Domestic and Continental Security

Operation Lentus

• Under Operation LENTUS, the Canadian Armed Forces has members ready to deploy across Canada on short notice when called upon by civilian authorities.
• This past August, the Canadian Armed Forces evacuated over 2,100 residents of the Bunibonibee Cree Nation community by strategic airlift, due to impacts from an out-of-control wildfire.
• Additionally, in August of this year, the Canadian Armed Forces provided firefighting and strategic airlift support to combat wildfires in Jasper, Alberta and in the vicinity of Fox Lake, Alberta.
• In July, the Canadian Armed Forces also provided emergency shelter and food services to over 700 evacuees in the community of Labrador City due to impacts from an out-of-control wildfire.
• Our military is there to support when called upon with capabilities such as air transportation, planning, coordination, and logistics to complement local, provincial, and territorial resources.

If pressed on suggestions for a "standalone climate disaster force":

• Emergencies are managed first at the local level: hospitals, fire departments, police, and municipalities.
• If assistance is needed at the local level, local authorities request it from the provinces or territories.
• Provinces or territories can seek assistance from the federal government if the emergency escalates beyond their capacity.
• Canadian Armed Forces members stand ready to offer assistance in support of civilian authorities during any crisis in Canada, including natural disasters, wherever and whenever required.

Background

Operation LENTUS

• As per the Federal Emergency Response Plan, the Canadian Armed Forces provide assistance when a province or territory requests federal support to deal with an emergency.
• Operation LENTUS is the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) response to natural disasters in Canada. This operation follows an established plan of action to support communities in crisis. This plan can be adapted to multiple situations, such as forest fires, floods, ice storms, or hurricanes.
  • Based on the request for assistance, the CAF determines how many people to send, and what kinds of assets to send with them. In recent years, this has been anywhere from 60 to 2,600 members.
• The objectives of Operation LENTUS are:
  • To help provincial and territorial authorities;
  • To respond quickly and effectively to the crisis; and,
  • To stabilize the natural disaster situation.

Process for Requests for Assistance

• A request for federal assistance (RFA) is how a province or territory formally requests support from the federal government in their emergency response efforts.
• It outlines the need for federal assistance to respond to an emergency when the jurisdiction needs additional resources.
• Public Safety Canada, through the Government Operations Centre (GOC), coordinates the federal response to RFAs, which can include employment of the Canadian Armed Forces when appropriate and as a method of last resort.
• Based on the RFA, the Canadian Armed Forces determines how many people to send, and the type of assets it can deploy.

Responsible Principals: Strategic Joint Staff, Assistant Deputy Minister (Policy)

August 28, 2024

Arctic Sovereignty and Security

• In response to an evolving security environment, Canada's defence policy update reaffirms the defence of Canada and places significant emphasis on Arctic and Northern approaches.
• Our North, Strong and Free comes with a commitment of $73 billion over the next 20 years.
• As part of this commitment, we will build a new satellite ground station in the Arctic and set up Northern Operational Support Hubs to improve our presence and responsiveness in the Arctic.
• We will also acquire specialized maritime sensors that can be rapidly deployed on Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships, and procure up to 12 conventionally powered, under-ice capable submarines.
• These investments build on our $38.6 billion plan to modernize NORAD, which is the largest investment in Canada's NORAD capabilities in decades.
• The Canadian Armed Forces also maintains a year-round presence in the Arctic through operations, exercises, and training activities, such as Operation NANOOK.
• National Defence will continue to work to secure our northern regions, and to develop intergovernmental, Indigenous, and multinational partnerships in the Arctic.

Background

CAF Footprint in the Arctic

• The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) exercises surveillance and control in the Arctic, maintains a visible and persistent presence, responds to aeronautical search and rescue (SAR) incidents, assists provinces and territories with ground SAR operations and natural disaster emergencies when required, supports Arctic and Northern peoples and communities, and contributes to whole of government priorities in the region.
• The CAF's permanent presence in the North is anchored by Joint Task Force North (JTF-N) in Yellowknife, along with 440 Transport Squadron RCAF, 1 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group Headquarters and a Company of reserve infantry. JTF-N has approximately 300 personnel, including two JTF-N detachments in Whitehorse and Iqaluit.
• The Canadian Army's Arctic Response Company Groups are regionally focused elements capable of projecting to Canada's North to conduct sovereignty operations, facilitate disaster response support, and provide general assistance to other Government departments.
• The CAF's footprint in the North also includes:
  • Canadian Forces Station Alert, the northernmost CAF outpost; and
  • CAF Arctic Training Centre (CAFATC) in Resolute Bay, Nunavut, which provides a permanent location for training and operations in the High Arctic. The Canadian Army runs an annual Northern Exercise (NOREX) at CAFATC.
• National Defence also has a number of assets used by NORAD, including the North Warning System, and three Forward Operating Locations in Yellowknife, Inuvik, and Iqaluit, which can accommodate fighter aircraft and other assets supporting NORAD operational requirements and exercises on a temporary basis.

