Canada First Defence Strategy (four backgrounders)

The future security environment calls for a combat-capable, flexible, multi-role military. Recognizing this, the Canada First Defence Strategy sets out a vision for future operations as well as the funding required to support it. This vision, coupled with committed long-term funding, will allow the Canadian Forces to maintain excellence in operations at home, be a solid partner in continental defence, and fulfill a leadership role abroad.

The continued effectiveness and sustainability of the Canadian Forces requires a long-term framework to address demand across the four “pillars” upon which military capabilities are built – personnel, infrastructure, readiness and equipment. Military capabilities are developed over long periods of time and are the product of continued investment in the four key pillars.

To support its Canada First Defence Strategy, as proposed in Budget 2008, the Government is establishing predictable, long-term funding to expand the Canadian Forces, modernize CF capabilities, increase CF readiness and ensure the viability of infrastructure, striking the right balance among the four pillars on which military capabilities are developed. All of these investments will guarantee that the Canadian Forces can meet Canada’s future defence and security requirements, and ensure both the enhanced security of Canadians at home and a stronger voice for Canada on the world stage.

To support its Canada First Defence Strategy, the Government is providing National Defence with long-term funding in Budget 2008 and a commitment to increase the overall readiness of the Canadian Forces. Readiness is the measure of the Canadian Forces’s flexibility and responsiveness to government direction and encompasses the training, maintenance and resources required for the CF to deploy. The Canadian Forces are called upon to fulfill a multitude of tasks both at home and abroad. Everyday across Canada, the CF retains assets on short notice to move. These assets are prepared to respond domestically, continentally and internationally. Maintaining these units at a certain level of readiness involves varying degrees of investment in equipment and infrastructure maintenance, spare parts, clothing, refits, exercises, fuel and ammunition.

Through its Canada First Defence Strategy, the Government is investing in an increased state of CF readiness. For example, with the implementation of the strategy, more resources will be allocated to the acquisition of spare parts and equipment maintenance. This means that equipment will be more readily available for training and operations, which in turn will improve the overall state of readiness of the Forces.

Defence is the single largest property holder in the federal government, with over 21,000 buildings and more than 12,000 roads and utilities on over 800 properties. Approximately 50 per cent of the department's infrastructure portfolio is over 50 years old. As a result, there is a need to modernize and update DND infrastructure. To date, the Government of Canada has announced several infrastructure upgrades across the country – the first step in an ongoing commitment to provide DND/CF with the infrastructure needed to fulfill its mandate.

The CFDS aims to replace or refurbish approximately 25 per cent of DND infrastructure holdings within 10 years, with approximately 50 per cent being replaced or refurbished over 20 years. Equipment acquisitions and initiatives announced in the last two years included significant funding for infrastructure, and future acquisitions will similarly include the funding required to build new infrastructure and/or upgrade existing facilities. DND infrastructure holdings will be regularly reviewed to maximize efficiency at the national level to ensure bases efficiently support operational requirements and at the local level to ensure local facilities services are being provided in the most efficient manner.

Over the next 20 years, six of the CF’s core equipment fleets will reach the end of their operational lives and will need to be replaced. These include destroyers, frigates, maritime patrol aircraft, fixed-wing search and rescue aircraft, fighter aircraft and land combat vehicles and systems. The Canada First Defence Strategy is a blueprint aimed at replacing these six core equipment fleets.

The planned replacement of the CF’s major capital fleets complements the significant steps that the Government has already taken to strengthen the Canadian Forces, including the procurement of new and upgraded equipment such as strategic and tactical lift aircraft, Joint Support Ships, armoured vehicles, helicopters, and Arctic/Offshore patrol ships.

The Department will be seeking innovative and cost-reducing solutions for future procurements.

The Canada First Defence Strategy sets out a long term defence program that includes expanding both the Regular and Reserve Forces and will build on the work that has already been done in this area.

The Canada First Defence Strategy sets out a long-term defence program that includes expanding to 70,000 Regular Force and 30,000 Reserve Force personnel. As the costs associated with significant personnel increases are high, the personnel levels set out in the plan represent an affordable and balanced solution. The strategy provides a solid foundation upon which to continue growing towards CF expansion targets.

The Canada First Defence Strategy provides the Canadian Forces (CF) with a vision for future operations as well as a plan for consistent, committed long-term funding. This recognition and unprecedented commitment by the Government will ensure the military continues to maintain excellence in operations at home and in North America, as well as the ability to play a leadership role abroad. A comprehensive and long-term funding framework, coupled with key decisions related to future capabilities ensures the CF will be a modern, flexible force, capable of defending Canada and Canadian interests well into the future.

