cybersecurity support.

DND/CAF continued to foster a more stable and peaceful world together with NATO , through development of the defence and security capabilities of partner forces, operations in maritime environments, and contributions to peace support operations and peacekeeping.

Overseas, DND/CAF and allies continued to contribute to regional stability through peace support operations, forward presence, security operations, and regional engagements. The Defence Team will continue to work with allies in supporting regional partners’ capacity to confront terrorist threats. DND/CAF with NATO allies will deter aggression, and we will continue to build and reinforce the capability of partner forces to respond to defence challenges or to respond to natural disasters and humanitarian crises. In FY 2022-23, DND/CAF:

• Canadian Forces Intelligence Command (CFINTCOM) continued to share timely and relevant intelligence with our Five Eyes allies and NATO partners. Specifically, CFINTCOM supported the Government of Canada’s response to the crisis in Sudan by providing intelligence support to DND/CAF and Other Government Departments and agencies. This intelligence support was critical to Canada’s safe and timely evacuation of its citizens from the country. CFINTCOM contributed analytical support to the Haiti Interdepartmental Task Force’s Integrated Intelligence Cell. CFINTCOM continued to share timely and relevant strategic-level intelligence with our allies and partners, including in support to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, sharing approximately 1 300 intelligence products with Five Eyes allies, an increase of approximately 16 percent from FY 2021-22;
• The Joint Intelligence Operations Centre continued to provide intelligence support to the development of Canadian, Five Eyes, and NATO targets. It completed eleven validated targets and, through formal sharing agreements, worked closely with NATO and the Five Eyes community to provide intelligence support to their Target Development;
• Through modernization of the Canadian Forces Weather and Oceanographic (CFWOS) service, CFINTCOM contributed to ongoing NATO missions (Operation REASSURANCE) by providing meteorological support in forward deployed areas. The increase of 1 deployed Meteorological Technician has enabled the better appreciation of the environmental battlespace by both Canada and NATO allies. CFINTCOM supported Arctic sovereignty operations and further contributed to climate awareness in the high north, including the creation of an ongoing relationship with Ice Services Canada for the forward deployment of Ice Forecasters on the RCN Arctic Offshore Patrol Vessel;
• The CAF Defence Debriefing Programme, led by Canadian Forces Intelligence Group, deployed defence debriefers to various locations domestically and overseas in support of the Defence of Canada and CAF Operations. Defence Debriefing is the systematic questioning of individuals possessing knowledge of defence intelligence interests on a voluntary basis by specially trained CAF personnel to obtain information in response to defence intelligence requirements. From 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023, CAF defence debriefers conducted 68 Defence Debriefings world-wide in coordination and collaboration with Other Government Departments, NATO partners, and Five Eyes allies;
• In support of CAF operations, the department continued to develop capabilities, and capacity, for conducting offensive cyber operations to detect, deter, and defend against threats. DND/CAF and Communications Security Establishment worked together to conduct and support cyber operations against adversaries who wished to threaten Canada’s national interests. DND/CAF derived authority from the exercise of the Crown Prerogative, and through the National Defence Act to conduct offensive cyber operations in the context of government-authorized military missions. Offensive cyber operations are always subject to all applicable domestic law, international law, rules of engagement, formal targeting processes, and collateral damage assessments; 
• Developed defence and security capabilities of partner forces: This has become a focal point for DND/CAF. As of FY 2022-23, more than 70 percent of troops deployed in named operations conduct or support capacity-building activities, either in a primary role (Operations UNIFIER, IMPACT and PROTEUS) or a secondary role (Operations REASSURANCE and PROJECTION). The Defence Team’s capacity building activities provided mentorship, advice, and assistance to our partners with training, donation of supplies, and equipment. In FY 2022-23, these activities contributed to the development and professionalization of the Jordanian and Lebanese Armed Forces, and Palestinian Authority Security Forces;
• Operation PROTEUS: Helped Palestinian Authority Security Forces build their capacity by contributing to the Office of United States Security Coordinator. Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members serve with the United States Security Coordinator team as part of Canada’s military task force in Jerusalem. Over $3.1 million in projects were delivered in 2022 leveraging Contingency Funding, ranging from the delivery of leadership training to the Palestinian Authority Security Forces Special Weapons and Tactics force, basic public affairs training, and community engagement to the provision of laser surveyors, plotters, and essential force laundry, kitchen, and medical equipment. In addition, the CAF provided equipment to the Palestinian Authority’s Customs Police and provided the Palestinian Authority Security Forces with logistical, engineering and Communications and Information Services support;
• On 31 August 2022, DND/CAF released the Elsie Initiative Barrier Assessment report, which identified barriers and opportunities to improve CAF women’s participation in United Nations peace operations. Despite barriers identified in the areas of retention and recruitment, in FY 2022-23 the CAF made progress towards the United Nations peacekeeping target for women serving in military contingents of 15 percent, and 25 percent for military observers and staff officers by 2028. In FY 2022-23, the DND/CAF continued incorporating gender perspectives into defence planning, per United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR):1325 and advised on gender in operational planning and doctrine, as well as on inclusion and gender equality, when working with other nations. All mission activities continued to incorporate the principles of the Women, Peace and Security agenda and GBA Plus by considering and applying gender perspectives throughout all phases of DND/CAF operations;
• Operation GLOBE: An operation to support other Government of Canada departments with various tasks, or to participate in Government of Canada activities abroad. This means that it is not enduring in nature and is only activated when CAF support to an Other Government Department is anticipated. Operation GLOBE – leveraging CAF CC-177 Globemasters– delivered Haitian-purchased Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles to the Haitian National Police to enhance their capacity to enforce security on two separate occasions in October 2022 and January 2023, reinforcing Government of Canada objectives in the country; and
• Operation RENAISSANCE : A contingency plan for the rapid deployment of resources to provide support in response to disasters overseas, as directed by the Government of Canada, this operation was only leveraged to deploy limited CAF expertise as part of a GAC-led Canadian Disaster Response assessment team to Türkiye following an earthquake in February 2023 . A contingency plan, by its very name, only exists for activation should a number of very specific indicators and warnings or conditions be met, and is not an enduring operation.

