Supplementary Estimates (B) – Funding

Transfers

Transfers to National Defence

Transfer	Amount	Description
From the Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) to various organizations to support projects which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in federal government operations	$950,000	Funding provided to National Defence under the Greening Government Fund to support and share the results of four projects which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) in federal government operations.
From the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) to the Department of National Defence (DND) to support the costs associated with managing their research enterprise at the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC)	$860,731	This transfer pertains to the Research Support Fund (RSF), which will enable the RMC to conduct research on defence and security related issues. It will also ease the burden of costs associated in conducting this research by supporting research facilities, protecting intellectual property, and managing the RMC’s research enterprise.
From the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and SSHRC to the DND to support the Canada Research Chairs at RMC	$235,000	Funding to support Canada Research Chairs at the RMC. The College benefits as these high-level researchers shine a spotlight on RMC/DND research programs both nationally and internationally.
Internal reallocation of resources for the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA) Contribution Program	($900,000) $900,000 Balance=$0	Internal funding will be used to support the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA) Program which trains volunteers to support activities related to aeronautical Search and Rescue operations coordinated by the Canadian Armed Forces.

Transfers from National Defence to Other Government Departments and Agencies

Transfer	Amount	Description
From various organizations to TBS to support financial community developmental programs and initiatives.	$10,000	This transfer will support whole-of-government developmental and recruitment programs for financial trades within the Government of Canada. These programs promote diversity, equity, and accessibility in the Government’s hiring practices, including those of National Defence.
From various organizations to TBS to support the Capacity Accelerator Project	$40,000	This funding will be used to offset salaries and the costs of goods and services for the Capacity Accelerator Project which supports centralized services that TBS provides to the internal audit community, which National Defence is part of. Through this financial contribution, National Defence will support TBS in its work to ensure effective decision-making and implementation of internal audit practices across government.
From DND to the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs (CIRNAC) to review an access agreement to the Cold Lake air weapons range	$93,500	This transfer from DND to CIRNAC will provide a contribution to be allocated to the Cold Lake First Nation (CLFN) for the purpose of reviewing their Access Agreements to the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range (CLAWR).
From various organizations to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) for the Integrated Terrorism Assessment Centre (ITAC)	$202,000	This transfer is required to fund personnel for ITAC, which is a community resource that depends on contributions from departments and agencies. ITAC reports to CSIS for financial and administrative issues.
From DND to the Military Police Complaints Commission (MPCC) to address increases in the volume and complexity of complaints	$300,000	MPCC has seen an increase in conduct complaint files related to allegations of sexual misconduct as well as a general workload increase. To fulfil its mandate, the MPCC requires this funding to ensure complaints are dealt with in an effective and timely manner.
From the DND to the Military Grievances External Review Committee (MGERC) to increase capacity of the Independent Review of Military Grievances program	$397,623	This transfer from DND to MGERC is necessary to enable the Committee to increase its capacity to produce findings and recommendations (F&R) reports as part of its Independent Review of Military Grievances Program.
From the DND to SSHRC to support postdoctoral researchers and graduate students.	$417,400	This transfer will cover the full cost of awards and supplements to be administered by SSHRC under the Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security (MINDS) program, as well as SSHRC’s operating expenditures related to the MINDS program.
From the DND to the Department of Indigenous Services (ISC) in support of the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation’s Temporary Community Coordination Trailer and for the Broadband Installation Initiative.	$579,086	Funding transfer from DND to ISC to be provided to the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation (CKSPFN) in support of the Community Coordination Trailer and for the installation of reliable high-speed internet, telecommunications, and television services at the Former Camp Ipperwash.
From various organizations to the Department of Industry to maintain the Shirleys Bay Campus, in the National Capital Region	$815,888	This transfer is to the Department of Industry to cover DND’s portion of funding to the common Shirleys Bay Campus Capital Investment Plan (CIP) to maintain the Shirleys Bay Campus infrastructure and for projects that benefit all stakeholders.
From DND to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VAC) for research projects related to military members, Veterans and their families.	$1,645,000	This transfer will allow DND and VAC to collectively fund research related to military members, veterans, and their families through the Veterans Affairs Research Funding Program.
From various organizations to the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development to support departmental staff located at missions abroad	$1,953,100	This transfer is to provide support for departmental staff located at missions abroad. Global Affairs Canada manages the procurement of goods, services, and property in support of diplomatic missions.
From the DND to NSERC and SSHRC for research scholarships and grant projects.	$2,655,238	This transfer will support joint initiatives with NSERC and SSHRC to support research, research training and research-related activities in the areas of social sciences/humanities and natural sciences/engineering.
From DND to various organizations to support the Canadian Safety and Security Program (CSSP)	$2,868,301	Funding will be transferred to support the CSSP, which provides science and technology solutions, support and advice for responding to the Government of Canada's public safety and security policy imperatives.
From DND to the Department of Natural Resources (NRCan) for the Polar Continental Shelf Program in Resolute, Nunavut	$2,991,131	This transfer from DND to NRCan pertains to the annual requirement for the sustainment of the Canadian Forces Arctic Training Centre (CFATC) in Resolute, Nunavut.
From DND to various organizations for the LGBT Purge Class Action	$3,028,114	This funds National Defence compliance with the LGBT Purge Fourth Supplementary Settlement Agreement - Archival Records Phase II Research Project, issued by the Court on 6 January 2023.
From DND to the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) to organize and deliver the Halifax International Security Forum	$4,600,000	This transfer to ACOA provides DND’s share of the funding for the annual Halifax International Security Forum (HISF), which was held in Halifax from 17-19 November 2023. This prestigious, high-level conference discusses global security and defence issues.
From DND to the Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food (AAFC), ISC and VIA Rail Canada Inc. (VIA Rail) for the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP)	$7,000,000	DND has identified a surplus in FSCAP remediation funding that will be transferred to AAFC, ISC and VIA Rail to address their shortfalls in FSCAP remediation funding.

