Thank you very much, Mr. Chair and members of the Standing Committee on National Defence.
Good afternoon, everyone.
Thank you for this opportunity to discuss supplementary estimates (C) for the Department of National Defence, the Canadian Armed Forces, the Canadian Coast Guard and the Communications Security Establishment Canada.
Colleagues, at a time of increasing disruption, evolving threats and global uncertainty, Canada's purpose remains clear: Protect our people, uphold our values and contribute to a more secure and a stable world.
Before I begin, I want to reaffirm a fundamental commitment. The security of the women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces is paramount. That includes a strong duty to protect operational security, account for emerging threats and ensure that their missions are safeguarded every step of the way.
In an environment defined by rapidly evolving threats, we will continue to act with discipline and vigilance, both of which are required to protect our personnel and the integrity of their operations. When there is something noteworthy to communicate publicly and when we can do so without compromising operations or, more importantly, the safety and security of our personnel, we do our utmost to share that information in a timely way. Rest assured that we will bring a disciplined and measured approach, as they say, to ensure the safety and security of members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
At a moment marked by rising geopolitical tensions and global crises, Canada will continue to defend its sovereignty, protect its interests and work with partners where it advances our security and stability.
We have set this ambitious goal in response to the changing landscape of global threats, which means that Canada's security and sovereignty can no longer be taken for granted.
The funding in supplementary estimates (C) that we are seeking today is essential to achieve our target of spending 2% of GDP on defence. The proposed $1.05 billion in funding for key priorities includes major defence procurements, military operations and recruitment and the expansion of the Canadian Coast Guard's security role. Likewise, to support our domestic defences, we're requesting over $66.8 million to support the Canadian Armed Forces' northern operations.
Domestic and international operations like these are sustained by the strength, professionalism and commitment of our people in uniform. To ensure that they are well prepared, well supported and fairly compensated, we are investing in the foundations that enable readiness and retention, requesting $49 million to strengthen recruitment, retention and support programs for CAF members, and $12 million to expand access to child care for serving families.
These investments build on our ongoing efforts to support our people, and they are already showing results. Applications to join the Canadian Armed Forces have increased by 13% over the past year.
At the same time, we are making crucial investments in defensive capabilities. As part of these supplementary estimates, we are requesting $314 million for the strategic tanker transport capability project and the acquisition of CC‑330 Husky aircraft. We are also requesting $2 million to maintain and manage the anti-drone system.
This is in addition to the approximately $563.7 million of previously approved defence investments funded through the capital investment fund.
Most recently, the Department of National Defence has made historic investments in Canadian defence industries. Guided by Canada's defence industrial strategy, last week we announced up to $642 million to establish a high-explosive projectiles facility; over $400 million to General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems in Quebec for new artillery production facilities; and $305.4 million to IMT Precision in Ingersoll, Ontario, to build a new manufacturing facility producing metal shells, strengthening Canada's ammunition supply.
In support of Ukraine, Canada also announced the production of 383 Senator armoured vehicles manufactured by Roshel in Brampton, Ontario. Looking ahead, in addition to investments in air, water and land capabilities, we are investing $200 million in core infrastructure for a Canadian-owned spaceport, alongside other major space capabilities.
In the supplementary estimates (C), we are transferring budgets to 14 other government departments, totalling $179 million, reflecting the department's central role in Canadian defence spending and the Government of Canada's commitment to defence priorities.
Over the past year, the Canadian Coast Guard has joined the defence team. Its 6,500 personnel are dedicated to ensuring the safety of Canada's waters and coasts, and its expertise and presence in our Arctic and northern regions benefit Canadians, as well as our sovereignty and security. Today, we are requesting $129.5 million to fund the expansion of the Canadian Coast Guard's security role, as outlined in budget 2025.
Likewise, through our requested funding for CSE, we will ensure that that agency has the resources it needs. From foreign intelligence, cybersecurity and cyber-operations to protecting Canada's critical infrastructure and providing recommendations and advice through its Canadian centre for cybersecurity, it plays an essential and fundamental role in our security and sovereignty.
In conclusion, as threats to Canada and its allies increase in complexity, approving these requests will enable our defence and security organizations to modernize, rearm and optimize the ways we support our Canadian Armed Forces in their vital work.
I thank you, Mr. Chair, and the entire committee, greatly, for the committee's consideration and its ongoing work. I look forward to your questions.
