Appearance Overview

Date:

26 September 2024

Location:

Room 430, Wellington Building, 197 Sparks Street

Time:

08h15 – 09h15

Witnesses:

Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces

General Jennie Carignan
Chief of the Defence Staff

Lieutenant-General Stephen Kelsey
Vice Chief of the Defence Staff

Member Profiles

John McKay

LPC – Scarborough—Guildwood (ON)

Election to the House of Commons

First elected: 1997 (former riding of Scarborough East)
Re-elected: 2000, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2021

Professional Background

Law: Former real estate attorney in private practice; former President of the Durham Bar Association; former Real Estate Executive of the Canadian Bar Association
Community: Former president of CIDO (an organization devoted to community banking in developing nations)

Connection to DND/CAF

Co-Chair of the U.S.-Canada Permanent Joint Board on Defense.

Political and Parliamentary Roles

Former Parliamentary Secretary: Minister of National Defence (2015 – 2017); Minister of Finance (2003 – 2006)
Former Critic: Environment (2013 – 2015); National Defence (2011 – 2013); Industry (Tourism) (2008 – 2009); Treasury Board (Crown Corporations) (2006 – 2007)
Parliamentary Association Vice-Chair: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2022 – Present); Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (2022 – Present); Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (2020 – Present)
Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2007 – Present)

Committee Membership

Chair: House Standing Committee on National Defence (2021 – Present)
Member: House Standing Committee on National Defence (2021 – Present); House Liaison Committee (2021 – Present)
Former Chair: House Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (2017 – 2021); House Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (2010 – 2011)
Former Vice Chair: House Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development (2013 – 2015); House Standing Committee on National Defence (2011 – 2013); House Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights (2002 – 2003)
Former Member: House Special Committee on the Economic Relationship between Canada and the United States (2021); Liaison Committee (2010 – 2011; 2017 – 2021); House Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (2017 – 2021); House Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2017); House Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development (2013 – 2015); House Standing Committee on National Defence (2011 – 2013); House Standing Committee on Finance (2004 – 2010); House Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (1997 – 2000); House Standing Committee on Scrutiny of Regulations (1997 – 1998; 2002 – 2003)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

Recruitment and Retention

During a Standing Committee on National Defence (NDDN) meeting on CAF Health and Transition Services in April 2023, Mr. McKay asked National Defence witnesses if the spiritual well-being of CAF members was an “impediment to recruitment”, inquiring if “chaplains who represent or are affiliated with organized religions whose beliefs are not synonymous with the diverse and inclusive workplace are being excluded from chaplaincy?”

Culture Change:

In December 2022, during an NDDN meeting on the Arbour Report, Mr. McKay noted his appreciation for the witnesses’ commitment to culture change, stating that “we cannot afford to fail.”

Continental Defence, Canada’s Security Architecture, and Arctic Sovereignty:

During an October 2023 NDDN meeting, Mr. McKay asked whether the characterization of NORAD Modernization would be described as “tooth” or “tail”, noting the significant expenditure.
In a committee meeting in May 2023, Mr. McKay described the importance the Canadian Rangers, noting the Rangers play a ‘critical’ role in asserting Canada’s sovereignty.
During a February 2023 NDDN meeting on the high-altitude surveillance balloon, Mr. McKay told Defence witnesses that he “hopes there will be some reflections on the extent of your domain awareness and whether you have to tweak the current radar systems.”
During MND’s briefing on her mandate and priorities at an NDDN meeting in February 2022, Mr. McKay stated that he considers China to be an “existential threat to this country” and that he does not consider Russia to be as existential of a threat. He noted that the military is focused on the Russian threat, which he believes is “coming home to roost in the Arctic.” He further stated that there is a “threat that’s up and an ability to respond that’s down”, and asked the CDS how he intends to “rapidly get the military, in all of its aspects, up to the ever-increasing threat level.”
Mr. McKay expressed that he would like NDDN to review “Canada’s entire security architecture – from a military, intelligence, cyber perspective – so that [Canada] can face the 21st century” during a December 2021 interview.
Mr. McKay underscored the importance of renegotiating the NORAD treaty during House Debate on the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement Implementation Act in January 2020.
Mr. McKay highlighted the challenge of replacing the early warning system, as well as the complexity of having an all-domain warning system, as the keynote speaker on “the impact of climate change on Canadian-U.S. Defense” at a 2020 Canada-United States Law Institute conference.

Defence Spending:

During an NDDN meeting on Main Estimates in June 2022, Mr. McKay mentioned that between the Estimates to date and the Main Estimates for 2023, the defence spending “barely moves” to the 2% goal. He stated that “we are in a war situation” and asked the Deputy Minister why the “budget presentation barely moves the needle towards 2%.”

Domestic Operations:

During an NDDN meeting on Domestic Operational Deployments in November 2023, Mr. McKay asked the MND about civil authorities’ appropriation of armouries and training facilities during domestic emergencies.

NATO:

Mr. McKay led an NDDN delegation to the UK, Latvia, Estonia, and Poland in August 2023, and later tweeted about the efforts of Canadian troops as well as the importance of NATO collective security.
As part of this trip, Mr. McKay visited the Canadian-led NATO Enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) in Latvia, the British-led NATO eFP in Estonia, and the American-led NATO eFP in Poland.

Ukraine:

During an NDDN meeting on the war in Ukraine in September 2023, Mr. McKay asked about the strategic/tactical implications of ammunition shortages for Ukraine.
In September 2023, Mr. McKay tweeted about the “remarkable work” of Canadian troops supporting Op UNIFIER in the UK.

Defence Policy Update:

At a NDDN meeting on Main Estimates 2022-23 in June 2022, Mr. McKay asked if the updating of the defence policy will be updated in isolation or in partnership with other agencies of Public Safety, such as CSIS.

Procurement:

During an NDDN meeting in September 2023, Mr. McKay asked whether there was a risk that Canada could lose its domestic supplier status in the US for defence purposes.

Cyber:

In March 2023, during a NDDN meeting on Cybersecurity, Mr. McKay asked witnesses for their views on declassification, suggesting the government has “an excessively cautious view of what constitutes classified information.”

Taiwan/PRC:

In October 2023, Mr. McKay tweeted about the importance of Canadian cooperation with Taiwan on security in the Pacific region.
During a September 2023 Standing Committee on Science and Research meeting, Mr. McKay asked about the military threats of PRC research.
In April 2023, Mr. McKay was part of a delegation of Parliamentarians that visited Taiwan and expressed to the Globe & Mail in a March 2023 article that he was interested to hear how Taiwan is handling foreign interference.

James Bezan

CPC – Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman (MB)

Election to the House of Commons

First elected: 2004
Re-elected: 2006, 2008, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2021

Professional Background

Agriculture Industry: Graduated from Olds College in Agricultural Production; former cattle producer and manager of the Manitoba Cattle Producers Association

Connection to DND/CAF

Former Shadow Minister for National Defence (2015 – 2021)
Former Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence (2013 – 2015)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

Critic: Shadow Minister for National Defence (October 2022 – Present; 2015 – 2021)
Former Parliamentary Secretary: Minister of National Defence (2013 – 2015)
Parliamentary Association Member: Canada-China Legislative Association (1 April 2022 – Present); Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (1 April 2022 – Present); Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (1 April 2022 – Present)
Other Parliamentary Roles: Member of the Joint Interparliamentary Council (2021 – 2022); Deputy Whip of the Official Opposition (2021 – 2022)

Committee Membership

Vice Chair: House Standing Committee on National Defence (2021 – Present)
Member: Standing Committee on National Defence (18 October 22 – Present); Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics (22 November 2021 – Present); Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics (22 November 2021 – Present)
Former Chair: Standing Committee on National Defence (2011 – 2013); Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development (2009 – 2011); Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (2007 – 2008)
Former Member: Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development (2009 – 2011); Liaison Committee (2007; 2009 – 2013) Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (2004 – 2008)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

Sexual Misconduct and Culture Change:

During a June 2023 NDDN meeting on the External Monitor’s first biannual report, Mr. Bezan asked Mme Therrien whether the referral of sexual offences to provincial court systems had impacted provincial court and police resources.
During the MND’s December 2022 update to NDDN on the Arbour Report, Mr. Bezan stated that National Defence’s response was a “very positive step forward.” He asked the MND and Mme Arbour questions related to the timeline for implementing Recommendation 5 (CAF Jurisdiction), and the transfer of sexual offences to the civilian system.