Compensation and Benefits for the Canadian Armed Forces

(Includes Canadian Forces Housing Differential)

We recognize that cost-of-living is foremost on all Canadians’ minds.
Indeed, Canadian Armed Forces members face unique cost-of-living challenges due to operational tempo and the requirements of their jobs.
Canadian Armed Forces members and their families are our top priority, and we are taking steps to ensure they are supported.
In Supplementary Estimates B, we are requesting $583.7 million in funding to improve compensation for our members through the implementation of economic increases and the Canadian Forces Housing Differential (CFHD).
These funds reflect previously announced spending commitments and will help improve alignment and application of benefits to help members with the rising cost of living.
General Service Officers (Lieutenant-Colonel and below), pilots, medical and dental officers and all non-commissioned members received a 12% pay increase over four years (2021-2024).
Effective April 1, 2023, the majority of non-commissioned members received an additional pay raise in recognition of their increased job complexity.
We will continue to support our members to ensure military compensation remains fair, current, and relevant to attract and retain a high standard of candidates.

Canadian Forces Housing Differential

Earlier this year, we released the Canadian Forces Housing Differential (CFHD) to ensure that those members who most require support are prioritized.
Most members’ salaries allow for affordable housing in the majority of locations where CAF members are posted.
This policy is intended to bridge the gap for those who, based on their salaries, have a difficult time affording basic housing in high-cost locations.
Specifically, the CFHD is focused on lower-salaried members in exceptionally expensive locations, such as Victoria and Toronto.
To help ease the transition to this new policy, we recently announced that in addition to the CFHD benefit, eligible members may also be entitled to receive a transition benefit until July 2026.
We are committed to ensuring that military compensation remains fair and relevant to the evolving needs of our members.

Key Facts

Canadian Forces Housing Differential (CFHD)

The new policy took effect on July 1, 2023, and replaces the Post Living Differential (PLD).
Whereas PLD was based on general cost of living (e.g., housing, groceries, transportation, childcare costs, etc.) in the geographical area compared to Ottawa/Gatineau, CFHD provides varying degrees of financial assistance toward housing at each place of duty.
It is estimated that about 28,000 Canadian Armed Forces members will qualify for the new housing benefit.

Provisional Post Living Differential (PPLD)

In August 2023, National Defence announced the new and interim PPLD to ease the transition to CFHD.
Members who received the PLD and will now receive less through the CFHD, will also receive the PPLD to ease potential financial hardship.
The PPLD payments are monthly and will gradually decrease until the end of the PPLD policy in July 2026.

Details

2023 Pay Increases

General Service Officers (Lieutenant-Colonel and below), pilots, medical and dental officers and all non-commissioned members received a 12% pay increase over four years (2021-2024).
Effective April 1, 2023, the majority of non-commissioned members received an additional pay raise in recognition of their increased job complexity.
Colonels, Generals and Flag Officers received 13% pay increase over four years, in line with other Government of Canada Executives (2022-2025).

Post Living Differential (PLD) – Expired June 30, 2023

The PLD allowance was intended to moderate the impacts associated with moving to a higher cost of living area. PLD allowance was separate from pay.
The purpose of the PLD was to ensure that the cost of living for CAF members was maintained at a predictable level, no matter where they were posted within Canada.
PLD rates were taxable and were to be set annually based on a Treasury Board-approved methodology.
In April 2009, the Government of Canada froze PLD rates at their 2008 levels to undertake a comprehensive review with Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) to ensure the PLD was meeting the needs of today’s CAF members.

Canadian Forces Housing Differential (CFHD)

The CFHD replaces the PLD and took effect on July 1, 2023.
The CFHD is TBS-mandated, and the result of significant deliberation by National Defence and TBS to establish a policy that respects the allotted annual budget for this differential, while focusing on assisting those CAF members who require housing assistance most.

Provisional Post Living Differential (PPLD)

PPLD will ease the transition to the CFHD. The 15-year rate freeze of PLD created an environment where members became accustomed to the allowance when the cost-of-living stressors in their location were eased through pay increases and local economic factors.
The PPLD will gradually transition members from PLD to the CFHD, is effective July 1, 2023, and will cease on June 30, 2026.
PPLD was developed and implemented after securing internal funding and negotiating the terms with TBS.