Northern Operations

• Op NANOOK is the CAF's signature northern operation designed to enhance and expand the CAF's capabilities, footprint, and readiness, safeguard Canada's Arctic sovereignty, and develop interagency, intergovernmental, Indigenous, and multinational partnerships, including with international military partners such as the U.S. and Denmark.
• Additional northern operations include Operation LIMPID, the CAF's ongoing surveillance and presence mission, and Operation BOXTOP, the mission to supply Canadian Forces Station (CFS) Alert.

International Cooperation

• In alignment with Our North, Strong and Free (ONSAF), Strong, Secure, Engaged, and the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, the Defence Team will work to enhance cooperation with Arctic Allies and partners to strengthen domain awareness and information sharing.
• As part of this effort, the CAF is increasing its participation in multinational exercises in the Arctic and continues to encourage key Arctic and non-Arctic Allies and partners to participate in joint activities in Canada's Arctic, including Op NANOOK.
• National Defence is also deepening strategic-level collaboration with like-minded Arctic Allies and partners, including through the Arctic Chiefs of Defence, Arctic Security Forces Roundtable, and ongoing policy engagement at the officials' level.
• Defence Research and Development Canada is an active participant in the International Cooperative Program for Polar Research (ICE-PPR) with several Arctic nations to advance National Defence's scientific knowledge of the evolving Arctic environment; and to ensure continued effectiveness in defence capabilities, systems and platforms, and their adaptation for future Canadian Armed Forces operations.
• National Defence also cooperates with the United States in the Arctic, including through a number of exercises that occur regularly, such as:
  • JOINT PACIFIC MULTINATIONAL READINESS CENTER (JPMRC) is a U.S. Army exercise in Alaska that focuses on training in extreme cold weather environments and Northern conditions. JPMRC 25 will occur in Alaska in mid-late February 2025 and include Canadian Army and Royal Canadian Air Force participation, enhancing cooperation between Alaskan units and our forces.
  • CANADIAN ARMY NORTHERN EXERCISE (NOREX) is a company-level exercise in the Canadian Arctic. The exercise in March 2025 is planned by the 4th division and U.S. partners are participating.
  • ICE CAMP is a three-week operation designed to research, test and evaluate operational capabilities in the Arctic region organized by the U.S. Navy. The Royal Canadian Air Force and Royal Canadian Navy are participating.
  • EXERCISE ARCTIC FORGE is a U.S. Army led, planned, and executed exercise that demonstrates how the U.S. Army and NATO Allies can quickly respond to a crisis in the Arctic terrain on NATO's eastern flank to support NATO Regional Plans, increase interoperability in an Arctic extreme cold weather environment, and build a cohesive team with Arctic Allies.
  • Operation NOBLE DEFENDER is a recurring NORAD defensive operation that takes place throughout the year and has been ongoing since 2019. The latest iteration of Operation NOBLE DEFENDER took place from August 15 to September 10, 2023, in Alaska. In addition to NORAD's fighter aircraft and other air assets, the latest operation included wider participation of Canadian and American military personnel.

Responsible Principals: Assistant Deputy Minister (Policy), Strategic Joint Staff, Canadian Army

September 3, 2024

Continental Defence and Norad Modernization

• As outlined in our renewed defence policy, Canadian Armed Forces' most important role is defending Canada and Canadians.
• In this context, NORAD's missions are more relevant than ever to protect and defend North America.
• For example, military cooperation between Russia and China is increasing, as we saw with their recent military flights in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone that were intercepted by NORAD fighter jets.
• That is why we are investing $38.6 billion over twenty years to modernize our NORAD capabilities.
• This includes enhanced surveillance, improved command, control, and communications, modernized air weapons systems, infrastructure and support, and research and development.
• Canada is working closely with the US as part of these modernization efforts so that we adapt to evolving security challenges together and maximize the value of our investments.

