Domestic and Continental Security

CAF’s Response to COVID-19

  • The Canadian Armed Forces has played a key role in the whole-of-government response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Through Operation LASER, the Canadian Armed Forces conducted 70 missions, deploying approximately 2,500 personnel across Canada in response to Requests for Assistance from provinces and territories.
  • This has included efforts to assist with testing sites in Nova Scotia, and to provide support to medical responses in Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.
  • We have deployed well-trained military personnel and equipment to bolster federal, provincial, territorial, and Indigenous COVID-19 responses and vaccine roll-out efforts.
  • They have provided support to more than 100 Indigenous communities by distributing supplies, conducting wellness checks, staffing emergency centres in communities and assisting vaccination clinics.
  • The Canadian Rangers have also greatly assisted in providing crucial assistance to some of our most vulnerable populations.
  • Currently, the Canadian Armed Forces maintains four immediate response units, as part of normal readiness posture.
  • Two medical multi-purpose assistance teams are also on standby to provide support to Operation LASER and Operation VECTOR activities.
  • The Canadian Armed Forces is ready to support Canadians in their time of need and continues to closely monitor the evolving situation to ensure readiness to assist at any time.

Key Facts

Current Deployments:

  • Québec: Approximately 200 Canadian Armed Forces members will be deployed until February 15, 2022, to assist with Quebec’s mass vaccination campaign.
  • Attawapiskat, Peawanuck, and Kashechewan First Nations: Canadian Rangers are helping with transportation, distribution of food, water, firewood and care packages, and coordination activities.
  • Ontario Vaccination program in remote Indigenous Communities: Canadian Rangers are assisting the provincial vaccination clinics in numerous northern First Nations until the end of March.

Details

Timeline

  • May 05, 2021: The Canadian Armed Forces conducted strategic airlifts of 50 ventilators, 250,000 doses of Remdesevir, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to India.
  • April 27, 2020, to May 07, 2021: Canadian Armed Forces provided general duty and logistics support to seven testing sites in Nova Scotia during the third wave.
  • February 19, 2020, to March 28, 2021: Canadian Armed Forces supported the Public Health Agency of Canada with logistical and general duty support at 16 Land Ports of Entry testing sites during the third wave.
  • April 24, 2020, to July 03, 2020: Approximately 1,700 Canadian Armed Forces members mobilized to provide support to long-term care facilities in Quebec (47 facilities) and Ontario (7 facilities).
  • April 16, 2020, to June 26, 2020: 30 Canadian Armed Forces members assisted Public Health Ontario in conducting contact tracing.

Recent Deployments

  • Bearskin Lake First Nation, Ontario [January 08, 2022 – 23 January, 2022]: As part of this Request for Assistance, 18 Canadian Armed Forces members, including 15 Canadian Rangers, provided logistical and general support; assisted with transportation; distributed food, water, firewood, and care packages; distributed information regarding Public Health Measures; conducted wellness checks where necessary; and provided limited assistance to the establishment of Alternate Isolation Accommodations (AIA).
  • Basse Cote Nord, Quebec [December 11, 2021 – January 03, 2022]: As part of this Request for Assistance, 11 Canadian Rangers were deployed to provide logistical and general support, including transportation, resupply, and humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations; distributing food, water, and firewood; as well as assist with the distribution of information.
  • Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territory [November 16, 2021 – December 5, 2021]: As part of this Request for Assistance, 7 Canadian Rangers were deployed to support the community during a COVID-19 outbreak; providing logistical and general support; assisting with transportation; distributing food, water, firewood, and care packages; and distributing information regarding Public Health Measures.
  • Alberta [October 06, 2021 – October 31, 2021]: Critical Care Nursing Officers were deployed to Edmonton area hospitals to staff intensive care beds.
  • Saskatchewan [October 25, 2021 – December 03, 2021]: The Canadian Armed Forces provided medical resources to support Saskatchewan Human Health Resource shortage in the form of:
    • Multi-purpose medical assistance teams in alternate isolation accommodations;
    • Critical care nursing officers;
    • Medical lab technicians to support epidemiology; and,
    • Aeromedical evacuation support using a CC-130 and the Aeromedical Bio containment evacuation system.
  • Hatchet Lake First Nation, Saskatchewan [July 09, 2021 – August 20, 2021]: Canadian Rangers supported the local community in the production and distribution of real-life support requirements such as food and firewood.