Heyder-Beattie Class Action Final Settlement Agreement

We fully acknowledge the harmful impact that sexual misconduct and discrimination has on members of the Defence Team.
That is why we reached an agreement to compensate individuals affected by sexual misconduct in connection with their service or employment.
In these Supplementary Estimates B, National Defence is requesting access to reprofiled funding of $146.1 million to continue meeting its obligations under this agreement.
Of these funds, $144 million is directly related to compensation payments to members – including claims that were received later in line with the February 5, 2023 deadline – and $2.1 million is for administration and support activities.
The aim is for the settlement to help bring closure, healing, and acknowledgement to those who have experienced sexual misconduct or sexual orientation-based discrimination.
We recognize our members – past and present – who have come forward to report their experiences, and we will work diligently to foster a work environment where all members feel protected, supported and respected.

If pressed on allocation of funds:

The settlement provides up to $900 million for individual compensation to eligible class members, and the compensation amounts depend on how many class members submit claims.
The range of individual compensation for eligible class members is between $5,000 and $55,000, and class members who experienced long-lasting serious harm may be eligible for amounts up to $155,000.
By the final submission deadline of February 6, 2023, the Court-appointed Claims Administrator—Epiq Class Action Services Canada Inc. —received applications from approximately 26,000 claimants.
As of 28 November 2023, 19,366 claims have been approved for initial payment and/or paid.
The Court-appointed Assessor, in collaboration with the Administrator and Canada, is processing all remaining applications with the goal to complete assessments as soon as possible.

Key Facts

2016 – 2017: Several former CAF members filed class action lawsuits, claiming damages for gender discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual assault in connection with their military service and/or employment with the Department of National Defence and/or Staff of the Non-Public Funds, Canadian Forces.
2019: The parties involved in these class actions, now known collectively as Heyder-Beattie, negotiated a Final Settlement Agreement that was signed in July 2019, and approved by the Federal Court on November 25, 2019.
December 2021: The Treasury Board approved access to $66.56 million over five years for National Defence to implement the Restorative Engagement program within the Sexual Misconduct Response Centre (now the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre).
On December 13, 2021, the Minister, DM, and CDS issued the Government of Canada, DND/CAF Apology to Persons Affected by Sexual Misconduct.
A total of up to $900 million is available to certain class members who experienced sexual misconduct in connection with their work.
The agreement provides:
- Financial compensation to claimants;
- Payments for the administration of the claims process;
- The option for claimants to participate in a restorative engagement program; and,
- Several other measures aimed at culture change and addressing sexual misconduct in the CAF.

Restorative Engagement:

The Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre’s (SMSRC) Restorative Engagement Program provides supportive and facilitated restorative opportunities for Canadian Armed Forces and National Defence Sexual Misconduct Class Action Members to be heard and acknowledged, as well as for Defence Representatives to learn, understand, plan, act and lead as catalysts for change supporting the Institution to address sexual misconduct.
Participation in the program is voluntary and engagements are facilitated by trained Restorative Practitioners.

LGBT Purge Class Action Settlement Agreement

We promote the military as an employer of choice for all Canadians, and we are proud of the many 2SLGBTQI+ members that serve in the military.
My top priority and greatest responsibility is to build a Defence Team where all members feel protected, supported, respected, and empowered to serve.
In June 2018, the Federal Court approved the LGBT Purge Class Action Final Settlement Agreement (FSA).
Due to an extension to the First Settlement Agreement, which was approved by the court on 6 January 2023, in these Supplementary Estimates B, National Defence will access reprofiled funds of $5.3 million to continue meeting its obligations under the Fourth Settlement Agreement (4SA).
These funds will be used to provide compensation to current and former members of the military, the RCMP, and public servants who were targeted for their sexual orientation and gender identity.
Payments have gone towards compensation for members, reconciliation and memorialization measures, external administration, and plaintiffs’ legal fees.

If pressed on the expungement of records of convictions:

The Expungement of Historically Unjust Convictions Act was made law in June of 2018.
This allows for the expungement of any record of conviction of criminal offences involving consensual sexual activity with a same-sex partner.

If pressed on the redaction of personnel records:

National Defence arrived at an agreement with the plaintiffs to not erase the personnel records, so as not to erase the history of their experiences.
As per this agreement, class members are able to request that a note to file be added to their records.

Key Facts

November 28, 2017: Prime Minister apologized to public servants, military members and criminalized Canadians who endured discrimination and injustice based on their sexual orientation.
June 22, 2018: Federal Court approved a Final Settlement Agreement (FSA) with up to $110M in compensation. Compensation payments to eligible class members ranged between $5,000 and $50,000. In addition, $15 million was provided for recognition and memorialization measures.
October 25, 2018 – April 25, 2019: Individuals submitted claims to Deloitte Canada to request compensation and/or Individual Reconciliation Measures.
719 claimants: 629 military, 78 public servants, 12 RCMP
January 6, 2023: A Fourth Settlement Agreement (4SA) was approved by the Court, legally obliging Canada to revisit historical research into Canada's archival records concerning the LGBT Purge for the purpose of creating a permanent archive, and to re-evaluate a portion of documents from the previous archival research conducted in 2017/18 as part of the original FSA.