The Canada First Defence Strategy signifies a new era for the Canadian Forces. Key elements of this rejuvenation have been in the works for a number of years. Critical government decisions were necessary to address the Canadian Forces’ immediate need to replace aging and outdated capabilities. The Government took action and has already taken significant steps towards rebuilding the Canadian Forces. Consistent with the defence vision laid out in consecutive Throne Speeches, the Government moved to acquire vital new pieces of equipment to modernize CF capabilities. In the past 36 months, the government has announced plans to replace existing fleets, such as tactical transport aircraft, tanks and medium trucks, and to acquire new capabilities, such as strategic lift aircraft, medium- to heavy-lift helicopters and Arctic/offshore patrol ships, delivering on its Canada First commitment to strengthen Canada’s defence force.

This first step forward for the Canada First Defence Strategy included the announced procurements of:

The government of Canada identified a more rapidly deployable military as one of its top priorities, and moved quickly and efficiently to acquire a strategic airlift capability for the Canadian Forces. Strategic airlift is the rapid transport of a large number of passengers and/or over-sized heavy cargo over long distances within Canada or between Canada and a theatre of operations. Today’s changing and uncertain global environment demands Canada’s military have its own rapid, reliable and independent access to strategic airlift – enabling the CF to meet unexpected demands at home and around the world by reducing response time, increasing load capacity and providing increased flexibility. In August 2007, first of four Boeing C-17 strategic airlift aircraft arrived in Canada. The Canadian Forces has since taken delivery of all four aircraft.

Tactical airlift acts as the lifeline of deployed forces, transporting equipment troops and supplies to, within, and from a theatre of operations. On Operation Archer, in Afghanistan, the CC-130 Hercules aircraft provides tactical airlift on a daily basis, without which the mission could not be sustained. In January 2008, the Department of National Defence awarded a contract to Lockheed Martin to acquire 17 new C-130J tactical airlift aircraft. This contract is required to meet the current and future operational demands for tactical airlift to ensure the Canadian Forces continue to fulfill its mission. The Government is confident that the C-130J will provide Canada with a cost-effective, operations-proven tactical airlift capability. Delivery of the first aircraft is scheduled for winter 2010.

The Government of Canada recognizes the vital need for medium-to heavy-lift helicopters and is currently engaged in negotiations with Boeing to acquire 16 Chinook helicopters for the Canadian Forces as soon as possible. Medium- to heavy- lift helicopters will significantly enhance the mobility and flexibility of the CF while strengthening Canada’s contribution to the international missions. A medium-to heavy-lift helicopter capability will allow the Canadian Forces to reach remote locations in a wider range of geographic areas and challenging environments inaccessible by ground-based transport or fixed-wing aircraft. With the Canadian Forces’ increasing focus on joint operations and expeditionary forces, this capability will serve as a paramount asset in responding to disaster situations and terrorist attacks, both at home and around the world.

The Joint Support Ships will enhance the Canadian Forces ability to safeguard Canada’s domestic maritime security and sovereignty. The Joint Support Ship project will deliver three multi-role vessels with substantially more capability than the Navy’s current fleet of replenishment ships (HMCS Protecteur and HMCS Preserver). In addition to being able to provide at-sea support (re-fuelling and re-supply functions) to deployed naval task groups, they will also be capable of sealift operations as well as support to forces deployed ashore. The ships will provide the vital lifeline of supply and support to other Canadian navy ships as well as to army and air force assets in certain deployed operations.

The Government is moving to procure approximately 2,300 new medium-sized logistics trucks and associated equipment. The new fleet of trucks will contribute to the rebuilding of Canada's land forces’ ability to provide logistical support on the ground and represent an essential investment for the Canadian Forces. The Regular and Reserve Forces will use the trucks in a wide range of roles—from support to deployed operations to domestic emergencies. The Medium Sized Vehicle System program includes both the acquisition of MilCOTS (Militarized Commercial Off The Shelf; commercial vehicles adapted for military use) and SMP (Standard Military Pattern; designed specifically for military use) trucks. The Request For Proposal for the MilCOTS fleet was released in November 2007, with the Request For Proposal for the SMP fleet due for release in the summer of 2008.

Recognizing that the Canadian Forces play a critical role in asserting Arctic sovereignty, the Government announced the acquisition of six to eight arctic/offshore patrol ships for the Canadian Navy, enhancing Canada’s ability to assert sovereignty over its territorial waters – particularly in the Arctic. The Arctic/Offshore Patrol Ships will provide the flexibility for the Navy to operate in both the Arctic and offshore environments, allowing them to be used year-round in a variety of roles, including domestic surveillance, search and rescue and support to other government departments. This project is currently in the definition phase with the Navy expected to take first delivery in 2013.