In support of NATO:

• Operation REASSURANCE: Conducted assurance and deterrence measures in Central and Eastern Europe and reinforced NATO collective defence through Canadian Army personnel leadership of NATO’s multinational enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battle Group in Latvia; deployed naval assets – to include His Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Fredericton, Kingston, Summerside and Halifax NATO Standing Maritime Group(s); and supported NATO enhanced air policing in Romania on a rotational non-permanent basis. CAF support to this NATO mission has increased in scope, numbers of personnel and infrastructure. CAF is conducting training, exercises, a special operations forces liaison capability and some NATO-specific tasks. This CAF support to NATO helps make Central and Eastern Europe more secure, stable, and enables Canada to assume a leadership role on its eastern flank. Through the CAF’s collaborations Operation REASSURANCE worked to set conditions to meet the Government of Canada commitment to see the eFP Battle Group in Latvia grow to a combat capable Brigade;
• Operation KOBOLD : Continued Canada’s 2008 commitment to the NATO mission in Kosovo within the Joint Logistic Support Group (JLSG) to provide logistics and headquarters support for transport movement of physical assets, information security and border/customs officer duties. The CAF provided personnel for the Chief Joint Logistics Operations Center (JLOC), Chief Movement and Transport and Joint Logistics Operations Center Executive Officer, key advisors to the Joint Logistic Support Group when dealing with mission support issues such as engineering, explosive ordnance disposal, improvised explosive devise disposal , logistics, and reception, staging, and onwards movement of all Kosovo Force (KFOR) units moving in and out of theatre. CAF personnel supported the KFOR’s Communications and Information Services to improve interoperability, cyber-security and data exchanges. In addition, the CAF helped ensure NATO standard compliance during inspections within the KFOR Head Quarters, particularly with customs support to meet the needs of residents living in Camp Film City, located in Pristina, Kosovo. The Defence Team’s ongoing support to KFOR helped maintain a safe and secure environment in Kosovo;