CAF Personnel:

In September 2023, Mr. Bezan moved a motion for NDDN to undertake a study on military housing availability and relocation challenges. The motion passed.
Following an NDDN meeting on military housing in November 2023, Mr. Bezan tweeted about the “abysmal state of housing for CAF members” and criticized the perceived low number of military residential housing units built over the past two years.
During House debate in October 2023, Mr. Bezan attributed low troop numbers to a lack of housing and high cost of living and asserted that these factors are causing CAF members to release from service early.
In an October 2023 Facebook post, Mr. Bezan criticized the Chaplain General’s directive on chaplain’s spiritual reflection in public settings, alleging that it is discriminatory against people of faith who serve in the CAF, including military chaplains.
During the September 2023 appearance on the MND’s mandate and priorities at NDDN, Mr. Bezan asked the MND what he is going to do about the shortage of military personnel.

Support to Ukraine and NATO:

During NDDN’s meeting on Supplementary Estimates (B) in December 2023, Mr. Bezan referenced Op REASSURANCE and suggested that the CAF cannot keep its equipment – including Leopard 2 Tanks and Howitzers – in maintenance and overhaul so that it is useable. He asked Defence officials how we can maintain CAF training under these circumstances.
In a May 2023 NDDN meeting on the Main Estimates, Mr. Bezan stressed the importance of purchasing ammunition requested by Ukraine, as it was “getting burnt through pretty quickly.”
In the same meeting, he asked the DM whether the CAF will buy new tanks to replace the eight that were donated, and whether they will be invested back into the existing fleet. He also wondered whether we are going to get the CAF’s other tanks up to operational capability.
Mr. Bezan has long advocated for sending more military weapons to Ukraine. During House Debate in October 2023, Mr. Bezan pressed the Government to send more CAF M113s, Bisons, and Coyotes to Ukraine.
On September 20, 2022, Mr. Bezan asked a question on the Order Paper regarding the number of available LAVs in Canada that could be sent to Ukraine, including when National Defence plans to “donate the pledged 40 armoured vehicles to the Government of Ukraine.” On December 18, 2022, Mr. Bezan tweeted at the MND, stating “it’s not too late to do the right thing” and urging her to send decommissioned LAVs to help Ukraine.
In 2014, Mr. Bezan accompanied the delivery of non-lethal military aid to Ukraine on two occasions.
Mr. Bezan is very outspoken on the issue of Ukrainian democracy and human rights. As a result, he was one of 13 Canadian officials sanctioned by the Russian Government in 2014. He has also earned numerous awards in Canada and abroad for his work on Ukrainian issues.
During House Debate on June 1, 2022, Mr. Bezan stated that NATO is “one of the most active political alliances in the world” and “much can be done through deterrence measures because of the military strength that NATO possesses.” He also expressed his support for Finland and Sweden joining NATO.
During House Debate on October 3, 2022, Mr. Bezan noted that “our role in NATO, our role in supporting Ukraine, can never weaken.” He also asked the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marc Garneau, for his comments on “the path towards [Ukraine] completing its membership within the NATO family.”
On December 14, 2022, Mr. Bezan tweeted an article that stated Canada will not send fighter jets to Europe in 2023, noting that “for the first time since Op REASSURANCE started, the RCAF and RCN are absent from NATO operations.”

Defence Policy and Spending:

During a December 2023 Supplementary Estimates (B) meeting at NDDN, Mr. Bezan asked the MND about potential impacts of lapsed spending and defence budget cuts. In particular, he inquired whether this will affect the CAF’s deployments in the Indo-Pacific, Canada’s participation in the NATO Maritime Task Force, NATO air policing, and Canada’s support for Ukraine.
In December 2023, Mr. Bezan posted on his Facebook page that “our navy is rusted out, our air force is hollowed out, our army is stretched out and our allies are freaked out.” He criticized the decision to cut $1 billion from the defence budget “on top of the $10 billion they already let lapse” and concluded that “our troops need more, not less.”
During a September 2023 appearance on the MND’s mandate and priorities at NDDN, Mr. Bezan asked the MND for a status update on the Defence Policy Update and inquired how the MND is going to “make sure we actually get the money spent to get the kit our troops, our sailors, and our air crew need.”
In an NDDN meeting on Procurement in October 2023, Mr. Bezan gave notice for a motion to undertake a study of the planned budget cuts for National Defence and potential effects on CAF readiness.
Mr. Bezan has tabled two Order Paper Questions in 2023, one related to CAF helmet purchases in Latvia and one on the number of days that RCN Victoria-Class submarines have been at sea.
During an April 2023 House debate on the Budget, he expressed concern that Budget 2023 “has absolutely nothing in it for Ukraine” and “nothing in it for the Canadian Armed Forces.”
During House debate on the Fall Economic Statement Implementation Act in November 2022, Mr. Bezan alleged that the Liberals are allowing defence spending to lapse, and have allowed over $6.8B to lapse since they introduced Strong, Secure, Engaged (SSE).
During the same debate, Mr. Bezan stated that because of “slow investment and inability to invest in the proper procurement”, Canada does not have its surface combatants yet, or “even the design finalized.”
In a 2018 article for the Hill Times, Mr. Bezan criticized SSE, claiming that the Government failed to deliver critical equipment that the CAF requires to “protect Canadians and meaningfully contribute to NORAD and NATO.”

China:

During an NDDN meeting on the high-altitude surveillance balloon in February 2023, Mr. Bezan sought confirmation that the balloon was launched from China and asked Defence witnesses why China would use a surveillance balloon rather than the “spy satellites they already have.”
In March 2023, he further asked the Minister of National Defence if Canada would have been able to intercept the flying object with a CF-18, or whether Canada did not have the right capabilities.
During an NDDN meeting on Arctic security in October 2022, Mr. Bezan asked the Commander of the RCAF whether he was aware of a U.K. media article, which reported that Canadians may have been hired away from the RCAF to work with the Communist Party of China and train Chinese pilots on how to defeat Western fighter aircraft.
In December 2022, Mr. Bezan asked an Order Paper Question about the Government’s response to foreign governments recruiting retired personnel from the RCAF, including whether National Defence is aware of any former RCAF members accepting contracts or other paid work from the People’s Republic of China.

Arctic Security:

During an NDDN meeting in February 2023 on the high-altitude surveillance balloon, Mr. Bezan asked Defence witnesses about interceptions of Russian military aircraft in Canadian airspace.
During the same meeting, Mr. Bezan asked how National Defence is going to address the “multiple levels of potential aerial threats” that North America is facing, and asked specifically about over-the-horizon radar systems, updating the North Warning System, RADRSAT, and low-earth orbit satellites.
On November 17, 2022, Mr. Bezan indicated in an article that he authored for the Hill Times, that “our NORAD North Warning System (NWS) is antiquated and in dire need of replacing with an all-domain awareness system.” Furthermore, Mr. Bezan indicated that the Government “ignores the urgency of upgrading our critical NORAD infrastructure.”
On October 31, 2022, Mr. Bezan indicated in the House of Commons that the Government “is refusing to invest in our military. It has failed to modernize NORAD and update our North Warning System. The Liberals are still making our forces fly obsolete fighter jets and sail archaic submarines.”
As a member of NDDN since October 2022, Mr. Bezan has asked questions related to military readiness and training in the Arctic, and its development over the past decade; surveillance land coverage of the North Warning System; NORAD modernization in relation to ballistic missile defence; Arctic defence capabilities that must be prioritized; contracts related to F-35s; NORAD decision-making and collaboration associated with the identification of missiles targeting North America; and the recruitment and training of RCAF fighter pilots.

Afghanistan:

In March 2023, Mr. Bezan asked the Minister of National Defence what was being done to help Afghans “who stood shoulder to shoulder with the CAF” to immigrate to Canada.
On September 20, 2022, Mr. Bezan asked a question on the Order Paper regarding relocation applications from Afghan nationals who assisted the Canadian Government.
On January 31, 2022, Mr. Bezan asked a question on the Order Paper relating to Special Immigration Measures for Afghans who assisted the CAF as interpreters or locally engaged staff.