Operation LENTUS (Canada)

  • As highlighted in Strong, Secure, Engaged, the Canadian Armed Forces is poised to be strong at home and ready to assist in times of natural disaster and other domestic emergencies.
  • Through Operation LENTUS, the Canadian Armed Forces provides support to provincial and territorial authorities to respond quickly and effectively to natural disasters in Canada.
  • For example, National Defence recently deployed over 700 Canadian Armed Forces members and 10 aircraft to conduct relief tasks in response to the flooding in British Columbia.
  • The Canadian Armed Forces’ capabilities helped provincial and local authorities stabilize the situation and to support British Columbia residents in the affected areas.
  • Over the past year, the Canadian Armed Forces also deployed over 450 members to Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia to provide critical support in fighting wildfires.
  • National Defence will continue to stand ready to respond to requests for assistance from provinces and territories.

Key Facts

2021 Deployments:

  • Newfoundland: Canadian Armed Forces support in response to heavy rain and high winds in Newfoundland on November 25, 2021.
  • British Columbia: Over 700 Canadian Armed Forces members deployed to support flood relief efforts in British Columbia, which began on November 17, 2021.
  • British Columbia fires: Over 300 Canadian Armed Forces members deployed to assist British Columbia in fighting wildfires from July 5, 2021, to September 5, 2021.
  • Manitoba fires: Over 100 Canadian Armed Forces members assisted the Manitoba Wildlife Service from July 20 to August 24, 2021, by conducting Type-3 firefighting duties such as building fire lines and monitoring hotspots.
  • Northern Ontario fires: Canadian Armed Forces provided air transport and teams of Canadian Rangers from July 12, 2021, to September 12, 2021, to support evacuations resulting from fires in Northern Ontario.
  • Yukon flooding: Approximately 100 Canadian Armed Forces members assisted flood relief efforts in July 2021.

Details

  • The objectives of Operation LENTUS are to mitigate the effect of natural disasters on the populations by assisting federal, provincial, territorial and local authorities. This includes supporting Canadians with a Canadian Armed Forces presence, providing humanitarian assistance to help prevent and ease suffering, and ultimately save lives. These deployments can also benefit federal-provincial-territorial relationships.
  • As per the Federal Emergency Response Plan, the Canadian Armed Forces provides assistance when a province or territory requests federal support to deal with an emergency. 
  • Provinces and territories can submit a request for federal assistance to the federal Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and the Minister of National Defence may authorize the Canadian Armed Forces to perform any duty involving public service.
  • Operation LENTUS follows an established plan of action to support provincial and territorial authorities as well as other federal departments. This plan can be adapted to multiple situations, which may include forest fires, floods, ice and snow storms, or hurricanes.
  • The number of people deployed is based on the scale of the natural disaster. Provincial and territorial authorities’ requests for assistance outline what type and how much help they need from the Canadian Armed Forces.
  • Based on the scale of the disaster and the request, the Canadian Armed Forces 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 operation could also include ships, vehicles, aircraft, and a variety of equipment.

Arctic Surveillance and the North

  • Canada’s Arctic is at an inflection point where issues of climate change, technological advancements, economic opportunities, and international interest are making the region more strategically important than ever before.
  • This is why National Defence is currently making major investments to enhance our Arctic capabilities.
  • For example, National Defence’s six new Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels are highly capable and versatile ships designed to operate in previously inaccessible northern waters.
  • These ships will enhance our capacity to maintain a presence and perform surveillance of Canada’s northern waters and maritime approaches.
  • In fact, HMCS Harry DeWolf recently transited the Northwest Passage, the first Royal Canadian Navy ship to do so since 1954.
  • We are also increasing our surveillance in the Arctic by improving our space capabilities, acquiring remotely piloted aircraft systems, and sustaining the North Warning System.
  • For example, Public Services and Procurement Canada, on behalf of National Defence, recently awarded a contract to Nasittuq Corporation, an Inuit owned company, for the operation and maintenance of the North Warning System.
  • In addition, our work with the United States to modernize NORAD, and strengthen domestic and continental defence more broadly, will further augment our northern capabilities.
  • As we move forward, we will continue to engage and collaborate with our Indigenous, provincial, and territorial partners, and to promote economic benefits and shared priorities for Northerners.

