National Defence 101
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Mandate
- The National Defence Act:
- Establishes the civilian department (DND) and constitutes the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF)
- Sets out the Code of Service Discipline and the military justice system
- Authorizes the CAF to perform any duty involving public service
- The National Defence portfolio includes:
- The Defence Team (DND/CAF)
- The Communications Security Establishment (CSE)
- Military Grievances External Review Committee (MGERC)
- Military Police Complaints Commission (MPCC)
- National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces Ombudsman
- National Defence has an annual budget of ~$30.6B, and is one of the largest budgets in the Government of Canada
- With a presence in every province and territory, National Defence is also a responsible steward of the environment, managing more than 2 million hectares of land and infrastructure
Key Relationships
- National Defence is engaged globally and operates alongside a variety of Allies and partners to promote international security
- Canada's key defence partnerships include:
- The United States
- This relationship is critical to every aspect of Canada's defence interests and economic prosperity
- North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD)
- North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
- Five Eyes (Canada, United Kingdom, United States, Australia, and New Zealand)
- The United States
Roles & Responsabilities
The Minister is supported by the Deputy Minister and the Chief of the Defence Staff in the administration of National Defence
Minister of National Defence (MND)
- Presides over the Department
- Manages & directs the CAF and all matters relating to National Defence
- Nominates and appoints key actors in the military justice system
- Reviews and tables annual reports in Parliament
Deputy Minister of National Defence
- Manages day-to-day operations of the Department on behalf of the Minister
- Provides the Minister with policy advice
- Acts as the Accounting Officer, responsible for all civilian staff, defence property, and defence spending
- Accountable to the Prime Minister, Minister of National Defence, and Clerk of the Privy Council
The Chief of the Defence Staff
- Serves as the primary military advisor to the PM and is the CAF's most senior officer
- Controls and administers the CAF
- Responsible for all CAF operations and readiness
- Accountable to the PM and MND
Capabilities
National Defence has a variety of capabilities at its disposal to protect Canadians, both at home and abroad
Current Platforms
- 326 Aircraft
- Search & Rescue (55), Fighter Operations (89), Air Mobility (36), Tactical Aviation (82), Maritime Operations (40), Training and Air Display (24)
- Approx 6,500 land vehicles (including armoured, support, and tactical vehicles)
- 12 Frigates and 12 Maritime Costal Defence Vessels
- 4 Victoria-class submarines
- 4 Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels (AOPS)
Key Ongoing Procurement Projects
- 88 new F35 Fighter Jets
- 11 new MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS)
- Up to 16 new P8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA)
- 5 new A330 Strategic Transport and Tanker Aircraft
- 15 new Canadian Surface Combatants
- 2 new Joint Support Ships
- 6 new Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels (AOPS)
- Long Range Precision Strike (Land) Systems
- Ground Based Air Defence Systems
- Counter UAS Capabilities
People and Culture Change
National Defence is one of largest employers in Canada with over 132,500 positions:
Caption
- 71,500 Regular Force
- 30,000 Primary Reserve Force
- 31,000 civilian Staff
*Note: position data is based on targets outlined in Strong, Secure, Engaged
National Defence is working to increase our diversity
CAF Members |
CAF Goal |
DND Public Servants |
DND PS Goal |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
Women |
16.6% |
25.1% |
43% |
45% |
Racialized People |
12.6% |
11.8% |
11% |
16% |
Indigenous People |
3% |
3.5% |
3% |
3% |
Persons with Disabilities |
1.2 |
N/A |
5% |
9% |
National Defence is engaged in creating a modern, inclusive military through:
- Increased support and resources to survivors
- Improved justice and senior leader accountability
- Deliberate action to promote sustained and durable culture change
*Note: EE data for civilian workforce is from 2023 for a population of 26,409 (does not reflect all employment categories)
Operations
- Over 3,000 personnel are currently deployed on more than 20 different operations across Canada and around the world
- These operations contribute to asserting Canadian defence and sovereignty; defending North America; and advancing Canada's global interests and values. Key operations include:
- Op LENTUS (natural disaster response in Canada)
- Op NANOOK (activities and exercises in the North to defend Canada's sovereignty over its northernmost regions)
- Op REASSURANCE (deployed Latvian presence and NATO contributions)
- Op UNIFIER (Training/equipping the Armed Forces of Ukraine)
- Op HORIZON (persistent presence in the Indo-Pacific)
- Op NEON (UN sanctions against North Korea)
- Op IMPACT (Middle East capacity building)
- Op PROTEUS (support to Israel/Palestine peace process)
- Op CARIBBE (support to US counter-drug operations)
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