The Canadian Government also moved quickly to renew the Canadian Forces’ tank capability, announcing the acquisition and loan of Leopard 2 tanks for the Army. These Leopard 2 tanks are newer, more heavily armoured and more technologically advanced than Canada’s older fleet of Leopard 1s. Their advanced features include significantly increased personnel protection against explosive devices and landmines, an ability to travel considerably faster in difficult terrain, more powerful engines, and stronger firing capabilities. The government secured the loan of 20 combat-ready Leopard 2A6 main battle tanks from Germany and these were deployed to Afghanistan in the summer of 2007, where they have already proven their worth. To meet long-term requirements, 100 surplus Leopard 2 tanks were purchased from the Netherlands. This move addresses both immediate, critical operational issues of crew comfort and improved personnel protection, and will strengthen the Canadian Forces’ capacity to defend Canada’s national interests for many years to come.

The Government is proceeding with a project to refit and modernize the Canadian navy’s Halifax-class frigates. The twelve Halifax-Class frigates, commissioned between 1992 and 1995, form the backbone of the Canadian Navy. They were designed to deal with threats associated with the Cold War environment. Since the end of the Cold War, the role of these frigates has changed, requiring equipment upgrades in order to deal with current or emerging threats. This refit and upgrade process will enhance their capabilities, and ensure that the Navy can work with allies into the future to effectively meet threats at sea. A thoroughly modernized frigate will be able to better defend our coastal approaches, and to play an increased and valued role in international operations with coalition partners. Modernization of the frigates will begin in 2010, with the final ship being completed in 2017.

The development of a deep water docking and refueling facility in Nanisivik, Nunavut, will also improve Canada’s ability to exercise its sovereignty over coastal waters in the Arctic region by enabling the Canadian Forces to maintain a federal presence in Canada's Arctic waters throughout the navigable season. This facility will serve as a staging area for naval vessels on station in the high Arctic, enabling them to re-supply, refuel, embark equipment and supplies, and transfer personnel.

The Canada First Defence Strategy represents an unprecedented long-term commitment to the Canadian Forces (CF) and the Department of National Defence (DND). This strategy sets long-term objectives, provides a vision for future operations as well as consistent, committed long-term funding. The Canada First Defence strategy will help rebuild the Canadian Forces into a first class, modern military, ensuring that Canada has the armed force it needs to protect its sovereignty and security into the future.

A comprehensive and long-term funding framework, coupled with key decisions related to future capabilities will help ensure the CF remains a multi-role, combat-capable military, able to defend Canada at home and Canadian interests abroad. The provision of predictable long-term funding represents a new and innovative approach to defence spending that will support the modernization and growth of the Canadian Forces.

Budget 2006 contained a much-needed cash infusion for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces. Budget 2006 provided $5.3 billion over five years and $1.8 billion annually starting in 2011-2012. This funding provided the CF with the support and resources needed to sustain operations, acquire new equipment as well as expand both the Regular and Reserve Forces.

As proposed in Budget 2008, the Canada First Defence Strategy establishes predictable long-term funding. This consistent long-term funding plan is based on an automatic annual increase in defence spending from the current 1.5 per cent to 2 per cent, beginning in 2011-12. Over the next 20 years, this is expected to provide DND/CF with an additional $12 billion. The Strategy builds on Budgets 2006 and 2007 and provides for re-investment in infrastructure and equipment. The funding framework brings long-term predictability and stability to the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces.

The defence program consists mostly of large, fixed-cost elements such as infrastructure and equipment that have very long life cycles, from acquisition to support through disposal. These types of items require budgetary expenses to be locked in over many years. Without long-term stable funding, it is extremely difficult for the Department of National Defence to confidently plan future acquisitions. The framework brings a unique level of stability to the defence program allowing Defence to confidently plan for tomorrow today.

In addition to the numerous benefits the long-term funding framework will bring to the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces, there are also considerable economic benefits for Canadian industry. Predictable long-term funding and clear direction for future equipment acquisitions and replacements offer an excellent opportunity for Canadian industry to develop new technologies that will support the future requirements of the Canadian Forces. A well-established funding framework and vision for the Canadian Forces allows Canadian industry to anticipate future requirements and greatly benefit from a modern and effective military.

The proposed strategy presents significant opportunities for Canadian industry, particularly in the high-tech and high-value shipbuilding, aerospace and defence sectors. Large, well-established companies will be able to take advantage of the predictability of the defence program to align their long-term manufacturing, support and research and development programs to better support procurement requirements. Small and medium-size companies that have established themselves as world leaders in specific technologies will be able to build on investments made by government to grow and expand their businesses. And new companies will have excellent opportunities to invest in emerging technologies at a level that improves the likelihood of developing a commercially viable product.

The Canada First Defence Strategy provides the Canadian Forces (CF) with a vision for future operations as well as a plan for consistent, committed long-term funding. The strategy ensures that Canada has the military it needs to protect its sovereignty and security well into the future. This includes the ability to detect, identify and track potential threats to Canadian sovereignty.