Key Facts

  • Budget 2021: The Government announced an initial $252.2M over five years starting this year to support continental defence and NORAD modernization. This investment will:
    • Help build on existing science and technology (S&T) of cutting-edge technologies related to all-domain awareness and command, control and communications in our northern approaches.
    • Support sustainment of the joint Canada-United States North Warning System until new suitable solutions are in place. Science and Technology continues to inform Over-the-Horizon Radar (OTHR) technology as one signature investment towards a system-of-systems solution.
    • Contribute to modernizing long-range communications capabilities critical to Canadian Armed Forces operations in remote regions of Canada, including in the Arctic.
  • North Warning System In-Service Support Contract:
    • January 31, 2022: Public Services and Procurement Canada, on behalf of the National Defence, awarded a contract to Nasittuq Corporation, an Inuit owned company, for the operation and maintenance of the North Warning System.
    • Contract value: The contract is for an initial period of seven years, and is valued at $592 million ($527 million before taxes).
  • Canadian Rangers: There are roughly 5,000 Canadian Rangers in 194 remote and isolated communities, including in the Arctic:
    • The Canadian Armed Forces looks to the Canadian Rangers for their knowledge of how to operate in the Arctic, their support to our northern operations, and for their continuing vigilance and reporting of activity in the North.

Details

Bilateral Commitments with the United States

  • Canada’s contribution to Arctic security is a key part of the Canada-United States defence relationship. In February 2021, the Prime Minister and United States President Biden announced the Roadmap for a Renewed US-Canada Partnership and agreed to expand cooperation on continental defence and in the Arctic, including by modernizing NORAD.
  • In August 2021, the Minister of National Defence and US Secretary of Defense released the Joint Statement on NORAD modernization, which identified four priority areas for new investment:
    • Situational awareness (especially in the northern approaches to North America);
    • Modernized command and control systems;
    • Capabilities to deter and, if necessary, defeat evolving aerospace threats (including investments in infrastructure to support a robust NORAD presence in the North and Arctic); and,
    • Research and development, and innovation.

Indigenous, Provinicial, and Territorial Relations

  • Engagement with Indigenous, provincial and territorial partners is ongoing in support of planning to modernize NORAD and strengthen continental defence. Deepening such partnerships will help advance reconciliation and maximize shared benefits of any new defence investments.
  • The Harry DeWolf-class vessels will be affiliated with regions of the Inuit Nunangat. The first affiliation between HMCS Harry DeWolf and the Qikiqtani region of Nunavut was formalized in May 2019, and in August 2021, the vessel visited Inuit communities in Nunavut to build relationships with the people who live there. The remaining affiliations within the Inuit Nunangat in the Kitikmeot and Kivalliq regions of Nunavut as well as the Inuvialuit, Nunavik and Nunatsiavut regions, will occur as each Arctic and Offshore Patrol vessel is constructed and enters service.
    • Affiliation cultivates a deep relationship between communities and crew founded on mutual respect, for the life of the ship, including through participation and engagement in community events. During HMCS Harry DeWolf’s initial voyage to the region, the crew conducted very successful visits with many hamlets, including cultural ceremonies, ship tours, and discussions with Elders.
  • National Defence is building a new relationship with Inuit through Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK). Since October 2021, there have been several bilateral engagements from working to Ministerial level, and it is developing into an important and mutually beneficial partnership.

Operation NANOOK 2021: During Operation NANOOK, the CAF work and train with a variety of key Allies and partners, which helps make the CAF more effective in the North. These partners include: international military partners; other Canadian federal departments and agencies; provincial, territorial and Indigenous governments; and local organizations.

  • Operation NANOOK comprises four distinct operations:
    • Operation NANOOK – NUNALIVUT: A high-Arctic multinational winter operation;
    • Operation NANOOK – TUUGAALIK: A maritime defence domain security and presence exercise;
    • Operation NANOOK – TATIGIIT: An interagency operation to foster emergency response management conducted in partnership with territorial governments; and,
    • Operation NANOOK – NUNAKPUT: A series of presence activities in the Northwest Passage during the navigation season.

Operation LIMPID: Provides for presence and situational awareness in the maritime, land, air, space, and cyber domains. Operation LIMPID leverages the capabilities of the CAF's services, task forces, and agreements in place in each domain:

  • The Royal Canadian Navy provides maritime domain awareness;
  • The Royal Canadian Air Force provides aerospace domain awareness in coordination with the Canadian NORAD Region;
  • Land domain awareness is provided by the Canadian Joint Operations Command’s regional joint task forces with additional support provided by the Canadian Rangers;
  • The Canadian Forces Integrated Command Centre coordinates the dissemination of space domain awareness information; and,
  • Cyber domain awareness is coordinated by the Canadian Armed Forces Joint Force Cyber Component Commander Team.