If pressed on specific initiatives:

• New technological solutions to enhance domain awareness will significantly improve early warning and tracking of potential threats to North America.
• We are also upgrading Forward Operating Locations in Inuvik, Yellowknife, and Iqaluit in support of the NORAD mission, and upgrading infrastructure at Goose Bay.
• Additionally, Canada is investing in additional capabilities such as Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft and new maritime sensors.
• Taken together, this marks the most significant upgrade to Canada's NORAD capabilities in nearly four decades.

If pressed on short-term action to bolster continental defences:

• We continue to advance several key procurement projects that are relevant to continental defence, including the acquisition of 88 F-35 advanced fighter jets and infrastructure upgrades across Canada that will accommodate this new fleet.
• In August, construction began on the Quick Reaction Alert location in Bagotville, which will include aircraft hangar bays, office space, and sleeping quarters.
• This, and upgrades at other Quick Reaction Alert locations across the country, will help prepare the way for our new fleet of 88 fighter jets and to ensure we remain interoperable with US capabilities.

Background

Funding for NORAD Modernization

• NORAD modernization is a long-term national defence and security commitment, and the investments announced by the Minister of National Defence in June 2022 protect Canadians against new and emerging aerospace threats to Canada and North America more broadly. Investments are broken down into five inter-related areas:
  1. Bolstering our ability to detect threats earlier and more precisely by modernizing our surveillance systems ($6.96B from fiscal year 22/23 - 41/42)
  2. Improving our ability to understand and communicate threats to decision-makers in a timely manner through upgrades to our command, control, and communications systems ($4.13B from fiscal year 22/23 - 41/42)
  3. Strengthening our ability to deter and defeat aerospace threats by modernizing our air weapons systems ($6.38B from fiscal year 22/23 - 41/42)
  4. Ensuring our Canadian Armed Forces can launch and sustain a strong military presence across the country, including in Canada's North, through investments in new infrastructure and support capabilities ($15.68B from fiscal year 22/23 - 41/42)
  5. Future-proofing our capabilities to defend North America through investments in science and technology ($4.23B from fiscal year 22/23 - 41/42)

Canadian Armed Forces Contribution to NORAD

• In addition to contributing fighter aircraft, bases, air to air refuelers, and Forward Operating Locations across the country to NORAD, Canada is also responsible for maintaining and operating the Canadian Sector of the North Warning System, a chain of radar stations stretching from Alaska to Labrador.
• 1 Canadian Air Division (1 CAD): Canadian NORAD Region headquarters in Winnipeg, Manitoba, provides operational command and control of assigned assets while the Canadian Air Defence Sector (CADS) located in North Bay, Ontario provides tactical command and control of assets in the Canadian Sector with direct ties to the NORAD Command Complex in Colorado.

NORAD Modernization Implementation

• National Defence is working to establish and integrate NORAD modernization projects into the broader Defence program, move out on early priorities in the 20-year plan, and lay the ground for deeper partner and stakeholder engagement on the full suite of initiatives over the coming months and years.
• National Defence continues to conduct engagements with provincial and territorial partners as well as Indigenous governments and communities, taking a distinctions-based approach, to build relationships and understand their priorities relating to potential NORAD modernization investments.
• As implementation progresses, National Defence will strive to deliver capabilities that are relevant to, and inclusive of, all Canadians, and underpinned by meaningful dialogue with Indigenous and Northern governments and partners.
• In implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, and the Inuit Nunangat Policy, National Defence is committed to early and meaningful consultation and to incorporating Indigenous perspectives into relevant defence activities.

Responsible Principals: Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, Strategic Joint Staff, Assistant Deputy Minister (Policy), Royal Canadian Air Force, Assistant Deputy Minister (Infrastructure & Environment)

August 27, 2024

Infrastructure and Procurement in the North

• As outlined in our updated defence policy, National Defence takes Northern sovereignty and security seriously and is committed to defending Canadian interests here at home and across the Arctic.
• That is why we are investing $38.6 billion over the next 20 years to modernize Canada's contribution to NORAD, with key investments in our Northern regions to strengthen surveillance and ability to sustain operations.
• For instance, the Government of Canada purchased the Green Hangar in Inuvik earlier this year, which will provide the Royal Canadian Air Force with greater ability to store and operate aircraft in the Arctic.
• We are also investing $218 million in Northern Operational Support Hubs to better ensure Canadian sovereignty by establishing a greater year-round presence across the Arctic and the North.
• We are also upgrading infrastructure at forward operating locations in Canada's North, through the NORAD Northern Basing Initiative.
• Additionally, in August, the Government announced the start of construction on a new Quick Reaction Alert facility at Canadian Armed Forces Base Bagotville.
• This facility will enable Canadian Armed Forces members to position and deploy Canada's incoming fleet of F-35 fighter jets in support of NORAD operations.
• Separately, we are moving forward with the procurement of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships, and the replacement of the CP-140 Auroras, which will help enhance our Arctic capabilities.
• Our continued engagement with Indigenous, provincial, and territorial partners further enhances our capabilities and Northern presence.