• Coordinate with NATO Allies and partners as well as whole-of-government stakeholders and begin the process to establish a NATO Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence (CCASCOE) in Montreal as announced by the Prime Minister at the June 2022 NATO Summit in Madrid. Being a host and framework nation further demonstrates Canada’s commitment to multilateral solutions to the global security challenges that result from climate change. Canada considers the launch of CCASCOE - Canada’s first NATO COE and the first NATO institution to be hosted on Canadian soil – to be a landmark achievement. The CCASCOE will be a platform for NATO, Allies and partners to build and exchange expertise and develop practices and capacity to better understand and address the security impacts of climate change. CCASCOE Sponsoring Nations will be at the forefront of international collaborative work on this critical topic, allowing it to offer a rich source of expertise and a network of expert partners. Canada held two establishment conferences for the NATO CCASCOE, the final one taking place on 21-23 February 2023, in Montreal. At this last event, those Allies wishing to join the COE had the opportunity to bid for specific positions at the Centre. CCASCOE is currently on track to be achieve initial Operating Capacity in the fall of 2023 and is expected to reach Full Operating Capacity later in 2024; and
• In November 2022 the Government launched its Indo-Pacific Strategy to position Canada as a reliable partner in the region now and into the future. This commitment supports and enables the defence of Canada and North America, and Government of Canada foreign policy objectives, and defend the rules-based international order. In addition, implementation of these commitments will provide the required strategic guidance to Force Employers for coherent and synchronized operations, activities and investments at home and abroad.

In support of capacity building:

• Operation IMPACT: Extended until 2025, the Defence Team continued contributions to Middle East regional stability in FY 2022-23 by:
• Supporting NATO Mission Iraq’s efforts of providing non-combat advisory in building more sustainable, transparent, inclusive, and effective security institutions and supported its ministerial and institutional reform;
• Training, advising and assisting Iraqi Security Force partners in combating Da'esh insurgent networks, particularly through intelligence gathering and sharing;
• Providing support to humanitarian efforts in Iraq and Syria;
• Supporting the professionalization of Iraqi military institutions into sustainable and enduring defence institutions which will help Iraq achieve long-term success in keeping its territory and people secure;
• Delivering vital training and materiel support to the Jordanian and Lebanese Armed Forces to improve their abilities to secure their borders, further professionalize their militaries and contribute to regional stability;
• Providing significant training and support given in key institutional areas such as logistics, sustainment and gender integration; and
• Working with Global Affairs Canada, through Canada's Middle East engagement strategy, to deliver equipment, infrastructure and the development of key capabilities to allow Jordan and Lebanon to establish themselves as regional leaders in military modernization.
• Operation ACKEE: Collaborated with Global Affairs Canada, to mentor, enable and create opportunities for the Jamaica Defence Force to grow as a Special Operations Forces leader to more effectively combat trans-regional threats in the Caribbean Basin. Other regional partners included Belize, the Bahamas, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana;
• Operation NABERIUS: Collaborated with Global Affairs Canada, to train, mentor and enable Nigerien Military and Security Forces to address terrorism within Niger and regionally as part of pan-Sahel and pan-African efforts. This collaboration also set the conditions for the regional coalition Exercise FLINTLOCK;
• Operation FULCRUM: Provided members of the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command to work with African partner nations to promote collaboration and strengthen their ability to counter violent extremist organizations, through participation in security cooperation exercises with Allies and partner nations, such as Exercise FLINTLOCK, which took place in March 2023 in Cote d’Ivoire;
• Operation MANTIS: Collaborated with Global Affairs Canada in order to provide military-to-military engagements for the Malaysian Armed Forces, to enable them to better operate in a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear environment.