Canadian Armed Forces’ Footprint

  • Joint Task Force North (JTFN): Based in Yellowknife, JTFN is one of six regional joint task forces of the CAF that reports to the Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC), and is responsible for conducting CAF continental operations in the North.
  • Nanisivik Naval Facility: The construction of the Nanisivik Naval Facility in Nunavut is ongoing. This naval facility will operate as a docking and refueling facility for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and other government vessels, and serve to enhance the RCN’s presence in the North. The primary role of the facility will be to refuel the RCN’s Arctic and Offshore Patrol vessels during the navigable season, while also providing the Canadian Coast Guard with refueling support and storage capacity for re-supply missions.
  • Canadian Forces Station Alert: Northernmost CAF outpost, which provides situation awareness and demonstrates Canadian sovereignty in the High Arctic.
  • Canadian Armed Forces Arctic Training Centre: Is housed in a Natural Resources Canada owned facility in Resolute Bay, Nunavut, where Collective Training and Individual Training is carried out to ensure that our CAF personnel are able to carry out their assigned tasks in the challenging Arctic environment.
  • Three Forward Operating Locations (FOLs): DND/CAF maintain three airfields used by NORAD as required for fighter operations in the North, which are co-located with civilian airports in Inuvik, Yellowknife and Iqaluit.

Space Capabilities

  • As outlined in SSE, DND/CAF has initiated projects to enhance and continue CAF space capabilities. The Defence Enhanced Surveillance from Space Project (DESSP) will ensure continuity of surveillance capabilities provided by the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM), which help monitor the maritime approaches to Canada, including the Arctic.

Greening Defence and Moving Toward Net Zero

  • We are committed to doing our part to reduce National Defence’s emissions.
  • National Defence contributes 46% of the federal government’s total emissions from buildings and commercial vehicles.
  • Since 2005, National Defence has reduced its emissions by 38%, and is on track to reach 40% reduction by 2025, which is in line with our Defence Energy and Environment Strategy.
  • National Defence is working hard to ensure its real property portfolio are refitted to today’s emissions standards.
  • National Defence has also committed to achieving net zero emissions from its National Safety and Security fleets – including aircraft, marine vessels, and tactical land vehicles – by 2050.
  • Canada is also working with allies to green our military fleets to maintain interoperability, including options to use environmentally friendly technologies and low-carbon fuels.
  • To help achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, we will continue to modernize our infrastructure, and reduce our footprint by divesting and demolishing assets when possible.

Key Facts

Funding

  • June 21, 2021:  Contract awarded to upgrade 112 facilities at Canadian Forces Base Halifax and 12 Wing Shearwater. These efforts will:
    • Reduce energy costs by nearly $3M annually (19%).
    • Lower emissions by over 15,000 tonnes per year (22%).
    • Create and sustain 200 jobs.
  • Greening the federal fleet: National Defence transitioned 34% of the light-duty vehicle fleet to hybrid and electric.
  • Dedicated “energy managers” are assigned to bases/wings.
    • These managers lead initiatives to increase energy efficiency and reduce emissions at National Defence infrastructure across Canada.

Details

  • National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces play a leadership role in efforts to meet the Government-wide target to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 as well as its near-term goal of 40 percent by 2025. This includes reducing the emissions from the Government’s National Safety and Security (NS&S) fleet by 2050.
  • Canada’s NS&S fleet is comprised of aircraft, marine vessels and tactical vehicles from DND, RCMP, and Coast Guard. For the NS&S fleet the 2050 target will consider availability, affordability and operational feasibility. A combination of permanent carbon dioxide removal and operational measures will be used to contribute to net-zero emissions.
  • New commitments related to the NS&S fleet require National Defence to:
    • Reduce emissions from its national safety and security fleet while providing Canada with effective operational capability; and,
    • Develop and regularly update Operational Fleet Decarbonization Plans by 2023.
  • Actions taken to date by National Defence include:
    • Tabling the 2020/21 results from the Defence Energy and Environment Strategy (DEES) in Parliament in December 2021. Overall, DND’s 2020-2021 GHG emissions were reduced by 38% from 2005 levels (real property and commercial fleet). Most of these reductions can be attributed to reduced activity from COVID-19 and it is expected that future years may see an increase in emissions as National Defence resumes normal operations.
    • Publishing the Green Building Directive in April 2021 to include construction, renovation and demolition waste, net-zero, and available industry standards on embedded carbon requirements.
  • National Defence is also implementing greenhouse gas reduction measures in its real property portfolio through energy performance contracts at Defence installations across the country and by improving energy management.
    • Starting August 2021, National Defence requires Indigenous participation in all energy performance contracts going forward.
    • Thanks to a newly-installed solar field and battery energy storage system at 5 CDSB Gagetown’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training Facility, the Department of National Defence is one step closer to achieving its first net-zero building.
  • Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) is studying alternative energy options and strategies aimed at sustainability and reducing greenhouse gases.

