Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. I'll have a few opening remarks and then turn the floor over to Admiral Carosielli for a few more.
Thank you very much, Mr. Chair, for the invitation to speak to you today as part of your study on cybersecurity and cyberwarfare.
My name is Jon Quinn. I'm the director general for continental defence policy at the Department of National Defence. My portfolio includes, among other things, cyber-policy.
Cyberspace has become an important domain in the context of increasing global strategic competition. It underpins the systems and infrastructure that not only DND/CAF but all Canadians rely on for their daily work, life and essential services.
Cyber-threats are pervasive, with both state and non-state threat actors increasing their investments in, and development of, their own cyber capabilities. Against this backdrop, our partners and allies are likewise advancing their military cyber capabilities through significant investments and partnerships between military and civilian agencies to ensure they are better postured to defend against threats and to advance their interests.
In tandem with the rise of cyber-threats, we must also consider the opportunities that cyber capabilities offer. They are a strategic tool that the Government of Canada can use to accomplish its foreign affairs, intelligence and defence objectives.
Cyberspace has become another domain of military and national security operations, characterized by constant low-level, below-threshold competition that draws in allies and adversaries alike. The conflict in Ukraine demonstrates that cyber capabilities play a critical role in modern-day warfare.
Canada's defence policy—“Strong, Secure, Engaged”—directs the CAF to assume a more assertive posture in the cyber domain to develop offensive cyber capabilities and employ them against potential adversaries in support of government-authorized military missions.
As we develop miliary cyber capabilities and conduct operations, Canada is also providing leadership on the global stage in advancing responsible state behaviour in cyberspace.
Last year, Canada published its statement on the applicability of international law in cyberspace, which articulates our position on this matter.
In addition, CAF cyber operations respect all applicable domestic laws and are subject to proven checks and balances that ensure full oversight and accountability.
DND/CAF is committed to seizing the opportunities of cyberspace in a responsible manner and will continue working toward advancing the ability of our military cyber-forces to conduct cyber-operations independently with allies and other government departments to make Canada safer from cyber-threats.
Thank you. I'll now turn the floor over to Rear Admiral Carosielli.