In FY 2022-23, the CAF continued to contribute to United Nations peacekeeping:

• Operation SOPRANO: Supported the United Nations Mission in South Sudan in the protection of civilians, human rights, support for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and for the implementation of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement;
• Operation CROCODILE: Supported the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo which aims to improve the protection of civilians, humanitarian personnel and human rights defenders under imminent threat of physical violence and to support the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in its stabilization and peace consolidation efforts;
• Operation JADE: Supported the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization, which is responsible for monitoring compliance with the cease-fire between Israel and the neighbouring states of Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria;
• Operation SNOWGOOSE: Supported the United Nations Force in Cyprus mission to supervise ceasefire lines, maintain a buffer zone, undertake humanitarian activities and support the Good Offices mission of the United Nations Secretary-General; and
• Operation PRESENCE: Extended until 31 March 2026, continued contributing to the Government of Canada’s peace operations strategy across the African continent. In FY 2022-23 the Defence Team:
  • Supported the United Nations Multidimensional Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) (Operation PRESENCE (MALI)) in Bamako, Mali deploying five Military Staff Officers within the Information Operations, Open Source Intelligence and United Nations Force Headquarters military planning cell (U5) and contributing to the security, stabilization and protection of civilians, supporting national political dialogue and reconciliation, and assisting the reestablishment of State authority, the rebuilding of the security sector, and the promotion and protection of human rights in Mali. The Information Operations cell conducts analysis of the information environment and addresses weaknesses to improve support to the application of operational level decision making. The U5 Planning cell conducts thorough analysis of the mission environment to identify strengths and weaknesses and integrates the military planning process for all pillars of the missions within the entire MINUSMA force;
  • The DND/CAF engaged in innovative training for peace operations and United Nations operations which will overcome barriers to increasing women’s meaningful participation in peace operations. The Elsie Initiative’s framework consists bilateral partnerships, a global fund, political advocacy, as well as research, monitoring, evaluation and bilateral training assistance to identified partner troop- and police-contributing countries. Ghana is Canada’s bilateral partner for military training assistance , and Zambia is the bilateral partner for police;
  • Led by a Lieutenant Colonel and accompanied by a gender-balanced task force support team, the Canadian Training Assistance Team deployed on Operation PRESENCE (Elsie) and contributed to Ghana’s ongoing efforts to increase the meaningful participation of uniformed women in United Nations Peace Operations. For example, in FY 22-23 the CAF conducted an operational reconnaissance to Accra, Ghana and from 6 October 2022 to 1 February 2023, participated in a Garrison tour of Ghanaian Armed Forces (GAF) bases and training establishments. This Garrison tour provided much needed information for the development of gender awareness training for the GAF which is addressing barriers to the participation and progress of women in defence and security in Ghana;
  • The Garrison Tour that was conducted provided information required for the development of gender awareness training for the GAF to improve its understanding gender priorities. The CAF team developed an excellent working relationship with the GAF and the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC). This reconnaissance provided an invaluable overview of GAF sentiments on gender parity, gender policy and cultural influences impacting the future of gender mainstreaming for the GAF. Going forward, a small CAF team will continue to support the GAF in the development of gender curriculum to be provided to all levels; and
  • Supported Operation PRESENCE (Training Support to Peace Operations), deploying 2 episodic missions with 6 CAF personnel in delivering a “Training of Trainer” training material to enhance the situational awareness of the United Nation - Engagement Platoon and United Nation Infantry Battalion by studying the demographics of the area of operation to identify vulnerable areas and at-risk populations. Gender balanced, the United Nation - Engagement Platoon can access a larger and more representative cross section of the community to break down barriers in communicating with the local population.

The CAF also continued participation in other peacekeeping missions:

• Operation CALUMET : Canadian contribution to the Multinational Force and Observers in Egypt, which mission is to observe, verify and report potential violations of the Treaty of Peace and other Agreed Arrangements, and to facilitate military dialogue between Egypt and Israel (treaty partners (TPs)) to build trust, enhance transparency, and support enduring peace between treaty partners. The Canadian Contingent currently consists of 52 members of the Canadian Armed Forces ranging in rank from Private to Colonel, although this will be reduced to 39 in July 2023. Key Multinational Force and Observers positions held by Canadians are the Chief of Liaison, CJ7/Chief Instructor Force Training Team, and the Force Sergeant Major. Our numbers and participation have changed over the years, but Canada contributed meaningfully to this mission since 1985. Canada also provided some unique capability to the Multinational Force and Observers, including Geomatics specialist and the Flight Follower team. The Flight Followers are exclusively Canadian.