Details

LGBT Purge Final Settlement Agreement

In 2016, three former Canadian Armed Forces members brought a class action lawsuit against the Government of Canada on behalf of former members of the military, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and federal public servants, claiming damages for discriminatory policies and practices between December 1955 and June 1996.
Todd Edward Ross, Martine Roy and Alida Satalic were former military members who were fired for their sexual orientation.
The Government entered into a settlement agreement to resolve the “LGBT Purge” Class Action in a fair, compassionate, and respectful manner that promotes healing and reconciliation.
The parties signed an Agreement-in-Principle in November 2017, and the Final Settlement Agreement was approved by the Federal Court on June 22, 2018. The settlement provided up to $145 million: $110 million for individual compensation, including $15 million for legal fees, $5 million for external administration, and $15 million for recognition and memorialization exhibits and monuments administered by the LGBT Purge Fund.
A total of up to $110 million served to compensate class members — current and former federal public servants, members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), who were directly and negatively impacted by discriminatory policies and practices between December 1, 1955, and June 20, 1996.
Individual Reconciliation Measures include the Canada Pride Citation, the personal apology letter, access to members’ records, and a Notation to File.
Claimants had a choice to receive their Canada Pride Citation certificate and insignia by mail or have them presented in a ceremony with either the Federal Public Service, RCMP or the CAF.
Presentations were temporarily delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions; however, all Class Members received their citations and insignia by mail.
DND/CAF carried out 18 Canada Pride Citation Presentation Ceremonies across Canada in the spring of 2023. A total of 215 individuals attended the presentation, including the recipients and their guests.

Expungement of Historically Unjust Convictions Act

To address the wrongs experienced by those who were unfairly criminalized by unjust laws and actions, the Government passed the Expungement of Historically Unjust Convictions Act. This puts in place a process for individuals to apply to the Parole Board of Canada for an expungement order to permanently destroy or remove the records of convictions for offences involving consensual sexual activity between same-sex partners that would be lawful today. The Act is not related to the LGBT Purge Final Settlement Agreement.

Military Assistance Donations to Ukraine

Canada is working closely with our Allies and partners to help Ukraine protect its sovereignty and defend itself against Russia’s illegal war.
In fact, since February 2022, Canada has committed over $2.4 billion in military assistance donations to Ukraine.
In these Supplementary Estimates B, we are allocating $500 million for further support to Ukraine.
This funding will be disbursed through National Defence’s Military Training Cooperation Program (MTCP), which facilitates the provision of military assistance to Ukraine.
This new funding will also be dedicated to multilateral initiatives, such as efforts to provide F-16 training to the Ukrainian Air Force and contribute to the maintenance of Leopard 2 main battle tanks.
Specifically, the funding will contribute to the Leopard 2 Maintenance and Service Centre in Poland to ensure that the Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks which are donated by Allies are properly maintained, sustained, and repaired.

Military Assistance to Ukraine

I recently announced that Canada will donate $25 million worth of winter clothing and equipment to Ukraine.
This will include 100,000 military grade boots, 85,000 sets of thermal layers, 20,000 sleep systems, as well as approximately 8,000 uniforms for female Ukrainian soldiers.
This will be supplemented by 55,000 pieces of surplus winter gear from Canadian Armed Forces inventory.
Canada is also donating approximately 11,000 assault rifles and machine guns, along with 9.7 million rounds of associated ammunition, valued at almost $60 million dollars to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Additionally, in collaboration with our Allies, we are continuing our contribution of an Air Task Force to help transport vital military equipment in support of Ukraine.
To date, our Air Task Force in Prestwick, Scotland has delivered over 14 million pounds of cargo, largely consisting of military aid.
In addition to Supplementary Estimates B funding, we are also providing predictable, steady funding to supply Ukraine with Canadian-made armoured vehicles through a new investment of $650 million over three years.

If pressed on producing 155mm (M795 variant) ammunition in Canada:

National Defence has identified a need to update the production capability for 155mm ammunition and is working with Canadian suppliers under the MSP and with Allies to improve overall munitions availability.
Earlier this year, we provided $4.8 million for IMT Defence to ramp up their ability to produce M107 155mm projectile bodies from 3,000 to 5,000 a month by the end of this calendar year. That extra capacity is now available.
We are also assessing other potential investments to support the production of M795 ammunition.
We will continue to direct committed funding when needed, to support our people, deliver on operations, and undertake major equipment and construction initiatives.

If pressed on the donation of M113 personnel carriers:

We remain engaged with industry and continue to examine what we can donate from our existing stocks while maintaining operational readiness.
We have donated 200 Canadian-made Senator Armoured Personnel Carriers, eight commercial pattern armoured vehicles, and 39 armoured combat support vehicles.
All vehicles have now been delivered to Ukraine.
We are exploring a variety of options to continue providing Ukraine with comprehensive military assistance.

If pressed on the F-16 fighter aircraft training:

In May, we announced that Canada would support the Danish and Dutch-led Joint Coalition on F-16 training.
Since then, we have participated in discussions and planning to assist in the development of a training program and to identify where Canada can best provide support.
These planning efforts are focused on training students with no prior experience to become pilots, technicians, and support staff to operate the F-16 safely and effectively.