Impact of Climate Change on CAF Operations

  • Climate change is affecting the frequency and intensity of climate crises at home and abroad, and is increasing demand on Canadian Armed Forces resources, operations and readiness.
  • The Canadian Armed Forces is prepared to assist civil authorities in response to a range of emergencies, including climate disaster relief.
  • However, the recent increase in Requests for Assistance related to natural disasters has placed unprecedented demand on force generation, readiness, training, and equipment.
  • Over the last decade, Requests for Assistance resulting in deployments under Operation LENTUS have increased by 280 percent.
  • Climate change also affects essential defence infrastructure and equipment, such as bases and training sites across Canada that are at risk from flooding, forest fires, and severe storms.
  • To better understand climate challenges and impacts, we are conducting assessments on Army, Navy, and Air Force activities and operations, which will be completed by 2023.
  • We are also supporting efforts to develop Canada’s first National Adaptation Strategy, to alleviate some of the operational pressures placed on the Canadian Armed Forces and contribute to safer and more resilient communities across Canada.
  • We are working with Allies to establish a NATO Climate and Security Centre of Excellence in Canada, to ensure Canada and its Allies can address climate-related threats and emergencies.
  • The Canadian Armed Forces will continue to evaluate how climate change impacts our resources and priorities to ensure we remain ready to protect Canadians at home and abroad.

Key Facts

Operations

  • Operation LENTUS provides support to provincial and territorial authorities to respond quickly and effectively to natural disasters in Canada.
  • Between 2010 and 2016, the Canadian Armed Forces provided provincial and territorial authorities assistance one to two times annually through Operation LENTUS, in contrast to seven deployments in 2021.

Funding

  • Despite heightened demand for the Canadian Armed Forces to respond to climate-related disasters in recent years, National Defence has not received any additional funding for this purpose.
  • The increase in domestic operations in support of climate disasters has resulted in increased pressure on Defence’s operating budget.
  • The Operational Funding Account (OFA) is projecting an average annual pressure on the OFA budget of approximately $5.4 M for the next two years, likely to increase as climate change continues to drive a higher domestic operational tempo.

Details

  • Canada’s Defence Policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged (SSE), recognizes that climate change has emerged as a complex security challenge at home and around the world.
  • SSE includes a number of initiatives to enhance the readiness and capabilities of the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces in anticipation of increased demands on the military to respond concurrently to more frequent and extreme climate-impacted events.
  • The Canadian Armed Forces must consider how best to meet these growing demands without undermining its ability to fulfill other core missions and without compromising its operational effectiveness.
  • To this end, National Defence is undertaking a number of adaptation initiatives to increase its resilience and enhance its ability to respond to climate-related security challenges.
  • Concurrently, National Defence is undertaking significant efforts to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions while actively pursuing more efficient and sustainable infrastructure, capabilities, and fuel sources.
  • The Government also expects Canada to be a global leader on this issue, with the Prime Minister announcing at the 2021 NATO leaders’ summit that Canada intends to establish a NATO Climate and Security Centre of Excellence.

Defence Energy and Environment Strategy (DEES)