The CAF continued to operate in maritime environments globally:

• Operation CARIBBE : Continued supporting the United States-led efforts to counter the flow of illegal narcotics into North America and interdicted drug trafficking activities in the Caribbean and Central America through the deployment of ships and a CP-140 detachment into the region. In FY 2022-23, the seized narcotics were estimated to be 755 kilograms (approximately 1 665 pounds) of cocaine, with an estimated Canadian street value of $49.5 million;
• Operation PROJECTION : Enhanced relationships with Canada’s allies and partners in maritime environments in the Gulf of Guinea and in the Indo-Pacific region by conducting training, exercises and engagements with foreign navies and other international security partners. Three iterations of Operation PROJECTION (Indo-Pacific) occurred in fall 2022. The first involved two RCN warships, HMC Ships Vancouver and Winnipeg, which both deployed from the West Coast to the Indo-Pacific region from August to December 2022. Both frigates conducted a transit in the vicinity of the Spratly Islands and HMCS Vancouver conducted a transit through the Taiwan Strait. The second iteration involved a CP-140 Air Detachment that deployed to Japan to participate to Exercise KEEN SWORD, conducting patrols throughout November and the third iteration saw the deployment of CAF personnel onboard the Royal Australian Navy's HMAS Adelaide to participate in Australia’s Indo-Pacific Endeavour in November 2022, which strengthened regional relationships and increased interoperability. Operation PROJECTION West Africa was re-tasked on short notice to support the government’s objectives in the vicinity of Haiti;
• In addition, the CAF redeployed naval vessels to the Indo-Pacific region augment Canada’s promotion of a free and open Indo-Pacific. This ongoing contribution included continued responsible engagement with the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations , to further strengthen this partnership by advancing shared priorities – including peace, security and stability in the Indo-Pacific;
• Operation NEON: Supported the implementation of United Nations Security Council sanctions imposed against North Korea to abandon its weapons of mass destruction through the episodic deployment of a CP-140 detachment through 2022 to the region to deliver on this mandate. This operation, extended until 30 April 2026, also enhances the CAF’s regional presence, capacity-building efforts, and relationships with Canada’s allies and regional partners through training, exercises and engagements with foreign forces, and through the defence and security elements of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy;
• Operation OPEN SPIRIT : is an annual multinational historical naval ordnance disposal operation which is conducted under the Partnership for Peace Agreement on a rotational basis taking place in the Territorial Waters and Exclusive Economic Zone of Baltic State NATO members Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. It is part of a common effort to dispose of sea mines and other underwater Explosive Remnants of War remaining on the seabed from World Wars I and II to reduce the risk to navigation, fishing and the environment within the Baltic Sea. Operation OPEN SPIRIT 22 was hosted by the Lithuanian Naval Flotilla from 6-20 May 2022. The Canadian contribution to this operation was in the form of Task Force Klaipeda, a team of 11 members from both Fleet Diving Unit Atlantic and Pacific;