Key Facts

During President Zelenskyy’s visit to Ottawa on September 22, 2023, Prime Minister Trudeau announced that Canada would invest $650M over three years to supply Ukraine with armoured vehicles, including medical evacuation vehicles.
On June 10, 2023, the Prime Minister committed an additional $500 million in new funding for military assistance, which includes:
- $76 million for 35 high resolution drone cameras and in-service support;
- $30 million for the Leopard 2 Maintenance and Service Centre in Poland;
- Support to the Joint Coalition on F-16 Training to support the training of Ukrainian pilots;
- $60 million for a large package of NATO-standard small arms and ammunition including assault rifles, machine guns, and associated ammunition; and
- $33 million for to then Air Defence Consortium to deliver high priority air defence equipment to Ukraine, including air defence missiles to help Ukraine defend against Russia’s missile and drone attacks.

Military Aid Committed since February 2022

Military equipment requested by Ukraine, including personal protective equipment, night vision gear, medical supplies, helmets, and other highly specialized pieces of military equipment;
A National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS) and associated missiles;
Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks and 1 armoured recovery vehicle (ARV);
Armoured Combat Support Vehicles (ACSVs);
Commercial pattern armoured vehicles;
Heavy artillery, including 4 M777 Howitzers and related ammunition;
AIM-7 missiles for air defence systems;
76 high resolution cameras;
Over 33,600 small arms and approximately 16.7 million rounds of small arms ammunition and training ammunition;
Anti-armour weapons systems and rocket launchers;
Over 640,000 individual meal packs;
Winter clothing and equipment;
High-resolution satellite imagery; and
Other equipment requested by Ukraine, including personal protective equipment, night vision gear, medical supplies, helmets, and other highly specialized military equipment.

Military Equipment provided to Ukraine from 2015 to January 2022:

body armour, mobile field hospital, communications gear, and explosive disposal equipment.

Details

National Defence continues to provide an updated list of Canadian military support to Ukraine on the National Defence website:

Military Training Cooperation Program (MTCP)

The MTCP uses military training and capacity building in the area of peace support operations to develop and strengthen bilateral defence relations with countries of strategic interest to Canada.
This program facilitates the provision of lethal and non-lethal assistance to designated countries, one of which is Ukraine, upon instruction by the Cabinet or the Prime Minister.

Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG)

The UDCG was created to provide a strategic mechanism to identify critical equipment needs and gaps for Ukraine, allow Allies and partners to de-conflict donations, to consult and coordinate assistance to Ukraine, and to build the AFU’s capabilities.
Convening monthly at the ministerial level, the UDCG now brings together over 50 countries.
Canada’s priority objectives for the UDCG include supporting efforts of Allies and partners to coordinate military assistance donations and the delivery of urgent priority equipment to Ukraine, facilitating longer-term capabilities development by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, reinforcing concrete Canadian commitments to Ukraine, and providing an update on Canada’s new military assistance commitment to Ukraine.

Security Assistance Group-Ukraine (SAG-U)

The CAF is working alongside 17 other nations as part of the US led Security Assistance Group. Approximately 21 CAF members, led by a Brigadier-General, are actively helping to facilitate the transfer of aid, working to align future donations, and planning for the immediate and long-term training needs of the Security Forces of Ukraine in concert with our Allies and partners. The Canadian Army Brigadier-General is also employed as the SAG-U Deputy Commanding General – Training to oversee training efforts.

Donation of Armoured Vehicles

Parliamentarians have expressed an interest through Question Period and House Committees regarding providing Ukraine with divested military vehicles including Bison, Tracked Light Armoured Vehicles, and Coyotes.
On September 22, 2023, Prime Minister Trudeau announced that Canada would invest $650M over three years to provide Ukraine with armoured vehicles, including medical evacuation vehicles.
On January 18, 2023, Minister Anand announced that Canada will supply Ukraine with 200 Roshel Senator Armoured Personnel Carriers, valued at over $90 million.
- The contract for these vehicles was sourced through the Canadian Commercial Corporation. The contract directly responds to Ukraine’s request for this specific model of vehicle, which the AFU are experienced in operating, and for which Ukraine has already developed a sustainment plan.
- Roshel was responsible for delivering the vehicles to Ukraine. Delivery was completed in summer 2023.
In early August 2022, Canada finalized a procurement contract to supply Ukraine with 39 armoured combat support vehicles.
- All of the vehicles have arrived in Europe, and related training was completed in December 2022.
- The contract with General Dynamics also includes elements for repairs and servicing.
On April 26, 2022, Minister Anand announced that Canada finalized a contract for the purchase of eight commercial pattern armoured vehicles manufactured by Roshel, an armoured vehicle company based in Mississauga, Ontario.

M113 Personnel Carriers

Any equipment donated by Canada must be battlefield sustainable, but more importantly, must meet a specific need identified by Ukraine, and be equipment that the Ukrainians are trained to use and have the resources and capabilities to maintain.
The remaining quantity of M113 not being employed by the CAF are either awaiting final demilitarization and disposal due to being in very poor condition or are being retained as a source of spare parts for the operational fleet.

Operation UNIFIER (Ukraine)

Canada will continue to provide Ukraine with the military assistance, training, and support it needs to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Which is why in these Supplementary Estimates B, National Defence is requesting $49.85 million to reinforce Canadian support for Ukraine through Op UNIFIER.
These funds will continue to provide individual specialist, and collective training, with the addition of targeted military training support.
For example, Canadian Armed Forces medics are providing medical training to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and our Combat Engineers are providing training on basic and advanced engineering skills.

