April 9: Letter from Minister of National Defence (MND) regarding COVID-19

April 9, 2020 - Defence Stories

Dear Defence Team members:

Last week, I announced our government’s plan for the Canadian Armed Forces’ domestic response to the COVID-19 crisis. We are responding to an unprecedented situation, but all of you give Canadians the confidence that we can get through difficult times – and we will do it again now.

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is already making an impact on the ground. Members of our Regular Force are helping carry out critical logistics operations and forward planning, Canadian Rangers are responding to the needs of local communities, and Reservists are preparing to combat COVID-19 and natural disasters, should they arise.

Canadians, too, rely on the expertise of our Department of National Defence (DND) employees who have worked hard to respond to all aspects of this crisis. Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) has worked to apply their research knowledge to develop solutions, our procurement teams have sourced new equipment to help us fight the virus, and others from across DND have gone above and beyond to solve our most pressing issues.

I know that these are challenging times for Canada, but I want to thank all of you for the continued work to support our friends and neighbours in communities across the country. As our fight against this virus progresses, we will continue to ask a lot of you.

I continue to urge you to follow direction from your chain of command and managers. By working from home, engaging in physical distancing and taking care of your health, you are part of the critical work ensuring that our forces remain healthy and ready to serve, if called upon.

Finally, I also want to reassure you that we are taking all the needed and necessary precautions to protect the health of any members who might be going out into communities to serve. We are ready and prepared so that you remain healthy and safe, no matter the tasks we ask of you.

I hope all of you stay safe and healthy during the holiday season, whether you are celebrating Passover, Easter or Vaisakhi. Thank you to all of you for maintaining the high standards of DND/CAF in this difficult time. Your service to our country and the support you will continue to provide Canadians over the coming weeks will help save lives. You have my profound gratitude.

The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan
Minister of National Defence