Christine Normandin

BQ – Saint-Jean (QC)

Election to the House of Commons

First elected: 2019
Re-elected: 2021

Professional Background

Science: Received a Bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences after completing a melanoma research internship in India
Law: Appointed as a lawyer in 2015 and began as a general lawyer in solo practice before joining a firm specializing in international family and child abduction
Community: Sat on the Board of Directors for Marcellin-Champagnat High School

Connection to DND/CAF

Garrison Saint-Jean, Royal Military College Saint-Jean and the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School are located in her riding

Political and Parliamentary Roles

Critic: National Defence (2021 – present)
Former Critic: Citizenship and Immigration (2019 – 2021)
Deputy House Leader: Bloc Québécois (2019 – present)
Parliamentary Association Member: Canada-China Legislative Association (2020 – 2022); Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2020 – 2022)

Committee Membership

Member: House Standing Committee on National Defence (2021 – present)
Vice Chair: House Standing Committee on National Defence (2021 – present)
Former Vice Chair: House Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (2020 – 2021)
Former Member: House Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (2020 – 2021); National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (2020)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

Recruitment and Retention:

During an NDDN meeting on domestic operational deployments in November 2023, Mme. Normandin asked the MND whether the greater number of domestic deployments could lead to a loss of interest in joining the CAF.
During an NDDN meeting on the MND’s mandate and priorities in September 2023, Mme. Normandin noted that “when it comes to retention, we often hear military members say that transfers are very difficult for their families.” She asked the MND whether any thought has been given to making transfers more flexible.
During an NDDN meeting on recruitment and retention in April 2022, Mme. Normandin expressed disappointment with the regular departure of members from the CAF, and asked witnesses about the reasons for these departures. She also asked about the methods the CAF uses to promote retention. She acknowledged that culture change is a long-term process, and asked witnesses if there are any short-term strategies to improve recruitment and retention.
During another NDDN meeting on recruitment and retention in April 2022, Mme. Normandin raised the Report of the Minister of National Defence’s Advisory Panel on Systemic Racism and Discrimination. She noted that over the past 20 years, other recommendations regarding the treatment of minorities, women and LGBTQ2+ have not been implemented, and asked if it would happen again with the recommendations in this report.
During the same meeting, Mme. Normandin asked the witnesses if there is a recruitment and retention issue for Francophones in the CAF.
During House Debate on national defence spending in April 2022, Mme. Normandin linked the issue of increased defence spending with recruitment and retention, asking “what is the point of increasing the National Defence procurement budget if it does not have the personnel needed to manage it?”
During the NDDN study on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in early 2022, Mme. Normandin asked witnesses whether there are enough pilots to fly the new fighter jets.

Sexual Misconduct:

During a June 2023 meeting of NDDN on the External Monitor’s first biannual report, Mme. Normandin asked the External Monitor whether transferring sexual assault cases in the CAF to civilian authorities has created any challenges.
During a May 2023 meeting at NDDN, Mme. Normandin asked witnesses if services for sexual misconduct survivors are located in the right areas, or if they are “too present in big cities, rather than being close to military bases, where the victims are.
At an NDDN meeting on Main Estimates in June 2022, Mme. Normandin recognized the importance of the Arbour Report recommendations for addressing sexual misconduct issues in the CAF. However, since the College militaire royal de Saint-Jean is in her riding, she remains skeptical about the recommendation calling for a review of the role of the military colleges, and she asked MND if she will determine what improvements can be made instead of outright closing the military colleges.
She has also expressed concern about trust in military leadership in the House of Commons. During House Debate on the opposition motion to censure the MND in 2021, Mme. Normandin expressed that the former MND’s perceived lack of actions tarnished the CAF.
In December 2021, Mme. Normandin tweeted that MND’s apology to victims in the CAF is a “step in the right direction, but to be more meaningful, it must be more than an apology. They must be kept promises.”

Procurement:

During House Debate on procurement in November 2023, Mme. Normandin criticized the “untendered contract” the government awarded Boeing for the replacement of the CP-140 Aurora, and asked when the government will “finally reverse course and put this out for tender.”
Mme. Normandin also denounced the decision in a joint statement with the BQ Defence Critic for Public Services and Procurement, where she alleged that “by ignoring the bidding process, the federal government has failed in its responsibility to manage public funds.”
Mme. Normandin introduced a motion at NDDN in November 2023, which highlighted the Committee’s opinion that the government should proceed by way of a formal call for tenders before awarding a procurement contract for the replacement of the CP-140 Aurora. The motion passed.
During an October 2023 NDDN meeting on procurement, Mme. Normandin raised concerns about sole-sourcing contracts issued by National Defence.
In a September 2023 NDDN meeting on procurement, Mme. Normandin asked why long-term ammunition production contracts between the government and industry had not been created in light of supply issues highlighted by the war in Ukraine.
At an NDDN meeting on Main Estimates in June 2022, Mme. Normandin explained that year after year procurement problems lead to the budget not being entirely spent, and asked what measures are being taken to improve the defence procurement system.

Health Services for CAF Members:

During a May 2023 meeting on CAF Health and Transition Services, Mme. Normandin also asked witnesses whether the CAF gives “enough consideration to women’s morphology when acquiring equipment” and whether women receive adequate health services when they are deployed.

CAF Housing:

During the NDDN meeting on Main Estimates 2023-24, Mme. Normandin asked National Defence witnesses about the new Canadian Forces Housing Differential and whether CAF members would receive less money under the new policy.

Continental Defence and Arctic Sovereignty:

During the tabling of an NDDN report on Arctic security in November 2023, Mme. Normandin emphasized that Russia was investing heavily in the Arctic and asserted that this poses a threat to Canada’s sovereignty in the Arctic.
During an NDDN meeting on the Surveillance Balloon from the People’s Republic of China in March 2023, Mme. Normandin asked multiple questions regarding NORAD’s ability to detect different objects.
In the same meeting, Mme. Normandin asked whether NORAD was prepared to deal with cybersecurity and other “non-standard” threats to Canada.
During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in March 2022, Mme. Normandin asked DOS SJS why Canada was sending a small number of CAF members on NATO’s Exercise Cold Response 2022, and wondered whether this could be perceived as Canada “abdicating its Arctic sovereignty.” She also linked the small number of troops to recruitment and retention issues, asking whether this is an indicator of how critical recruitment and retention are.
During another meeting on this study in March 2022, Mme. Normandin asked National Defence witnesses whether an “increased human presence in the Northern territory” is part of National Defence’s plan to promote Canada’s Arctic sovereignty.

Ukraine:

During an NDDN meeting on the war in Ukraine in September 2023, Mme. Normandin inquired as to how ammunition supplies and assistance to Ukraine would be affected by budget cuts, and the state of information sharing between Ukraine and allies.
During an NDDN meeting on Main Estimates in May 2023, Mme. Normandin asked the Minister of National Defence if National Defence should review its criteria for fulfilling requests from Ukraine for military equipment. She cited the untendered contract awarded to Roshel for 200 light armoured vehicles as an example.
During Supplementary Estimates (C) at NDDN in March 2022, Mme. Normandin asked MND whether Canada would consider sending now-banned weapons, such as AR-15s, to Ukraine rather than destroying them.
During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in March 2022, Mme. Normandin asked DOS SJS whether the CAF had considered a scenario in which Ukraine surrenders.
During House Debate on Russia’s attack on Ukraine in February 2022, Mme. Normandin asked MND to tell the House how the Canadian Armed Forces are playing a humanitarian role in welcoming people leaving Ukraine, in collaboration with other NATO countries and the countries bordering Ukraine.

NATO:

Mme. Normandin has repeatedly expressed a desire for Canada to reach NATO’s 2% GDP target.
During her visit to Vilnius as part of the NATO Parliamentarians Association meeting in May 2022, Mme. Normandin made several posts on her Twitter account in support of Finland and Sweden's adhesion, as well as Ukraine's future adhesion, to NATO.

Operational Readiness:

During two NDDN meetings on recruitment and retention in April 2022, Mme. Normandin acknowledged the increasing challenges related to natural disasters and COVID-19, and the burden that these events place on the CAF. She asked witnesses whether it would be appropriate to set up a domestic “paramilitary organization or form of militia” that would be specifically assigned to this type of response.

Cyber Security:

During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in March 2022, Mme. Normandin referenced a rise in cyber threats and asked if Canada should prioritize resources in this area. During the same meeting, she asked witnesses if Canada is a “lost cause” in what it has to offer in cybersecurity, and whether it can upgrade.
During another meeting on this topic in March 2022, Mme. Normandin questioned witnesses on the type of cyber-attack that would justify a counterattack or military intervention.