  • As the largest landowner and emitter within the federal government, the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces have a central role to play in mitigation efforts to ensure that Canada meets its domestic and international targets to reduce global emissions contributing to climate change.
  • National Defence tabled a refreshed Defence Energy and Environment Strategy (DEES) in October 2020 with new targets, including developing an adaptation risk assessment framework and assessing National Defence programs as well as critical infrastructure by, 2023.
  • The DEES also requires an assessment of the impacts of climate change on Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Canadian Air Force, and Canadian Army activities by 2023.
    • In the DEES 2020-2021 Results Report, it was reported that:
      • The Royal Canadian Navy is in the planning phase of the climate change risk assessment;
      • The Royal Canadian Air Force has begun drafting a climate change risk assessment; and
      • The Canadian Army completed its climate change risk assessment in October 2020.
    • These initiatives are part of National Defence’s climate change adaptation efforts and will inform future planning decisions related to force structure, operational plans, equipment, and training requirements that will enable adaptation to the future operating environment.
  • Moreover, National Defence is working with researchers, the private sector and academia to increase knowledge and develop innovative solutions to the operational and security challenges posed by climate change.
  • For example, the Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security (MINDS) program was created to invest in and expand defence engagement. MINDS offers different means for DND/CAF to access relevant, timely expertise that incorporate a diversity of viewpoints and provides well-rounded advice, including:
    • Bespoke, one-time engagements through the Expert Briefing Series;
    • Ongoing collaboration and engagement through Collaborative Networks;
    • Distinct research projects and conferences through Targeted Engagement Grants;
    • Support for young and emerging scholars through academic Scholarships; and,
    • An ability to address new and evolving priorities through the Rapid Response Mechanism.
  • Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) has also been conducting science and technology projects in the use of alternative energy options and strategies aimed at sustainability and reducing greenhouse gases.
  • Further, National Defence is engaged with partners across the Government to support the development of a National Adaptation Strategy, to ensure the security implications of climate change are reflected, and is integrating climate change considerations into ongoing Continental Defence work.

NATO Climate and Security Centre of Excellence

  • The 2021 Mandate Letter tasked MND to work with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and NATO partners to establish a new NATO Centre of Excellence (COE) on Climate and Security, based in Canada.
  • The COE will help to build capacity to address the security implications of climate change, and help advance NATO Allies’ ongoing efforts to reduce the climate impact of military activities. Moreover, the COE will create a hub of knowledge to assist Allies and partners with military and defence climate change policy and plans development. National Defence and Global Affairs Canada officials are working together to implement this commitment.

Continental Defence and NORAD Modernization

  • The rise of strategic competition, changing threats to the continent, the effects of climate change, and the growing importance of Canada’s Arctic require that we strengthen our domestic and continental defences.  
  • National Defence is already investing in personnel, equipment, and infrastructure in support of this effort.
  • This includes, for example, procuring new fighter jets, Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships, space capabilities, a strategic refueling and transport capability, and remotely piloted aircraft.
  • Canada and the United States are also working together to modernize the North American Aerospace Defense Command.
  • In August 2021, Canada and the United States issued a joint statement identifying four shared priorities for NORAD modernization.
  • These priorities include strengthening situational awareness, modernizing command and control systems, enhancing capabilities and infrastructure, particularly in the Arctic, and advancing research, development, and innovation.
  • Budget 2021 provides an initial $252.2 million over five years to support continental defence and NORAD modernization initiatives, including:
    • Advancing research related to all-domain awareness;
    • Sustaining the North Warning System; and,
    • Modernizing long-range communications capabilities.
  • Additionally, Public Services and Procurement Canada, on behalf of National Defence, recently awarded a contract to Nasittuq Corporation, an Inuit owned company, for the operation and maintenance of the North Warning System.
  • The Arctic will be a key focus of our work, and we will continue to engage and collaborate with our Indigenous, provincial, and territorial partners to ensure that investments benefit Northern communities.

Key Facts

  • Over 1,000 Canadian Armed Forces members support NORAD in fulfilling its missions of aerospace warning, aerospace control, and maritime warning for the defence of North America.
  • 1 Canadian Air Division (1 CAD): Canadian NORAD Region headquarters in Winnipeg, Manitoba provides command and control of assigned assets while the Canadian Air Defence Sector (CADS), located in North Bay, Ontario provides aerospace warning and control for the Canadian NORAD Region.
  • North Warning System In-Service Support Contract:
    • January 31, 2022: Public Services and Procurement Canada, on behalf of the National Defence, awarded a contract to Nasittuq Corporation, an Inuit owned company, for the operation and maintenance of the North Warning System.
    • Contract value: The contract is for an initial period of seven years, and is valued at $592 million ($527 million before taxes).
    • This process reflects the Government of Canada’s commitment to renewing and strengthening its economic relationship with Inuit and ensuring that Inuit communities benefit from federal procurement.
  • Future Fighter: Canada launched an open and transparent competition to acquire 88 new advanced aircraft.
    • As early as late 2022: Awarding of a contract.
    • As early as 2025: Delivery of first aircraft.
  • Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS):
    • July 31, 2020: The first AOPS vessel was delivered. 
    • July 15, 2021: The second AOPS vessel was delivered.
    • Summer 2022: Production of the sixth and final ship for the RCN is expected to begin.
    • 2025: Delivery target for the final ship.