• The value of force generation opportunities in Explosive Ordnance Disposal/Mine Countermeasures Diving, Fleet Diving Unit(A)’s most vital core combat capabilities that are afforded by participation in the Operation OPEN SPIRIT series cannot be overstated. The opportunity to utilize our full range of operational Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) on live ordnance simply does not exist anywhere in North America and certainly not in Canadian Territorial Waters. Even if such ordnance did exist, the level of effort which would be required to replicate an operation of such scope and sophistication locally is not achievable within existing staffing levels and resources;
  • Completed the Chief of the Defence Staff Directive for Implementation of the Vancouver Principles. This foundational document will provide clear direction and guidance to CAF members with implementation responsibilities and oversight mechanisms. Progress was made in a number of key areas, including in the development of draft doctrine Canadian Armed Forces Responses to Preventing the Unlawful Recruitment and Use of Children in Conflict and corresponding Gender-based-analysis Plus assessments, and the inclusion of Vancouver Principles considerations in professional military education. In FY 2022-23 DND/CAF:
    • Worked with Global Affairs Canada and the Dallaire Centre of Excellence to implement the Vancouver Principles on Peacekeeping and Prevention of Recruitment and use of Child Soldiers , which recognize the importance of integrating gender perspectives when planning missions, to be able to effectively prevent the recruitment and use of child soldiers. The Dallaire Centre continued its work on the Joint Doctrine Note 2022 on the Prevention of Recruitment and use of Child Soldiers. From a CAF perspective, using the Operational Planning Process, the Joint Doctrine Note identifies how to integrate and optimize the planning considerations for preventing the unlawful recruitment and use of children by armed forces and armed groups into CAF planning, in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions. While expertise can be provided by the Military Child Protection Focal Point or Advisor, it is the responsibility of commanders and planners to ensure that considerations regarding CAF role in preventing the unlawful recruitment and use of children by armed forces and armed groups is included in accordance with the mission mandate and objectives;
    • Supported several NATO partner countries efforts to adopt NATO standards and practices within their professional military education and training systems through the NATO Defence Education Enhancement Program in FY 2022-23. This included the engagements by experts from the Chief Warrant Officer Robert Osside Institute, Canadian Defence Academy Headquarters, Royal Military College of Canada and Canadian Forces College with NATO partner countries;
    • Participated in international academic exchanges with Partnership for Peace members with experts and academics from the Royal Military College of Canada, the Canadian Forces College, and Officer Cadets and Naval Cadets from the Royal Military College of Canada. These participations included student exchanges, briefings, and conference participation
    • Participated in international academic exchanges, including those as part of the Partnership for Peace Consortium of Defence Academies and the International Society for Military Sciences, to enhance the DND/CAF knowledge and understanding of war, conflict management, deterrence, and efforts to support peace; and
    • Through the Canadian Defence Academy, DND/CAF supported NATO’s Defence Education Enhancement Programme by deploying professional military education experts and convening workshops to support partner nations in developing their military education systems. Through the Directorate of Military Training and Cooperation’s Military Training and Cooperation Programme, the CAF also supported a myriad of partner nations in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Central and Southeast Asia by delivering training and supporting the development of these partner forces by funding their attendance on courses, international exercises, visits, and other developmental events. The CAF supported the United Nations’ efforts to advance global stability by participating in various peacekeeping missions and supporting efforts to enforce United Nations Security Council sanctions. This demonstrated Canada’s continued support of the United Nations and allowed Canada to contribute to security in and stability.

The CAF remained committed to maintaining high readiness/rapidly deployable forces in FY 2022‑23, to support the enhanced NATO Response Force and/or the NATO Response Initiative. These forces included a diverse mixture of CAF capabilities with the intent to layer them overtop of those of our NATO partners. This allows the CAF to contribute to a more stable and peaceful world by reaffirming our commitment to promote global peace and security efforts across Europe. The CAF continued to monitor and contribute to NATO readiness.

In FY 2022-23, Canadian Forces Intelligence Command (CFINTCOM) continued to implement optimization measures identified in the Defence Intelligence Enterprise Renewal, including advancing a cohesive, interoperable, and resourced Intelligence Requirements Management, Collection Management, Production Management, and Dissemination Management function. For Intelligence Requirements Management, a new intelligence requirements prioritization system, the Defence Intelligence Enterprise Priority List, was launched in 2021 and was continually evolved through FY 2022-23 to serve a key function in more effectively guiding the resources and efforts of the entire Defence Intelligence Enterprise. Through the continued implementation of the Defence Intelligence Enterprise Renewal process, the development of a three-tiered governance framework was implemented to ensure the alignment of operational and strategic intelligence prioritization, and efforts to ensure continued support to operations while enabling policy and senior decision-makers. In addition, CFINTCOM moved to the next phase of Intelligence Enterprise renewal by developing a capability roadmap entitled the Integrated Intelligence Enterprise Continuous Renewal which has instituted an ongoing renewal process that will concentrate on modernizing our Intelligence Enterprise starting with open source and geospatial intelligence capabilities.