Lindsay Mathyssen

NDP – London-Fanshawe (ON)

Election to the House of Commons

First elected: 2019
Re-elected: 2021

Professional Background

Political: Worked on 21 Federal, Provincial, and Municipal elections, including 8 campaigns in her current riding; daughter of former London NDP MP Irene Mathyssen
Union Member: Council of Canadians and Member of the Ontario Health Coalition

Connection to DND/CAF

General Dynamics Manufacturing Facility located in London (Armoured Combat Support Vehicles manufacturing plant); Member of London Victory Legion

Political and Parliamentary Roles

Critic: National Defence (2021 – present)
Deputy House Leader: (2021 – present)
Deputy Critic: Women and Gender Equality (2021 – present)
Former Critic: Women and Gender Equality (2019 – 2021); Diversity and Inclusion and Youth (2019 – 2021)
Former Deputy Whip: (2019 – 2021)
Former Deputy Critic: Export Promotion and International Trade (2019 – 2021); Small Business (2019 – 2021)
Former Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2021 – 2022); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2020 – 2021)

Committee Membership

Member: House Standing Committee on National Defence (2021 – present)
Former Member: House Standing Committee on the Status of Women (2020 – 2021)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

Sexual Misconduct in the CAF:

During the MND’s Standing Committee on National Defence (NDDN) appearance on Supplementary Estimates (B) in December 2023, Ms. Mathyssen suggested that survivors of military sexual trauma are losing faith in the system and that “we haven’t seen the full measures that we need to see.” She advocated to end concurrent jurisdiction for criminal sexual offences and asked the MND to support her bill on this issue.
In November 2023, Ms. Mathyssen tabled two Private Members’ bills (PMBs) in Parliament to remove the military chain of command from criminal sexual offence investigations, and to establish an independent oversight committee.
During a June 2023 NDDN meeting on the External Monitor’s first biannual report, Ms. Mathyssen inquired as to whether the External Monitor felt that she was sufficiently independent from the MND, and what tangible progress could be reported.
Ms. Mathyssen focuses on meaningful implementation of external reports and seeks concrete progress that supports survivors. For example:
- During the MND’s December 2022 update to the House Standing Committee on National Defence (NDDN) on the Arbour report, Ms. Mathyssen referenced the “inaction of the CAF and the government” to enact the Deschamps report recommendations. Ms. Mathyssen has been critical on several occasions of the alleged lack of movement on the Deschamps recommendations.
- During the same meeting, Ms. Mathyssen asked the MND when she will bring forward legislation on Recommendation 5 (CAF Jurisdiction).
Ms. Mathyssen articulated four key criticisms during the House Committee on the Status of Women’s 2021 study on addressing sexual misconduct in the CAF:
1. Lack of independence of Military Police and perceived failure to place victims and survivors at the centre of investigations
2. Erosion of trust between CAF members and senior leadership
3. Need for effective and independent oversight of misconduct investigations and outcomes
4. Barriers for participation of women in the CAF
Ms. Mathyssen filed a supplementary report to the House Committee on Status of Women report on sexual misconduct in the CAF which focused on:
- Implementing key recommendations of the Deschamps report and 2018 OAG report
- Addressing the perception that the trust in senior leadership is broken and must be restored
- Creating an independent centre for accountability
- Facilitating access to affordable and flexible childcare for CAF members
- Developing victim-centric and trauma-informed training for all members, including senior leadership
- Creating a “special program” to increase diversity, gender representation and inclusion in the CAF as recommended by the OAG in 2016

Recruitment and Retention:

During Question Period in October 2022, Ms. Mathyssen referenced the “personnel crisis” in the forces, and asked when the government will take “real steps to properly invest in recruitment so Canadians can be supported abroad and at home.”
During an NDDN meeting on recruitment and retention in April 2022, Ms. Mathyssen noted that there is an impression in the media that there is no accountability or culture change happening in the CAF, and asked witnesses how this can be improved to advance recruitment and retention efforts. Ms. Mathyssen also asked witnesses for examples of military family support systems in other countries.
During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in February 2022, Ms. Mathyssen observed that domestic pressures will only continue to increase due to climate change, and asked witnesses what they would recommend to improve recruitment and retention rates.
During MND’s briefing on her mandate and priorities at NDDN in February 2022, Ms. Mathyssen asked MND about s. 98(c), referring to her colleague Randall Garrison’s PMB (Bill C-206) to remove this clause from the National Defence Act. She asked MND about moving this piece of legislation forward, referring to it as “an incredible way for us to address some of those recruitment and retention mental health stigmas and barriers”, and asked MND if she supported the aims of Bill C-206 in eliminating self-harm as a punishable offence.

Health Services for CAF Members:

Throughout NDDN’s study on Health and Transition Services in the CAF, Ms. Mathyssen asked questions related to mental health, operational stress injuries, and support to military families.
Ms. Mathyssen has regularly raised Section 98(c) of the National Defence Act (NDA) and concerns regarding self-harm. She has questioned National Defence witnesses on whether this clause would be removed from the NDA.

Ukraine and NATO:

During a September 2023 NDDN meeting on the war in Ukraine, Ms. Mathyssen inquired as to how budget cuts will affect National Defence’s support for Ukraine, and where spending on supporting Ukraine could be increased.
During House Debate on national defence spending in April 2022, Ms. Mathyssen expressed that while the NDP agrees that Canada needs to spend more on defence, the 2% defence spending target set by NATO is “arbitrary.”
During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in February 2022, Ms. Mathyssen asked CAF officials whether our response to the situation in Ukraine has “given China pause or impacted their reaction in any way.” She also asked the Director of Staff, Strategic Joint Staff at a later meeting whether China has provided support to Russia.
Throughout the NDDN study on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness, Ms. Mathyssen expressed interest in the effectiveness of sanctions and other diplomatic ways of resolving the crisis in Ukraine. She also expressed concern about the provision of lethal weaponry, asking MND during her Supplementary Estimates (C) appearance in March 2022 about the measures in place to guarantee the tracking of these weapons.

Continental Defence and the Arctic:

In response to the June 2023 NDDN report on Arctic security, Ms. Mathyssen filed a supplementary opinion that focused on climate change, the Canadian Rangers, and infrastructure investments in the Arctic. She also rejected the Committee’s recommendation related to ballistic missile defence and advocated for the principles of disarmament.
Ms. Mathyssen asked witnesses about the perceived challenges Russia would face in an Arctic invasion during a March 2022 meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness. In the same meeting, Ms. Mathyssen sought witnesses’ views on how the Government can “break down silos” to have a more “coordinated” response in the Arctic.
During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in February 2022, Ms. Mathyssen asked CAF officials about future investments in NORAD.
During this study, Ms. Mathyssen also asked witnesses about partnerships with Indigenous communities on Arctic infrastructure projects, and how Canada can pursue such projects in an “Indigenous-led way.”

Procurement and Supply Chains:

During an October 2023 NDDN meeting on procurement, Ms. Mathyssen inquired whether the delays to the Defence Policy Update have impacted industry efforts to match procurement needs for the CAF.
During the same meeting, Ms. Mathyssen asked about the Canadian estimates of the F-35 life cycle costs, and how they compared to US studies.
During another October 2023 NDDN meeting on procurement, Ms. Mathyssen expressed a desire to pursue more made-in-Canada procurement policies.
In a September 2023 NDDN meeting on procurement, Ms. Mathyssen raised concerns about Canadian defence exports being resold without authorization.
During a June 2023 NDDN meeting on procurement, Ms. Mathyssen asked whether sufficient data was being collected by the CAF regarding its operational needs to better inform industry of upcoming procurement requirements.
During a June 2023 meeting of NDDN on procurement, Ms. Mathyssen raised concerns that procuring from foreign partners such as the US would have inflated prices. Specifically, Ms. Mathyssen noted that US audits of the F-35 procurement indicated that some costs were artificially inflated.
In a January 2023 article that suggested a ‘made-in-Canada strategy’ is needed for defence procurements, Ms. Mathyssen is quoted as saying that the government “needs to exhibit more forethought about what will be needed so that Canadian-made products can be purchased.”
In October 2022, Ms. Mathyssen introduced a PMB to amend the Department of Public Works and Government Services Act, the Defence Production Act, and the Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Act to ensure Canadian-made goods are given preference for federal procurement contracts.
At a December 2022 NDDN meeting on Arctic security, Ms. Mathyssen asked the Auditor-General for suggestions on streamlining military procurement.
During an NDDN meeting on continental defence in March 2022, Ms. Mathyssen asked Departmental witnesses how the CAF will ensure the operational ability of C-18s until the future fighters are ready. She also asked how costs on the F-35 project may increase, due to delays in the purchasing of equipment.
During the same meeting, Ms. Mathyssen expressed interest in Indigenous impact assessments as part of procurement projects, and asked Departmental officials whether these will be conducted on all future procurement.