If pressed on delays for the Nanisivik Naval Facility:

• An on-site service support contract is required to bring fuel to the site and to operate the facility, and these requirements are currently being assessed.
• The work plan for 2024 will address final deficiencies at the facility, which involves minor work that was not completed during construction and commissioning, completed in 2023.
• Infrastructure work in the Arctic poses many challenges, including complex logistical challenges.
• Meanwhile, a Facility Maintenance Contractor will maintain the Nanisivik Naval Facility in its current state.

If pressed on the Inuvik Airport Runway Extension Project:

• As part of our efforts to enhance capabilities in the North, National Defence has committed $230 million for a runway extension at the Inuvik Airport.
• The project is targeting completion in Fiscal Year 2027-28.

Background

National Defence Initiatives to Enhance the CAF's Ability to Operate in the North

• Participating in space-based global search and rescue (SAR) capabilities through its contributions to the Medium Earth Orbit SAR system. National Defence is also building two SAR ground terminals in Canada and is providing SAR repeaters on a satellite system, greatly increasing the range in which emergency beacons can be detected.
• Enhancing Canada's surveillance of northern approaches through investments in domain awareness, space-based surveillance and communications capabilities, improvements to northern basing, and support capabilities that will extend the reach of the CAF as part of NORAD modernization.

Inuvik Airport Runway Extension Project

• As part of our efforts to enhance capabilities in the North, National Defence has committed $230 million to the Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT) for a runway extension at the Inuvik Airport.
• The project is targeting completion in FY 2027-28 and will see the extension and improvement of the Inuvik runway. GNWT has contracted the work to an Indigenous joint venture composed of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and the Gwich'in Tribal Council.

Nanisivik Naval Facility

• In 2007, the Government announced its plan to convert the deep-water port at Nanisivik to a logistics hub, which will operate as a docking and refueling facility for the Royal Canadian Navy and other government vessels and serve to enhance the Navy's presence in the North.
  • The construction of the Nanisivik Naval Facility in Nunavut is substantially completed. The primary role of the facility will be to refuel the Royal Canadian Navy's Arctic and Offshore Patrol ships during the navigable season, while also continuing to provide the Canadian Coast Guard with refueling support and storage capacity for re-supply missions.
• The Auditor General's report on Arctic Waters Surveillance noted that the Nanisivik Naval Facility (NNF) would not be equipped with heated fuel tanks, limiting its period of operation to approximately 4 weeks per year.
  • As an Arctic facility, the operational year is usually from early August to as late as October, depending on ice-coverage and temperatures. As long as the waters are navigable and the facility is accessible, the site will be open to ships. There are a number of factors which contribute to the length of the facilities' operating season.
  • After consultations with the community of Arctic Bay, National Defence advised that there would not be ice breaking near the facility to ensure community access to frozen waters and protect wildlife. As long as the waters are navigable and the facility is accessible, the site will be open to ships.
  • As well, the NNF requires fuel to be shipped in at the start of the season and removed at the end of the season. The fuel barge cannot typically access NNF until early August because of ice coverage. Depending on the temperatures in late September, fuel may start to thicken as the fuel tanks and lines are not heated, limiting the Navy's ability to use the fuel. At that point the fuel must be removed from the tanks.

NORAD Modernization and Northern Basing Infrastructure

• National Defence is currently working on upgrading CAF infrastructure at three Forward Operating Locations (FOL) in Canada's North (Inuvik, Yellowknife, and Iqaluit), and at 5 Wing Goose Bay, as part of the NORAD Northern Basing Infrastructure.
• Upgrades could include runway modifications, airfield improvement, hangars, ammunition compounds, warehousing, operations, and life support facilities. This will support a more robust NORAD and CAF presence when needed, with potential opportunities for community access and use of facilities, where feasible.
• Work in Inuvik is planned to commence in Fall 2024.
• Engagements with Indigenous and local partners regarding NORAD and Northern Basing Infrastructure planning began in 2022 and are continuing. Sustained collaboration will unfold as projects progress.

Responsible Principals: Assistant Deputy Minister (Policy), Assistant Deputy Minister (Materiel), Royal Canadian Navy, Assistant Deputy Minister (Infrastructure and Environment)

September 3, 2024