Details

Bilateral Commitments with the United States

  • In February 2021, the Prime Minister and United States President Biden announced the Roadmap for a Renewed United States-Canada Partnership and agreed to expand cooperation on continental defence and in the Arctic, including by modernizing NORAD.
  • In August 2021, the Minister of National Defence and the United States Secretary of Defense issued a joint statement identifying four shared priorities for NORAD modernization:
    • Strengthening situational awareness;
    • Modernizing command and control systems;
    • Acquiring capabilities to deter, and if necessary, defeat aerospace threats; and,
    • Advancing research and development.

Budget 2021

  • The Government announced an initial $252.2M over five years starting this year to support continental defence and NORAD modernization. This investment will:
    • Help build on existing research and development of cutting-edge technologies related to all-domain awareness and command, control and communications in our northern approaches.
    • Support sustainment of the joint Canada-United States North Warning System until new suitable solutions are in place.
    • Contribute to modernizing long-range communications capabilities critical to Canadian Armed Forces operations in remote regions of Canada, including in the Arctic.
  • The funding allocated for research and development through Budget 2021 will build on the results of the highly successful All Domain Situational Awareness Science and Technology Program.

Other Investments

  • Through Strong, Secure, Engaged, National Defence outlined several large investments that are relevant to continental defence, including commitments to acquire:
    • 15 new Canadian Surface Combatants for the Navy;
    • A fleet of 88 new fighters for the Air Force;
    • A fleet of six Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels to provide enhanced naval presence in the North;
    • Remotely piloted systems to enhance surveillance of Canadian territory;
    • Space capabilities to improve Arctic surveillance and communications; and,
    • A Strategic Tanker Transport Capability (STTC), which will conduct multiple tasks, such as in-flight refuelling of other aircraft, military personnel and cargo airlift, medical evacuations, and strategic transport of Government of Canada officials.
  • Additionally, the $1.33 billion Hornet Extension Project further supports NORAD by providing enhanced capability to the CF-18 fleet to include upgrades to avionics and mission support systems for the CF-18 Fleet to ensure compliance with regulatory and interoperability requirements, while 36 aircraft will receive improved combat capabilities consisting of sensors and weapons, as well as associated equipment to improve survivability and lethality.

Indigenous & Provincial/Territorial Engagement

  • Engagement with Indigenous partners, provinces and territories is ongoing to determine potential areas of collaboration in the context of continental defence and NORAD modernization. Engagement will continue to focus on ensuring investments can provide broader benefits, as well as building relationships and advancing the Government of Canada’s priority of reconciliation. This also includes exploring opportunities for multi-purpose infrastructure in the North and economic benefits.
  • The Harry DeWolf-class will be affiliated with regions of the Inuit Nunangat. The first affiliation between HMCS Harry DeWolf and the Qikiqtani region of Nunavut was formalized in May 2019, and in August 2021, the vessel visited Inuit communities in Nunavut to build relationships with the people who live there. The remaining affiliations within the Inuit Nunangat in the Kitikmeot and Kivalliq regions of Nunavut as well as the Inuvialuit, Nunavik and Nunatsiavut regions, will occur as each Arctic and Offshore Patrol ship is constructed and enters service.
    • Affiliation cultivates a deep relationship between communities and crew founded on mutual respect, for the life of the ship, including through participation and engagement in community events. During HMCS Harry DeWolf’s initial voyage to the region, the crew conducted very successful visits with many hamlets, including cultural ceremonies, ship tours, and discussions with Elders.

Space Capabilities

  • As outlined in Strong, Secure, Engaged, National Defence has initiated projects to enhance and continue Canadian Armed Forces space capabilities.
    • The Defence Enhanced Surveillance from Space Project (DESSP) will replace and enhance capabilities provided by the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) and Polar Epsilon 2, which help to protect the maritime approaches to Canada, including the Arctic.
    • The Enhanced Satellite Communications Project – Polar (ESCP-P) will provide new timely, secure communications to support the execution of domestic and continental Canadian Armed Forces operations in the Arctic.

Defence Intelligence

  • Defence Intelligence will play a critical role, in collaboration with the Government of Canada security and intelligence community and allies, to anticipate and preclude threats to the continent and will be an important component of this modernization effort.