Access to Information and Transparency:

In November 2023, Ms. Mathyssen tabled a motion for NDDN to undertake a study into transparency of National Defence and the CAF, including the ATIP system; the independence of the office of the DND/CAF Ombudsman; the declassification system for historic documents; whistleblower protections; the independence of the grievance process; and information management systems. The motion passed.
During a November 2023 NDDN meeting on procurement, Ms. Mathyssen referenced the Procurement Ombudsman’s finding that there is a “chronic, systemic issue of missing paper trails for procurement contracts.” She asked ADM(Mat) why transparency mechanisms were not followed.
During a September 2023 NDDN meeting on the MND’s mandate and priorities, Ms. Mathyssen suggested that there are “a lot of historical cases of mismanagement” of ATIP requests at National Defence. She asked the DM whether more ATIP reforms can be expected.
During a June 2023 NDDN meeting on the External Monitor’s first biannual report, Ms. Mathyssen asked whether the External Monitor had concerns about what information National Defence is allowing her to access.

Emmanuella Lambropoulos

LPC – Saint-Laurent (QC)

Election to the House of Commons

First elected: 2017 (by-election)
Re-elected: 2019, 2021

Professional Background

Education: Former secondary school teacher, teaching History, Geography, Ethics, and Religious Culture; worked as a resource aid for students with learning disabilities and autism
Community: Long record of volunteer involvement supporting children’s sports and art activities

Connection to DND/CAF

Former member of the House Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs during studies on topics such as mental health and suicide prevention and barriers to transition.

Political and Parliamentary Roles

Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2018 – 2019)
Chair: National Liberal Women’s Caucus (2021 – Present)

Committee Membership

Member: House Standing Committee on National Defence (2021 – Present); House Standing Committee on the Status of Women (2021 – Present; 2017 – 2019)
Former Member: House Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (2020 – 2021); House Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology (2020 – 2021); House Standing Committee on Official Languages (2020); House Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (2017 – 2018)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

Recruitment and Retention:

During a September 2023 Standing Committee of National Defence (NDDN) meeting on the MND’s mandate and priorities, Ms. Lambropoulos asked the CDS about exit interviews and the main reasons why members are leaving the CAF.
In May 2023, Ms. Lambropoulos asked the DM if National Defence had any plans to make the CAF more attractive to women and members from diverse communities.
At an NDDN meeting on Arctic security in October 2022, Ms. Lambropoulos asked the CDS whether there have been additional recruitment efforts by the CAF in the North, specifically in Indigenous communities. She echoed this question to the Deputy Commander of NORAD at another Arctic security NDDN meeting in November 2022.
At an NDDN meeting on recruitment and retention in April 2022, Ms. Lambropoulos asked witnesses whether it would be relevant to recruit members whose only responsibility is responding to domestic emergencies.
During the same meeting, Ms. Lambropoulos recognized the importance of military families, and asked witnesses what benefits or supports are offered to military families.
During another meeting on this study in April 2022, Ms. Lambropoulos asked witnesses what recruiting practices the CAF should continue to use and which practices it should stop, as well as what Canada could learn from other countries in terms of recruiting.
During another NDDN meeting on recruitment and retention in April 2022, Ms. Lambropoulos asked witnesses if they think the CAF is doing enough to recruit diverse members, and what more could be done.

Sexual Misconduct and Culture Change:

During an NDDN meeting on Supplementary Estimates (B) in December 2023, Ms. Lambropoulos asked the VCDS how the CAF is addressing sexual misconduct, noting that victims “feel that it won’t make a difference.”
At an NDDN meeting on Main Estimates in May 2023, Ms. Lambropoulos asked the Deputy Minister what National Defence’s plans are for making the CAF “more attractive to women and members from diverse communities.”
During the MND’s update to NDDN on the Arbour Report in December 2022, Ms. Lambropoulos asked the MND about the potential challenges of implementing Recommendation 5. She also wondered why the MND thinks the shift might take many years when “a policy or a Parliament decision could move us in the right direction quickly.”
During the same meeting, Ms. Lambropoulos asked the MND what culture-related changes National Defence has implemented so far, and “the direction that we’ll be taking in order to address some of the recommendations related to recruitment.”

CAF Health Services:

Ms. Lambropoulos is particularly interested by mental health support offered to CAF and Veterans and how National Defence can do better in that regard. For instance, during the MND’s briefing to NDDN on his mandate and priorities in September 2023, Ms. Lambropoulos asked whether more mental health supports are being offered to military members, given increased demand on the CAF.

Arctic Security:

During an NDDN meeting on the surveillance balloon from the People’s Republic of China in March 2023, Ms. Lambropoulos noted that NORAD investments and investments in infrastructure in the North are in areas controlled by Indigenous communities. She further inquired what National Defence officials are doing to ensure the protection and rights of Indigenous communities.
During an NDDN meeting on Arctic security in October 2022, Ms. Lambropoulos asked the CDS how investment in NORAD would help support job creation and economic development, which she suggested would in turn directly benefit Indigenous communities.
During a November 2022 NDDN meeting on Arctic security, Ms. Lambropoulos asked the Deputy Commander of NORAD whether being part of an anti-missile agreement would make Canada safer from missile threats.
At a November 2022 NDDN meeting on Arctic security, Ms. Lambropoulos asked Commander CJOC how submarine capability influences Canada’s ability to protect its territorial sovereignty in the Arctic. She also asked for an update on the RCN’s submarine replacement program, and how Canada’s submarine capability helps our “military-to-military relationships.”
At the same meeting, Ms. Lambropoulos inquired about the role of Joint Task Force (North) in search and rescue.

Ukraine and NATO:

During an NDDN meeting on the situation in Ukraine in September 2023, Ms. Lambropoulos asked Defence witnesses what discussions Canada is having with its NATO Allies to support Ukraine over the long term.
During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in March 2022, Ms. Lambropoulos asked National Defence and Global Affairs witnesses how Canada can protect itself and put itself in a “better position with regard to NATO.”
During the same meeting, Ms. Lambropoulos asked whether Canada is doing enough to be considered an “equal NATO partner” and what more we could be doing.
At an NDDN meeting on Main Estimates in June 2022, Ms. Lambropoulos recognized the importance of the CAF's efforts to strengthen NATO's deterrence posture in Europe through Op REASSURANCE, and asked MND for an update on the work that the CAF has been doing on NATO's eastern flank.
During an NDDN meeting on Arctic security in December 2022, Ms. Lambropoulos asked the Auditor-General for her thoughts on “upping our defence spending” to match NATO’s 2% goal.

Russia and China:

During an NDDN meeting on cybersecurity in February 2023, Ms. Lambropoulos suggested that there are “quite a few actors that pose a threat, including China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran” and asked how these actors differ in their goals and capabilities.
Further, during a briefing on MND’s mandate and priorities at NDDN in February 2022, Ms. Lambropoulos noted that cyber threats have been “increasingly steadily for the last while, mainly by China and Russia.” She asked the Chief of CSE what plans are in place going forward to advance cybersecurity under MND’s mandate.
During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in February 2022, Ms. Lambropoulos asked witnesses what a military relationship between Russia and China – who she characterized as “two of our biggest threats” – would mean for Canada, and what types of warfare Canada should be prepared for.
During an NDDN meeting on Arctic security in December 2022, Ms. Lambropoulos observed that Russia and China are “quite good” at foreign interference, and that they have cyber capabilities we should be “wary of and defending our country against.” She then asked the Prime Minister’s National Security and Intelligence Advisor (NSIA) to describe some of the ways that our adversaries’ cyber abilities influence the way we prepare ourselves, and about the technological investments Canada has made to counter these kinds of cyber abilities.

Procurement:

During an October 2023 NDDN meeting on procurement, Ms. Lambropoulos inquired as to witnesses' opinions on the benefits/downsides of competition in procurement processes.
During a June 2023 NDDN meeting on procurement, Ms. Lambropoulos asked witnesses whether defence procurement should be consolidated under the auspices of National Defence.

Chad Collins

LPC – Hamilton East – Stoney Creek (ON)

Election to the House of Commons

First elected: 2021

Professional Background

Municipal Work: Former city councillor in Hamilton; former President of City Housing Hamilton

Committee Membership

Member: Standing Committee on National Defense (2023 – Present); Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (2021-Present)
Former Member: Standing Committee on Science and Research (2021 – 2023)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

CAF Housing:

During a meeting of the Standing Committee on National Defence (NDDN) regarding military housing in November 2023, Mr. Collins asked Defence officials how many military housing units the CAF intends to build and what resources the Canadian Forces Housing Agency (CFHA) expects to secure from the private sector to meet that number.
During the same meeting, Mr. Collins wondered whether the CAF experiences challenges accommodating housing needs in areas outside of urban centres. He also asked whether the CFHA has conducted any satisfaction surveys regarding the quality of housing provided to CAF members across the country.
During an NDDN meeting on the MND’s mandate and priorities in September 2023, Mr. Collins asked the CDS to provide a snapshot of the challenges the CAF is facing in providing housing to CAF members.