Activities Under Operation UNIFIER

Currently, the CAF are supporting several ongoing training missions in the United Kingdom, Poland, and Latvia under Operation UNIFIER.
Over 300 CAF members are deployed to provide and coordinate training, national command support, and facilitate and deliver military donations to Ukraine in coordination with Allies.
Canadian soldiers are providing both basic and advance training to members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine including: recruit training, combat engineering, combat medic training, and leadership development training.
In addition to strictly military training, Op UNIFIER aims to support Ukrainian defence reform and institution building efforts at the civilian level.
We are also working on measures to support enhanced intelligence cooperation and cyber security.
The CAF has trained over 39,000 members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces since the start of Op UNIFIER in 2015.
Alongside our Allies, we will continue to provide high quality training to Ukraine.

Key Facts

Mandate for Operation UNIFIER extended to March 2026
At the 2023 NATO Summit in Vilnius, Canada and its G7 partners committed to formalizing enduring support to Ukraine through bilateral long-term security commitments.
On August 4, 2022 Canada announced the resumption of large scale training under Op UNIFIER, specifically in partnership with the UK’s Operation INTERFLEX.
Current Training Missions:
- Poland – Combat Medic Training
  - 10 CAF members providing medical training.
  - To date, the CAF has trained approximately 170 combat medics for the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU).
- Poland – Armoured Training Element
  - CAF personnel trained over 190 members of the AFU on Leopard 2 tanks. This training has been completed.
- Poland – Sapper Training
  - Approximately 45 CAF Combat Engineers are instructing Ukrainian sappers on basic and advanced engineering skills.
  - To date, the CAF has trained over 1000 Ukrainian sappers.
- Poland – M777 Maintenance Technical Training
  - Up to 5 CAF members providing maintenance and technical training on M777 Howitzer third line maintenance to 24 members of the AFU. This training has been completed.
- United Kingdom – Recruit Training
  - Approximately 180 CAF personnel are deployed to the United Kingdom to train new Ukrainian military recruits in collaboration with the UK’s Operation INTERFLEX.
  - To date, CAF personnel have trained approximately 3,500 recruits of the AFU.
  - Training has been extended until the end of 2023.
- Latvia – Junior Officer Leadership Development Training
  - Approximately 12 CAF members are working with the Latvian National Armed Forces to deliver Junior Officer leadership development training.
  - To date, CAF personnel have trained over 250 junior Ukrainian military officers.

Details

In 2015, Canada launched Operation UNIFIER in response to requests from the government of Ukraine, with the intent to help Ukraine remain free, sovereign, secure, and stable.
- The mission was recently extended until March 2026.
The CAF has been providing the AFU with specialized training in order to support their professionalization, help improve their capability and capacity, and assist them in their efforts to align with NATO standards and practices.
In 2021, Op UNIFIER saw the first ever Canadian female-to-female transfer of command authority.
Aspects of the mission were temporarily paused following the February 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine but have since resumed in third-country locations such as the United Kingdom, Latvia, and Poland.
The Defence Team coordinates Canada’s military assistance to Ukraine, as well as helps oversee Allied and partner’s efforts to supply and equip the AFU through the Security Assistance Group-Ukraine (SAG-U).
At the request of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense (MoD), the CAF has been bolstering Ukraine’s cyber defence capabilities since early 2022. This support includes the provision of 24/7 cyber security expertise, cyber threat intelligence, software tools and engineering solutions to the AFU to enable the defence of its networks and other critical systems against malicious cyber activities. The Department of National Defence (DND) and the CAF collaborate with partners across the federal government, industry, and our Allies, in accordance with Canadian and international laws, to provide this cyber assistance to Ukraine.
In November 2022, the United States established the SAG-U to oversee and coordinate multinational short-term and long-term assistance to Ukraine, as well as to coordinate donations and training. Canada contributes 25 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members to the SAG-U, headquartered in Wiesbaden (Germany), including a Canadian Brigadier-General as the SAG-U Deputy Commanding General - Training.
All CAF members who deploy on capacity building programs, including under Op UNIFIER, are trained to recognize symbols associated with right-wing extremism. If counterparts or trainees are suspected of holding racist views or belonging to right-wing extremist elements, including viewpoints that are contrary to Canadian values and ethics, they are removed immediately from the training course.

Reimbursing Deployed Members for Meals

Over the past year, Canada has rapidly expanded Op UNIFIER with a focus on providing immediate training support to Ukraine as it fights for its sovereignty and security. In most cases, the CAF provides food for its members through CAF military cooks or those of our allies.
However, given the geographically dispersed nature of the training cadres, this was not logistically feasible for most training locations in Poland. In such cases, members were authorized to receive a per diem in line with Treasury Board policies. This resulted in an unprecedented number of claims submitted.
To address this issue, National Defence extended the deployment duration of administrative personnel who volunteered to stay and support the mission. Their efforts, along with that of newly deployed personnel in March 2023, cleared the backlog.
Between 1 January and 1 June 2023, 316 meal allowance claims were submitted for reimbursement by soldiers deployed to Poland on Op UNIFIER for a total value of $683,076. As of 7 June 2023, 290 of these claims had been settled for a total value of $569,780.
All claims have since been settled, with the last from this period paid out on 24 June 2023.