The reinvigoration of the CAF’s Counter-Intelligence function was initiated in September 2022 to ensure that insider threats, or threats posed by hostile intelligence services are effectively countered. A fulsome internal review, led by a Canadian Forces Intelligence Group working group, resulted in a better appreciation of the required selection, training, and employment of Counter-Intelligence personnel for today’s security environment, including capability development requirements.

The Joint Intelligence operations Centre (JIOC) remains a key component of Defence Intelligence Enterprise Renewal optimization and officially began its first phase of a multi-year development period in FY 2022-23. The JIOC will provide an integrated, pan-domain, all-source intelligence production, target development, and Joint Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (JISR) collection operations capability which prioritizes and synchronizes fused intelligence support to operational commanders and DND/CAF strategic decision-makers. While achieving this will be a multi-year effort, in FY 2022-23 the JIOC improved the relevance of the outputs of its 24/7 intelligence watch capability, advanced the depth and quality of its targeting products in support of NATO and other partners, and contributed to the ongoing planning and development of the National Defence Operations and Intelligence Centre.

The Defence Team continued to optimize the use of the Operational Support Hub Network in support of operations and exercises. In FY 2022-23, Operational Support Hubs supported many operations to include but not limited to Operation REASSURANCE, Operation UNIFIER, Operation IMPACT, and several small and enduring mission activities. These activities included sustainment to Eastern Europe, the movement of Canadian and allied donations to Ukraine, the close-out of Air Task Force – Romania, improved 2nd line support to African small missions, and lastly several Third Location Decompressions. Through the Operational Support Hub Network the CAF provided flexible, scalable, and effective sustainment to operations in support of strategic and operational objectives. With an increased focus on leveraging our Operational Support Hubs, while also optimizing our overall concept to international operations and exercises, the CAF’s reach, responsiveness and level of support will be improved.

As a joint capability, space integrates CAF members and their civilian Defence Team counterparts, working together to deliver capabilities that provide strategic advantage. Integrated through the Canadian Space Operations Centre, the Defence team will again continue to participate in Space operations activities with allied partners under the Combined Space Operations agreement to meet the space-related goals of SSE.

Results achieved

The following table shows, for the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces, the results achieved, the performance indicators, the targets and target dates for FY 2022–23, and the actual results for the three most recent fiscal years for which actual results are available.

Departmental results	Performance indicators	Target	Date to achieve target	2020–21 Actual results	2021–22 Actual results	2022-23 Actual results
1.5 Canadian Armed Forces contribute to a more stable and peaceful world	% of stated objectives met by international operations	100%	31 March 2023	95%	94%Footnote *	95%Footnote *
	Extent to which the Canadian Armed Forces is effective in international operations	The Canadian Armed Forces is effective in the conduct of international operations	31 March 2023	This is a qualitative indicator	This is a qualitative indicator	This is a qualitative indicatorFootnote **

Budgetary financial resources (dollars)

The following table shows, for Operations, budgetary spending for FY 2022–23, as well as actual spending for that year.

2022–23 Main Estimates	2022–23 Planned spending	2022–23 Total authorities available for use	2022–23 Actual spending (authorities used)	2022–23 Difference (actual spending minus planned spending)
794,902,544	794,902,544	2,075,383,096	2,019,743,879	1,224,841,335

Financial, human resources and performance information for the DND and CAF Program Inventory is available in the GC InfoBase.

Human resources (full-time equivalents)

The following table shows, in full‑time equivalents, the human resources the department needed to fulfill this core responsibility for FY 2022–23.

2022–23 Planned full-time equivalents	2022–23 Actual full-time equivalents	2022–23 Difference (actual full-time equivalents minus planned full-time equivalents)
2,151	2,686	535

Financial, human resources and performance information for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces’ Program Inventory is available in the GC InfoBase.