Domestic Operations:

During an NDDN meeting on rising domestic operational deployments in November 2023, Mr. Collins asked the MND who is holding provinces and territories to account to ensure that the appropriate resources are in place during natural disasters.
During an NDDN meeting on rising domestic operational deployments in November 2023, Mr. Collins wondered what the federal government’s role should be during a domestic emergency.
In the same meeting, Mr. Collins asked how to incentivize Canadians to participate more during domestic emergencies, to alleviate pressure on the CAF.
During an NDDN meeting on the MND’s mandate and priorities in September 2023, Mr. Collins asked the CDS about the CAF’s plan for continuing to provide supports to provinces and territories from a personnel, equipment, and resource perspective during domestic emergencies.

Indo-Pacific:

During an NDDN meeting on the situation in the Indo-Pacific region in September 2023, Mr. Collins asked Defence witnesses about China’s long-term military modernization plans, and how Canada is dealing with that using the resources at our disposal.
During the same meeting, Mr. Collins wondered how the Indo-Pacific Strategy will change over time, and how we gauge the success of the strategy.

Procurement:

During an NDDN meeting on procurement in November 2023, Mr. Collins asked when and where industry should be part of the procurement process.
During NDDN meetings on procurement in October 2023, Mr. Collins asked government officials what procurement policies could be removed to speed up the procurement process, and asked how the procurement process could be improved using technological improvements.
During an NDDN meeting on procurement in September 2023, Mr. Collins asked about having one point of contact in the procurement process for “efficiency and accountability purposes.”

Viviane Lapointe

LPC – Sudbury (ON)

Election to the House of Commons

First elected: 2021

Professional Background

Public Service: Previously at Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines (now Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and Ministry of Energy), Head of Communications and Community engagement for Health Sciences North, Executive Director of Community Living Greater Sudbury.

Connection to DND/CAF

2nd Battalion, Irish Regiment of Canada is located at Sudbury Armoury, within Ms. Lapointe’s riding.

Political and Parliamentary Roles

Parliamentary Association Member: Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (April 2024 – Present); Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (April 2024 – Present); Canadian Branch of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie (April 2024 – Present); Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (April 2024 – Present); Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (April 2024 – Present); Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (April 2024 – Present); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (April 2024 – Present); Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (April 2024 – Present).

Committee Membership

Member: House Standing Committee on National Defence (May 2024 – Present); House Standing Committee on Natural Resources (2021 – Present)
Former Member: House Standing Committee on Industry and Technology (2021 – May 2024)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

Transparency:

During a May 2024 meeting of NDDN on Transparency, Ms. Lapointe asked the CDS how the CAF communicated activities, expenditures, and decision making in a transparent manner, and how efforts to modernize systems would proceed continuously, rather than in single improvements.
During the same meeting, Ms. Lapointe asked CDS what challenges and obstacles they faced while trying to improve transparency, how they were addressing those challenges, and future priorities.

Ukraine:

During question period in April 2024, Ms. Lapointe asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs to reaffirm Canada’s long- term commitment to Ukraine in light of Russia’s invasion.
During question period in February 2024, Ms. Lapointe asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs how Canada was helping Ukrainian children in light of Russia’s invasion.

Other Interests

Mining and Power:

Mining and critical minerals are a topic of interest to Ms. Lapointe, and she has regularly emphasized the importance of minerals, uranium, and nuclear power in the House of Commons and Committee.

AI & Data Privacy:

Ms. Lapointe has asked industry witnesses about oversight and the potential of AI misuse in meetings of the House Standing Committee on Industry and Technology (INDU).
Ms. Lapointe has also asked witnesses about the importance of data protection and suggested aligning Canadian data privacy laws with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Foreign Aid:

During question period in March 2024, Ms. Lapointe asked the Minister of International Development how proposed cuts to foreign aid from the Conservative party would impact Canada’s security and standing globally.

Procurement:

During an NDDN meeting that took place during May 2024 where MDN Blair attended, Ms. Lapointe asked about the significance of major investments, such as the Canadian multi-mission aircraft procurement project as well as the future fighter capability project, to national defence procurement as it relates to Canadian values and price.

Space:

During another NDDN meeting that took place during May 2024, Ms. Lapointe asked on space and how Canada can expand its role in the space defence sector, and how to overcome challenges of falling behind.

Cheryl Gallant

CPC – Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke (ON)

Election to the House of Commons

First elected: 2000
Re-elected: 2004, 2006, 2008, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2021

Professional Background

Business: Former Chief Administrative Director in a family-owned small business/professional practice; former group insurance executive with a major Canadian life insurance company
Economy: Chairperson of the City of Pembroke Downtown Development Commission; member of Pembroke’s Economic Advisory Committee

Connection to DND/CAF

Located in riding: CFB Petawawa, Arnprior Aerospace, and Chalk River Laboratories (a nuclear research facility)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

Counsellor: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2022 – Present)
Parliamentary Association Member: Canada-China Legislative Association (2013– Present); Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2004 – Present); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2017 – Present); Canada-Israel Interparliamentary Group (2014 – Present)
Former Critic: Veterans Affairs (Associate) (2019 – 2021), Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (2019 – 2021); Small Business; Industry; Science, Research and Development; Canadian Heritage
Former Deputy House Leader: Official Opposition (2001 – 2002)

Committee Membership

Member: House Standing Committee on National Defence (2006 – Present)
Former Vice Chair: House Standing Committee on National Defence (2016 – 2017)
Former Member: House Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (2011); House Standing Committee on Natural Resources (2010 – 2011); House Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology (2002 – 2004; 2011 – 2015) and several others.

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

Recruitment and Retention:

During the fall of 2023, Ms. Gallant submitted three Order Paper Questions (OPQs) to National Defence on issues related to personnel retention: CAF Third-Location Decompression Programs, the CAF Hardship and Risk Allowance and Hardship Bonus, and CAF Pensions and Hardship Pay.
During a June 2023 Standing Committee on National Defence (NDDN) meeting on the External Monitor’s first biannual report, Ms. Gallant asked how positions at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School were staffed, specifically how instructors were being selected.
During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in March 2022, Ms. Gallant criticized the fact that CAF recruits in basic training were isolated in their rooms once the pandemic started, which she stated led at least one recruit to commit suicide. She asked witnesses how to avoid a similar situation in the future, and what recommendations they would put forward to improve retention.
During an April 2022 NDDN meeting on recruitment and retention, Ms. Gallant asked witnesses if it would it be beneficial to have a certain number of seats in medical school set aside for the military.
During another NDDN meeting on the same study, Ms. Gallant asked National Defence witnesses if the CAF is planning or has future plans to “have a modern submarine capability in terms of the human workforce that’s needed to operate in these conditions.” She also asked when recruitment and training would begin for the F-35s.
Additionally, Ms. Gallant expressed concern with vaccination mandates in the CAF and the alleged loss of pension and benefits for members who do not wish to be vaccinated. When speaking on this issue during MND’s briefing on her mandate and priorities in February 2022, she noted that “morale is at an all-time low” and the CAF is “short thousands of members.”
During an October 2022 appearance at NDDN, Ms. Gallant asked the CDS how many people would be “ejected” from the military on the basis of their “refusal to take the vaccine.”

Health Services in the CAF:

During NDDN meetings on CAF Health and Transition Services in spring 2023, Ms. Gallant regularly asked questions related to the accessibility of medical services and mental health support, as well as the wait time for these services.
During an April 2022 NDDN meeting on recruitment and retention, Ms. Gallant asked CAF witnesses how many suicides and sexual assaults occurred at the Royal Military College in 2021.
In 2020, Ms. Gallant tabled an OPQ related to the number of suicides and attempted suicides in the CAF (both active and former members), as well as the collection and maintenance of data for suicides and attempted suicides.

Cybersecurity:

During a November 2023 NDDN meeting on procurement, Ms. Gallant asked how the threat landscape has evolved over the past year with respect to cyberattacks. In addition, she wondered whether the CAF has sufficient protection against cyberattacks, and what the CAF needs to develop its active cyber capabilities.
During a March 2023 NDDN meeting on cybersecurity and cyberwarfare, Ms. Gallant asked how artificial intelligence is impacting the cyber threat environment.
During a February 2023 NDDN meeting on cybersecurity and cyberwarfare, Ms. Gallant asked Defence witnesses whether underwater drones would be vulnerable to cyberattacks.