CAF Members Purchasing Personal Equipment

All members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are provided with the required operational equipment, whether serving at home or abroad.
When deploying, CAF members are provided with an authorized list of clothing and equipment specific to that mission, for those deployed to Latvia this includes a helmet.
Per CAF policy, CAF members are prohibited from the procurement and use of personal weapons on CAF operations and are only authorized to use CAF approved equipment.
No CAF member deployed to Latvia was forced to purchase their own helmet for safety or operational reasons.
Should a member buy their own equipment, it is based on their preference, and is not due to shortages, and Members are not reimbursed in such cases.

Communications Security Establishment (CSE) Contributions

CSE received funding for Op UNIFIER to provide specialized skills and expertise to support enhanced intelligence cooperation and cyber security.
On 17 March 2022, the Minister of National Defence signed 2 Ministerial Orders designating the electronic information and networks of Ukraine and Latvia as systems of importance (SOIs) to the Government of Canada. This was the first time a Minister has used their powers under the CSE Act to designate entities outside Canada as SOIs. The designations allow CSE to provide cyber security assistance to help protect the designated entities.
Telesat
- In October 2022, the Minister of National Defence announced $2 million in funding to provide secure satellite communications services to Ukraine. This joint project between CAF/DND, CSE and the satellite operator Telesat came into effect on April 1, 2023, and will help Ukraine maintain continuity of services, including critical cyber systems.

NATO Funding

Canada is unwavering in its commitment to the NATO Alliance, to the defence of Euro-Atlantic security, and to the rules-based international order.
In these Supplementary Estimates B, National Defence is seeking $118 million to increase Canada’s contribution to NATO and establish the North American Office of the new Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA).
Specifically, this funding will support two initiatives.
First, we will increase financial contributions to NATO through the NATO Contribution Program in accordance with decisions made during the 2021 and 2022 NATO Leaders Summits.
Second, we will begin the process to establish the North American Regional Office for the DIANA program in Halifax.
DIANA aims to facilitate cooperation between civilian innovators, government scientists and military operators, including through the creation of Test Centres where innovators can bring their concepts and technologies for testing, evaluation, and validation.

Contributions to NATO

Canada’s commitment to NATO is reflected in a variety of ways, including through defence investments and support to key international operations.
For example, in 2022-23, Canada’s defence spending was approximately $33.9 billion.
We are procuring a new fleet of 88 F-35 fighter jets—the largest investment into the RCAF in 30 years valued at $19 billion—and investing $38.6 billion on an accrual basis over 20 years to modernize our NORAD capabilities.
We are also leading the establishment of the NATO Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence in Montreal.
Further, we are making important contributions to global peace and stability alongside our NATO Allies, as we are doing in Latvia and Ukraine.

Key Facts

Defence Spending

Under Strong, Secure, Engaged, annual National Defence spending was expected to grow from $18.9 billion in 2016-17 to $32.7 billion in 2026-27 – an increase of more than 70% over 10 years.
Fiscal Year 2022-23: Canada’s estimated defence spending was 1.22% of its GDP and 11.5% of its defence spending on major equipment.
Canada is the 6th largest contributor to NATO’s common funded budget.

Details

NATO Common Funding Contributions:

Canada’s share of NATO’s common funding is now approximately 6.8% (90% from National Defence and 10% from Global Affairs Canada).
National Defence’s contribution to NATO’s military Budget is $163.3M. This contribution will support:
- International Military Staff;
- NATO’s Command Structure, made up of bases and facilities across Europe and in the United States;
- NATO’s key air fleets: NATO Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS), and Allied Ground Surveillance (AGS); and
- NATO operations and missions which include Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) deployments under Operation IMPACT (NATO Mission Iraq) and Operation KOBOLD (NATO Kosovo Force).
National Defence’s contribution to NATO Security Investment Program is $91.4M. This will support:
- The capital costs for communications and information systems, installations and facilities such as radar, military headquarters, airfields, fuel pipelines and storage, harbours, and navigational aids to support the NATO military structure and activities, including deployed operations and missions.
National Defence’s contribution to other NATO activities is $4.2M. This will support:
- NATO Centres of Excellence;
- NATO Naval Forces Sensor and Weapons Accuracy Check Sites;
- NATO Rapidly Deployable Corps Headquarters; and
- NATO Production and Logistics Organizations (NPLOs).

Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA):

At the NATO Summit in Madrid, in June 2022, the Prime Minister announced Canada’s intention to host NATO’s North American Regional Office of the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA). The proposed location of the Regional Office, in the Halifax area, was announced in November 2022.
DIANA aims to facilitate cooperation between civilian innovators, government scientists, and military operators to accelerate, test, and evaluate early-stage technologies, while also protecting technological solutions against threat activity. DIANA is composed of five main elements:
- Accelerator Network which leverages existing sites to boost development of technological solutions by innovators through a competitive program, complemented by education on protecting technical solutions against potential adversarial activity.
- Test Centres are sites in universities, government facilities and corporations where innovators can bring their concepts and technologies for testing, evaluation, verification and validation.
- Rapid Adoption Service is an agile contracting mechanism aimed at providing flexibility to procurers when working with innovators on a specific solution.
- Trusted Capital Database is a secure digital platform available to innovation actors vetted and nominated by individual Allies to facilitate and/ or connect certified innovators and certified investors.
- Two Regional Offices that are based in Europe and in North America, which will house the DIANA executive and help manage DIANA’s other components.
DIANA will concentrate on new emerging and disruptive technologies that NATO has identified as priorities including artificial intelligence, big-data processing, quantum-enabled technologies, autonomy, biotechnology, novel materials, and space.
In November 2023, the Minister announced that Canada is contributing an initial investment of $26.6 million over six years in support of establishing the North American Regional office for DIANA in Halifax.
- The initial investment will be spent on leasing a location, operating costs and staffing.
- The Regional office will occupy an interim office space in summer 2024 which will be located in downtown Halifax, which will allow NATO DIANA to continue to operate while a competitive leasing process is conducted to establish the longer term, permanent office.
- With regard to staffing, Canada will assign staff positions to support the NATO DIANA North American Regional office. Staffing requirements will vary during the first six years, however, it is anticipated that 8.5 ongoing permanent Canadian positions will be required when the Regional office is established. This includes positions in Halifax and at the Department of National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, Ontario.
- Additionally, the Regional office in Halifax is anticipated to have up to 35 international staff.

Budget 2022

Budget 2022 provided a total of $8B (on a cash basis) in funding over five years—on top of planned increases associated with Strong, Secure, Engaged, which will:
- Strengthen Canada’s contributions to our core alliances;
- Bolster the capabilities of the Canadian Armed Forces;
- Continue to support culture change and a safe and healthy working environment in the Canadian Armed Forces; and,
- Reinforce Canada’s cyber security.
This $8B includes and an increase to the capabilities of the Canadian Armed Forces. In addition, Budget 2022 proposes to provide $6.1B on an accrual basis ($7.4B cash) over five years, starting in 2022-23, in order to meet our defence priorities, including:
- Ensuring our continental defence through NORAD modernization;
- Fulfilling commitments to our allies; and,
- Investing in equipment and technology to immediately increase the capabilities of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Budget 2021

Through Budget 2021, the Government announced $847M over five years to maintain Canada’s military at a higher state of readiness under the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Readiness Initiative, and to increase Canada’s contributions to NATO’s common budget and military activities.

NATO Hubs:

Budget 2022 allocated $30.1 million over four years, and $10.4 million ongoing to establish the new North American regional office in Halifax for NATO's Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA).
Budget 2023 proposes to provide $40.4 million over five years, with $0.3 million in remaining amortization and $7 million ongoing, to Global Affairs Canada and the Department of National Defence to establish the NATO Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence.

NATO Centre of Excellence on Climate and Security (CCASCOE):

At the June 2021 NATO Summit, the Prime Minister announced Canada’s proposal to establish and host a CCASCOE as its Framework Nation. In June 2022, Canada announced that Montréal will be the host city for the NATO CCASCOE.
This Centre of Excellence will be a platform for both military and civilians to develop, enhance, and share knowledge on climate change security impacts. It will also allow them to work together to build required capabilities, develop best practices, and contribute to NATO’s goal of reducing the climate impact of military activities.
CCASCOE reached initial operational capacity in October 2023, and is expected to achieve NATO accreditation and become fully staffed and operational by the end of 2024.

Canadian Support to NATO Operations

Operation REASSURANCE: eFP Latvia Brigade Update: Approximately 1000 Canadian Armed Forces personnel currently serve on Op REASSURANCE. As announced by Prime Minister Trudeau in July, Canada is committed to scaling up to a combat-capable multinational Brigade by 2025, with the Brigade reaching full operating capacity by 2026. We will more than double our personnel contribution resulting in a significant influx of forces to Latvia in the summer of 2024 and into 2025.
As we move forward, Canada will persistently deploy up to 2,200 personnel to Europe, primarily to Latvia, and will provide much of the Command and Control, combat capabilities and brigade enablers. Canada will also continue to deploy Royal Canadian Air Force and Royal Canadian Navy assets to NATO on an episodic basis.
Air Task Force Prestwick (ATF-P): Canada deploys 3 strategic-lift aircraft to the UK. Since commencing operations in February 2022, ATF-P has moved more than 15 million pounds of aid destined for Ukraine. Additionally, ATF-P has provided strategic airlift to deployed CAF elements in Europe under Operation REASSURANCE.
Operation IMPACT: Approximately 150 CAF personnel are deployed to the Middle East; 16 Canadian Armed Forces members deployed to NATO Mission Iraq to support training and capacity building of the Iraqi military.
Operation KOBOLD: Currently, 5 CAF members are deployed to support NATO’s Kosovo Force, a NATO-led peace-support operation.
NATO Institutions: Canada’s personnel footprint in NATO is significant; almost 400 Canadians are currently assigned to various organizations within the Alliance, including Allied Command Operations, Allied Command Transformation, and the International Military Staff.

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Date modified:: 2024-04-08