Cyber Capabilities

  • Protecting Canada’s cyber security is essential for our prosperity, safety, and to protect the rules-based international order.
  • That is why the federal government has been working to strengthen our national cyber resilience and helping Canadians adopt cyber security best practices.
  • Every day, the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) uses its sophisticated cyber and technical expertise to help identify, prepare for, and defend against threats to Canada’s information systems and networks.
  • CSE’s Canadian Centre for Cyber Security provides Canadians with expert advice and guidance, and leads the Government’s response to cyber incidents.
  • Cyber security is a whole-of-society concern and the federal government works together with other levels of government, small-and-medium enterprises as well as critical infrastructure owners and operators to raise Canada’s cyber security bar.
  • The Canadian Armed Forces is also building its cyber expertise, and working together with CSE to conduct cyber operations that support the Government’s objectives.
  • Cyber operations are conducted in accordance with the Charter, Canadian, and international law.

If pressed on cyber incidents from foreign actors:

  • A cyber incident involving Global Affairs Canada was detected on January 19, after which mitigation actions were taken.
  • There are systems and tools in place to monitor, detect, and investigate potential threats, and to take active measures to address and neutralize them when they occur.
  • Our cyber defence and incident response teams work 24/7 to identify compromises and alert potential victims within the federal government and Canadian critical infrastructure.
  • We are constantly reviewing measures to protect Canadians and our critical infrastructure from electronic threats, hacking, and cyber espionage.

Key Facts

  • June 2021: Canada committed cyber capabilities to NATO to advance NATO mission goals and objectives, and promote resilience.
  • The Communications Security Establishment Act (the CSE Act) came into force in 2019, and introduced important new authorities, such as the ability to conduct active and defensive cyber operations. The CSE Act also authorizes CSE to provide operational assistance to the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces in support of government-authorized missions.
  • The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (Cyber Centre) was formally stood up in 2018 and leads the Government of Canada’s response to cyber incidents. The Cyber Centre provides expert advice, guidance, services, and support on cyber security operational matters.
  • 2018: Government released the National Cyber Security Strategy to bolster Canada’s cyber security posture by focusing on three key themes:
    • Security and resilience;
    • Cyber innovation; and,
    • Leadership and collaboration.
  • In December 2021, the Prime Minister issued a mandate to renew the National Cyber Security Strategy.

Details

Communications Security Establishment and the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security

  • The Communications Security Establishment (CSE) is Canada’s foreign signals intelligence agency and the technical authority for cyber security.
  • CSE’s sophisticated cyber and technical expertise helps identify, prepare for, and defend against the most severe and persistent cyber threats against Canada’s computer networks and systems.
  • CSE’s Cyber Centre consolidated the key cyber security operational units of the Government of Canada under a single roof. The Cyber Centre is a unified source of expert advice, guidance, services, and support on cyber security operational matters, providing Canadian citizens and businesses with a clear and trusted place to turn for cyber security advice.

Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Operator

  • Strong, Secure, Engaged, directed the creation of the Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Operator occupation. This trade includes both Reserve and Regular Force members who conduct both defensive and active cyber operations with the goal of supporting operational objectives and delivering tactical effects.
  • As outlined in Strong, Secure, Engaged, National Defence continues to develop an Active Cyber Operations capability to enable the Canadian Armed Forces to generate cyber functions in support of government authorized military missions.

Active Cyber Operations

  • Strong, Secure, Engaged committed the Canadian Armed Forces to assuming a more assertive posture in the cyber domain by hardening its defences, and by conducting active cyber operations against potential adversaries as part of government-authorized military missions.
  • The CSE Act allows CSE to carry out activities on or through the global information infrastructure to degrade, disrupt, influence, respond to, or interfere with the capabilities, intentions or activities of a foreign individual, state, organization or terrorist group as they relate to international affairs, defence or security.

Canadian Armed Forces and the Communications Security Establishment Cooperation

  • The Canadian Armed Forces and CSE have a long history of partnership in the development of highly technical and specialized capabilities that support Canadian Armed Forces operations. This relationship continues with the emerging cyber capabilities development requirements.
  • Cooperation between CSE and Canadian Armed Forces ensures the best use of tools and capabilities, reduces unnecessary duplication of efforts, and improves the chances of meeting mission objectives.

Privacy Protections and Safeguards

  • CSE is prohibited by law from directing its cyber or intelligence activities at Canadians or anyone in Canada. The CSE Act requires that CSE’s activities include measures to protect the privacy of Canadians. 
  • Privacy safeguards flow, in part, from the Privacy Act, which the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces follow along with other applicable laws.
  • The employment of cyber capabilities will be approved by the Government on a mission-by-mission basis consistent with the employment of other military assets, and will be subject to the same rigour as other military uses of force.
  • Cyber operations will be subject to all applicable domestic and international law, and proven checks and balances such as rules of engagement, targeting and collateral damage assessments.

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