Continental Defence and Arctic Sovereignty:

During an October 2023 NDDN meeting on procurement, Ms. Gallant asked industry witnesses whether industry had been consulted regarding NORAD modernization efforts.
In an October 2023 NDDN meeting on procurement, Ms. Gallant asked why submarine procurement is allegedly not being prioritized, given the threat posed by Russia and China in the Arctic.
During a May 2023 NDDN meeting on Main Estimates, Ms. Gallant asked the Minister of National Defence if Canada has made “any concrete progress in increasing its surveillance capabilities.”
In March 2023, during an NDDN meeting on the Surveillance Balloon from the People's Republic of China, Ms. Gallant asked the CDS “why wasn't the Canadian public notified,” of these flying objects.
During a November 2022 NDDN meeting on Arctic security, Ms. Gallant asked the Deputy Commander of NORAD whether foreign drones have been detected “in the air or subsurface waters” in the Canadian Arctic.
At the same meeting, Ms. Gallant asked the Deputy Commander of NORAD when he anticipates that Canada’s North Warning System will be “adequate to detect threats we see emanating from Russia, China, or North Korea.”
During NDDN meetings on threat analysis and CAF operational security in early 2022, Ms. Gallant asked witnesses if Canada is upholding its NORAD obligations. She also asked about the amount of money that has been allocated toward technology to detect “under-Arctic ice incursions” in Canadian waters.
In addition, Ms. Gallant asked witnesses about the impact of the conflict in Ukraine on Canada’s defence and security, as well as Russian threats in the Canadian Arctic. She expressed concern about the “naval investment of China and Russia” in the Arctic, and asked witnesses whether Canada should “focus our efforts on the Canadian Arctic, in addition to holding up our NATO commitment.”

Russia and China:

During a September 2023 NDDN meeting on the Indo-Pacific, Ms. Gallant suggested that the People’s Republic of China’s military naval and aerial activity around Taiwan could be interpreted as an invasion.
During the same meeting, Ms. Gallant inquired as to how a conflict between the PRC and Taiwan and its allies could unfold.
During an NDDN meeting on Arctic security in October 2022, Ms. Gallant introduced a motion for the Committee to call the MND to appear and testify on “credible reports that RCAF-trained fighter pilots have undertaken employment by the People’s Republic of China to train their Air Force.” The motion passed.
At an NDDN meeting on Arctic security in November 2022, Ms. Gallant asked the Deputy Commander of NORAD about the number of times NORAD has had to “scramble jets” due to Russian or Chinese incursions in the Arctic.
During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in February 2022, Ms. Gallant asked witnesses how Canada’s threat environment is affected by Canada’s “indecision on banning Huawei to 5G.”
During another meeting on this study in March 2022, Ms. Gallant asked witnesses how Canada should defend against the weaponization of data, as well as mass surveillance of Canadians and Chinese citizens.
At another meeting on this study, Ms. Gallant asked witnesses how Russia carries out disinformation campaigns in Canada, and whether Canadian troops in Latvia have been subject to psychological warfare or cyber warfare by groups attributed to Russia and/or the Russian state.

Procurement and Defence Spending:

During a November 2023 NDDN meeting on procurement, Ms. Gallant asked industry representatives whether CAF units purchased equipment directly from industry, and whether this approach was more streamlined than traditional procurement.
During an October 2023 NDDN meeting on the Parliamentary Budget Officer’s (PBO) report on a force structure model of Canada’s military, Ms. Gallant asked for the PBO’s opinion on how procurement processes could be better tracked.
During a September 2023 NDDN briefing on the war in Ukraine, Ms. Gallant inquired as to how announced defence spending cuts would impact Canada’s ability to reach the NATO 2% target.
In May 2023, during NDDN meeting on Main Estimates, Ms. Gallant asked the MND what will happen when NATO 2% target “becomes the floor at which we're supposed to be spending on defence.”
During Question Period in June 2022, Ms. Gallant mentioned that a former official said that there is a $15-billion difference between “what is earmarked for defence and what is actually shown.” She then asked “if the funding is just being shown as defence spending so that our NATO contributions do not look so bad.”
Ms. Gallant is an advocate for the Victoria-class submarine replacement and has referenced the fleet as “barely operational.” In November 2022, she tabled an OPQ about submarines, including – among other things – whether the Government intends to acquire nuclear or conventional submarines; whether the Government will increase the size of the submarine fleet; and the proposed costs of future submarines.
In 2021, Ms. Gallant tabled an OPQ inquiring about: the full budget for the Canadian Surface Combatants; the total expected cost or value of the Industrial and Technological Benefits policies on each vessel built under the National Shipbuilding Strategy; and the full costing of the first Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for CAF Members:

During an appearance on Main Estimates in June 2022, Ms. Gallant asked Minister Anand if Canadian troops deployed in Eastern Europe have the necessary equipment to protect them from chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats.
During an appearance on Supplementary Estimates (C) at NDDN in March 2022, Ms. Gallant asked the VCDS about the amount being set aside for CBRN PPE.
Ms. Gallant also tabled an OPQ related to CBRN PPE in March 2022, which inquired about inventory, storage, expiration dates, inspection, and the amount of PPE currently assigned to CAF personnel deployed in Eastern Europe.
In 2020, Ms. Gallant tabled an OPQ, and expressed concern on several occasions at NDDN committee meetings, about access to PPE for CAF members, and the quality and type of PPE provided, particularly in relation to Op LASER and the CAF’s support in long-term care facilities.

Marie-France Lalonde

LPC – Orléans (ON)

Election to the House of Commons

First elected: 2019
Re-elected: 2021

Professional Background

Provincial Politics: Member for Ottawa – Orleans, former Minister of Government and Consumer Services (2015 – 2016); former Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services (2016 – 2018)
Social Work: Co-Owner, Portobello Manor Retirement Residence (2008 – Present); Executive Director, Queenswood Villa Retirement Community (2000 – 2008)

Connection to DND/CAF

The riding of Orleans has a large military population

Political and Parliamentary Roles

Parliamentary Secretary: Minister of National Defence (2023 – Present)
Former Parliamentary Secretary: Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (2021 – 2023)
Former Parliamentary Secretary: Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (FedDev Ontario and Official Languages (2021 – 2021))

Committee Membership

Member: Special Committee on the Canada – People’s Republic of China Relationship (2023 – Present); Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (2021 - Present); Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (2021 – Present)
Former Member: Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (2020 – 2021); Standing Committee on Official Languages (2020 – 2021); Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (2020 – 2020); Standing Committee on Official Languages (2020 – 2020); Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020 – 2020)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

Ukraine:

During a September 2023 meeting of the Standing Committee on National Defence (NDDN) on the situation in Ukraine, Mme. Lalonde referred to Op UNIFIER and asked how Ukraine’s needs have changed. Specifically, she wondered what type of training was most in demand and what this indicated about the state of the conflict.

Procurement:

During a November 2023 NDDN meeting on procurement, Mme. Lalonde asked ADM(Mat) how National Defence balances the pressures of meeting urgent operational requirements while also continuing to meet procurement needs. She also inquired how regulations and processes can be improved to help with both domestic and international challenges when it comes to procurement.
During an October 2023 NDDN meeting on procurement, Mme. Lalonde asked how governments can simplify and streamline the procurement process.

Domestic Operations:

During a November 2023 NDDN meeting on rising domestic operational deployments, Mme. Lalonde asked the MND about the main reason why the CAF is increasingly being called upon for domestic emergency response.
During a November 2023 NDDN meeting on rising domestic operational deployments, Mme. Lalonde asked how non-governmental organizations can assist with domestic recovery and support efforts, and how these may complement military efforts.

Dean Allison

CPC – Niagara West (ON)

Election to the House of Commons

First elected: 2004
Re-elected: 2006, 2008, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2021

Professional Background

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Wilfrid Laurier University.
Business: Owns a private equity firm (2008 – Present).
Community: Served as President of the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Foundation and as President of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce; founding member of the Belarus Children of Chernobyl Disaster to Canada.

Connection to DND/CAF

Mr. Allison’s youngest son joined the army reserves in 2006 and serves in the Lincoln and Welland Regiment (St. Catharines, ON). 4th Canadian Division is also within his riding.