The Canada First Defence Strategy will provide Canada with a robust military able to protect Canada and Canadians as well as defend Canadian sovereignty. Protecting Canada and Canadians remains the first priority of the Canadian Forces.

The Government recognizes the challenges Canada’s sovereignty in the Arctic could face in the future. In the coming years, sovereignty and security challenges will become more pressing as the impact of climate change leads to enhanced activity throughout the region. Retreating ice cover has opened the way for increased shipping, tourism and resource exploration, and new Arctic shipping routes are being considered, including through the Northwest Passage. These developments could have important implications for Canada in the future, and underline the need to be able to monitor the activities taking place on our vast territory and air and maritime approaches.

The Government’s commitment to Canada’s North was recently reaffirmed in Budget 2008, which provided funding for a new polar class icebreaker for the Canadian Coast Guard, and Arctic seabed mapping. The Canada First Defence Strategy is fully in line with the Northern Strategy and will give the CF the tools it needs to defend Canadian sovereignty and provide an increased presence in the Arctic.

Protecting national sovereignty over Arctic territory requires a presence on the ground, in the air and at sea. The Canadian Forces have a significant role to play in asserting Arctic sovereignty and will be called upon to provide that all-important presence. The Canada First Defence Strategy provides the tools and capabilities necessary to strengthen the Canadian Forces’ presence in the North.

While other government departments and agencies remain responsible for dealing with most security issues in the North, they often draw upon the unique capabilities of the CF – such as surveillance capabilities – to support their respective mandates. Conducting daily domestic and continental operations, such as monitoring and controlling territory and approaches, is one of the key responsibilities of the Canadian Forces. Regular surveillance activities, such as sovereignty and aerial patrols and the use of satellite imagery, contribute to the government’s situational awareness in the North.

The CF is often called upon to assist with ground search and rescue operations and to provide passenger and cargo transportation in support of other federal or territorial government departments. In addition, the Forces conduct annual air, land and sea exercises with partners such as the RCMP and the Coast Guard to improve coordination in responding to emergencies in the North. For example, the CF would be prepared to provide logistical support to the Coast Guard in response to a maritime pollution event.

To fulfill their mandate and provide such assistance, the CF maintains a number of assets in the North, including the Joint Task Force (North) headquarters in Yellowknife, approximately 4,100 Canadian Rangers, four CC-138 Twin Otter aircraft, the North Warning System, four Forward Operating Locations for fighter aircraft operations, and Canadian Forces Station Alert, a signals intelligence-gathering station on the north-east tip of Ellesmere Island.

As part of the Canada First Defence Strategy, the government has announced a number of initiatives that will help the Canadian Forces to increase their presence in the region and better respond to incidents and potential challenges to our sovereignty. These include:

Together, the initiatives will bolster the Canadian Forces’ ability to both respond to contingencies in the region and conduct Arctic surveillance.

This strategy is part of the ongoing integration of U.S., Canadian, and Mexican military forces into the joint NORTHCOM continental defense command. It is intended as a deterrent to any non-North American nation that might be apt to test the sovereignty of the Northwest Passage and/or Canada's Arctic islands (Canada formally claimed possession of the aquatic region surrounding over 16,000 northern Canadian islands in 1986) beneath which may lie a vast amount of oil.

The Northwest Passage is a strategic route from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean through a myriad of northern Canadian islands. Since the European discovery of North America, explorers throughout the world have been fascinated by the possibility of shipping through this region to commercially link Europe to the Orient. In comparison to the route through the Panama Canal, the transportation of goods through the northern archipelago of Canada would save approximately 4000 km from Europe to the Far East. Unfortunately for international merchants, the Northwest Passage was not traditionally a commercially viable trading route due to shallow waterways and, in particular, ice blockades. Global warming has now altered this reality! Because of climatic changes, the Canadian government is experiencing new challenges from multiple national governments, especially the United States, concerning the feasibility of international travel through the Northwest Passage.
This case examines why Canada’s claim of rights to the Northwest Passage is a point of contention between Canada, and various nations of the world. The Canadian perspective is that they have full sovereignty encompassing the islands/waterways and thereby will assert complete control over all activity in that specific region. However, many countries perceive the Northwest Passage to be an international waterway between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The Canadian government has continually stated that is does support international shipping through the Northwest Passage, as long as Canadian awareness and regulations, rather than international law, are followed. Newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper defended the Canadian position by proposing to immediately expand Canada’s military presence within their arctic region. 1

To this end we signed a military agreement with Ottawa in April 2002 allowing Canadian troops to be stationed and/or deployed in the U.S. (and vice versa), and the Canadians are building a $60 million Arctic base for the Canadian Forces at Nanisivik, which is on Baffin Island at 73.068889°,-84.549167°.

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