Political and Parliamentary Roles

Former Parliamentary Association Member: Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (2023 – 2024); Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (2023 – 2024); Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group (2023 – 2024); Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (2023 – 2024); Canada-United Kingdom Interparliamentary Association (2023 - 2024); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2023 – 2024); Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2006 – 2010; 2018 – 2019); Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (2016 – 2019); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2011 – 2019); Canada-China Legislative Association (2010 – 2013; 2016-2017); Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (2004 – 2005; 2007 – 2012)
Other Parliamentary Roles: Director of Canada Parliamentary Affairs Association (2013 – 2016); Counsellor for Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (2016 – 2017)

Committee Membership

Member: Standing Committee on National Defence (2022; April 2024 – Present)
Former Chair: Standing Committee on Public Accounts (2020); Subcommittee on Committee Budgets of the Liaison Committee (2014 – 2015); Liaison Committee (2006 – 2015); Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2011 – 2015); Human Resources, social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (2006 – 2009)
Former Vice Chair: Standing Committee on International Trade (2017 – 2019); Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2016 – 2017)
Former Member: Standing Joint Committee on Scrutiny of Regulations (2022 – 2024); Joint Committee on Library of Parliament (2021 – 2022); Liaison Committee (2006 – 2021); Public Accounts (2004 – 2005; 2020); Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020), Foreign Affairs and International Development (2010 – 2017)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

CAF Personnel:

During a meeting of the Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations in November 2023, Mr. Allison asked the MND for “actual timelines” on amendments to the CAF Superannuation Regulations.
During the same meeting, Mr. Allison quoted an article in the National Post written by former MND Peter MacKay about procurement and retention issues, and asked MND Blair how budget cuts would be balanced with attracting and retaining new CAF personnel.
During a June 2024 NDDN meeting, Mr. Allison asked about where Canada can contribute with the international partners, such as the U.S., given financial constraints.

Russia and Ukraine:

Mr. Allison frequently rose in the House to speak on the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement and criticized carbon pricing provisions within it.
In April 2022, while hosting “The Hill Update” for The Forum News, Mr. Allison questioned Editor-In-Chief and Publisher with Global Brief Magazine, Irvin Studin, on the complexities of Russian and Ukrainian geography, resources and why the war was a “logical progression from a Russian perspective.” During this interview, Mr. Allison also showcased an interest in the economic toll of the conflict including, but not limited to, oil, the impact on Canadian businesses, and export restrictions.
During an interview for the Niagara Independent in February 2022, Mr. Allison called the escalating conflict in Ukraine “complicated” and wasn’t sure how best Canada should proceed. Mr. Allison also called Russia’s latest actions “intolerable” and “completely unacceptable.”
During a House Debate on Foreign Affairs in 2016, Mr. Allison expressed disapproval with the Minister of Foreign Affairs for considering lifting sanctions against Russia despite “Russia's blatant disregard for Ukrainian sovereignty.”
In 2014, Mr. Allison was one of thirteen Canadian officials included in a Russian travel ban, which appears to still be in effect in 2023.

Arctic Sovereignty:

At an NDDN meeting during May 2024, Mr. Allison raised the fact Canada has significantly less people living in the Arctic than the U.S., and relates this to Canada’s lack of preparedness related to this region.
At a House National Defence Committee meeting on Main Estimates in June 2022, Mr. Allison acknowledged the importance of acquiring patrol vessels and asked what Canada's needs are in terms of satellite sensors to ensure surveillance of the Arctic.

CAF Vaccine Mandates:

In October 2023, Mr. Allison spoke in the House in favour of Bill C-278, An Act to prevent the imposition by the federal government of vaccination mandates for employment and travel, expressing support for a decision by the CAF grievance board that found that the release of an unvaccinated member was in violation of their charter rights.
In June 2023, Mr. Allison spoke in the House in favour of Bill C-278, An Act to prevent the imposition by the federal government of vaccination mandates for employment and travel. He reflected on the extension of the vaccine mandate to the CAF, saying that “the Liberal government looked soldiers in the eye and said they were unsuitable because of their personal health choices.”
During Member Statements in June 2022, Mr. Allison told the story of a member of the CAF who is currently in the process of being released by the CAF because he did not want to be vaccinated against COVID-19, noting that the member has “suffered the consequences of the punishing vaccine mandate policy.”

NATO Burden-Sharing:

During a House Debate on the 2017 Budget, Mr. Allison disagreed with the defence budget cuts, citing the growing pressure from the U.S. for NATO members to spend at least 2% of their GDP on defence. He also communicated concern over large funding deferments from previous budgets and criticized a “lack of” advancement of procurement projects. During this debate, he expressed his position that he was against the government’s preference for fourth generation fighter jets.

Space Sovereignty:

At an NDDN meeting during May 2024, Mr. Allison agreed on the need to spend time and money for space policy, and was interested in knowing the financial resources available towards this. During another DNND June 2024 meeting, he asked MND Blair on what kind of satellite sensors DND/CAF is looking at.

Other Interests

Medically-Assisted Dying:

Mr. Allison has spoken numerous times about legislation related to medical assistance in dying (MAID). In February 2023, Mr. Allison spoke in a debate on Bill C-39 (legislation related to MAID), noting that it is “reprehensible and an abdication of responsibility of every parliamentarian of every political strip to allow medically assisted dying to be extended to Canadians with mental health challenges, given the abject, miserable state of mental health supports in Canada.”

Firearms:

Mr. Allison spoke against the government’s proposed firearms legislation (Bill C-21) during a debate in May 2023, arguing that “the rights of lawful gun-owning Canadians must be respected.”

Parliamentary Returns:

Mr. Allison asked Q-2288 in February 2024 regarding the purchase of PPE in relation to the COVID-19 Pandemic. National Defence provided a response detailing all purchases of PPE, which was tabled on April 8, 2024.
Mr. Allison asked Q-1414 in April 2023 regarding contracts with Baylis Medical. National Defence indicated that it held no contracts with Baylis Medical within the relevant time period. The response was tabled in June 2023.

Don Stewart

CPC – Toronto - St. Paul's (ON)

Election to the House of Commons

First elected: June 2024 (Toronto—St. Paul's)

Professional Background

Education: Is a Professional Engineer and a CFA Charterholder. Also holds degrees in Engineering and Business.
Business: Formerly at the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO). Previously worked for BMO and Morgan Stanley. Professional experience in fiscal and economic policy.
Community:
- Various community efforts including at the Lakeridge Hospital Foundation, junior golf committees, and the Canadian Armed Forces.
- Treasurer of the 2 Intelligence Company Senate.

Connection to DND/CAF

Acted as honorary lieutenant-colonel in his non-profit organization, 2 Intelligence Company Senate, which supports past and serving soldiers by providing supplementary intelligence training, counselling and other support services, and promotes public awareness of the CAF.

Political and Parliamentary Roles

Parliament: Canadian Newly elected as Toronto—St. Paul's conservative Member of Parliament during the 44th Parliamentary session.

Committee Membership

Member: House Standing Committee on National Defence (September 2024 – Present);

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

State of repair of equipment

During an NDDN meeting on Ukraine on September 19, 2024, Mr. Stewart asked a number of questions related to the state of repair of CAF equipment in Latvia.

Marcus Powlowski

LPC – Thunder Bay - Rainy River (ON)

Election to the House of Commons

First elected: October 2019 - Present (Toronto—St. Paul's)

Professional Background

Law and Medicine: Prior to being elected, Powlowski served as an emergency room doctor at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and as an associate professor of medicine at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. He practiced medicine for nine years in First Nations communities in Northern Canada, Swaziland, The Gambia, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu. He worked for the World Health Organization as a health legislation consultant and taught Global Health at Lakehead University, University of San Francisco, and Global Health Law at Lakehead University Faculty of Law.

Connection to DND/CAF

NIL.

Political and Parliamentary Roles

Parliament: Elected as Thunder Bay—Rainy River (ON) Liberal Member of Parliament during the 44th Parliamentary session.

Committee Membership

Member: House Standing Committee on National Defence (September 2024 – Present); Standing Committee on Health (September 2020 – Present)
Parliamentary Associations and Interparliamentary Groups: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (September 2024 – Present)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

NATO, Russia and Ukraine:

During the September 2024 NDDN meeting about Ukraine, Mr. Powlowski asked DGIS and the DOS on Canada’s assessment of the risk of providing Ukrainians long-range weaponry and will it escalate the conflict between Russia and NATO.
Mr. Powlowski is interested in aerospace. In the same NDDN meeting above, he asked Ukraine's Ambassador to Canada if Ukraine still formally requested a no-fly zone. Related, he asked both the Ambassador and the Generals about whether NATO is considering to or is taking an active role in supporting a no-fly zone over Ukraine.

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Date modified:: 2025-01-24