Results: what we achieved - DRR 2016-17

Programs

Program 1.0: Defence Combat and Support Operations

Description

The Defence Combat and Support Operations Program delivers military power in combat, security, stability and surveillance operations in response to armed threats, or potential armed aggression, for the purpose of protecting Canadian sovereignty, upholding the values of Canadians, and defending the interests of the Government of Canada. Results are achieved through this Program by the application of Defence capabilities in domestic, continental and international domains, either independently or in combination with allies, where the primary focus is to inflict military effects against threats.

The term Defence capability is a collective term that refers to the ability of a military force to achieve a desired effect against a threat during the execution of a Defence operation (or the delivery of a Defence service) by executing tasks according to understood concepts, doctrine and standards. The military forces delivered by Defence are composed of force elements which are organizational entities that are in-turn composed of members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), and in some cases personnel from the Department of National Defence (DND).

Force elements integrate people, with specialized information and expertise, materiel (e.g., equipment, platforms, and weapon systems) and in some cases real property, so that capabilities can be applied against threats. Force elements have different sizes and compositions according to the capabilities they must apply during an operation.

This Program is underpinned by the National Defence Act, defence policy, international treaties and agreements, membership in international organizations, and direction received by the Government of Canada. The sub-programs beneath this Program target a range of threats across a variety of operational contexts via different delivery mechanisms in different geographic regions.

Results

Maintained Canada’s strong commitment to NORAD

Canada meets its commitment to NORAD on an ongoing basis and focuses on four key areas: personnel; capabilities; infrastructure; and participation in key decision-making fora on the future of NORAD. Canada is committed to exploring options, in cooperation with the United States, for renewing the North Warning System. While this effort is currently underway, the timeline for completion is, as yet, unknown.

Ongoing Defence operations through NORAD provide for the defence of North America in combination with the United States in accordance with the NORAD Agreement. The NORAD Agreement provides the co-ordinated bi-national delivery of maritime warning, and aerospace warning and control capabilities to the Governments of Canada and the United States in order to protect against threats that may impact the North American continent.

The aerospace warning and control capabilities applied through this program typically detect, identify, monitor, track, deter, intercept, divert and, when required, neutralize air-breathing threats to North America or its approaches. An integral part of aerospace warning entails the binational awareness of the aerospace domain through the monitoring of global aerospace activities and maintaining situational awareness in the air and space domains.

The maritime warning capabilities applied through this program encompass the processing, assessing and disseminating of intelligence and information related to the respective maritime areas and internal waterways of, and the maritime approaches to, the United States and Canada, and warning of maritime threats to, or attacks against North America in partnership with other commands and agencies responsible for maritime defence and security.

We remained an important element of the Government of Canada’s partnership with the United States via NORAD in the defence of the continent and its approaches. Highlights from FY 2016-17 include:

• Through the use of armed fighter, aerial refueling and airborne warning and control aircraft, Air Defence Sectors (ADS) and command and control facilities, Canadian NORAD Region (CANR) executed Operation NOBLE EAGLE ⁱⁱⁱ and Northern Sovereignty Operations;
• Increased interoperability between NORAD force elements and defence partners, CANR participated in various levels of exercises to include but not limited to Exercises VIGILANT SHIELD, ARDENT SENTRY, AMALGAM ARROW and VISTA POLAR;
• The NORAD Inspector General Team conducted four evaluations of CANR units to assess the readiness and ability of CANR forces to accomplish the NORAD mission. A Contingency Alert Force Evaluation was conducted, for the first time, at the Inuvik Forward Operating Location;
• In response to changing planning factors, available resources and deployment options, NORAD Concept Plan was renewed and promulgated to provide an updated basis for subsequent planning and readiness training;
• Revised the NORAD Terms of Reference to address the increasing significance of cyberspace activity and operations, clarify information sharing requirements and refine NORAD command relationships; and
• The Tri-Commands, the Canadian Joint Operations Command, NORAD and the United States Northern Command, explored options to improve the defense of North America across all domains and environments, to include the Arctic, and established an Evolution of North American Defense Executive Council and Working Group.

Maintained Canada’s strong commitment to NATO

Canada’s commitment to NATO is ongoing and has no end date. During the FY 2016-17, we have:

• Renewed the mandate for Operation REASSURANCE and become a Framework Nation in Latvia in support of NATO's enhanced Forward Presence, thereby substantially increasing Canada’s military footprint in Europe and its standing within the Alliance;
• Participated in NATO activities, programs, and decision-making, including the Warsaw Heads of State and Government Summit. Outside the NATO context but in close coordination with NATO Allies, Canada has continued its support to Ukraine, including renewing the mandate for Operation UNIFIER; and
• Contributed to NATO assurances measures by providing a frigate to the NATO Standing Naval Forces throughout the fiscal year as well as a land element, for training and exercise purposes in Poland.

Formation Europe represents the permanently stationed CAF personnel in Europe, the vast majority of whom are directly employed in NATO positions within Allied Command Operations. The organization has increased by 10 percent in 2016-17. This allows CAF personnel to fulfill important positions within NATO Command and Force structures while signalling to Canada’s allies and potential adversaries our commitment to collective security.

Operation IMPACT | Middle East

On 8 February 2016, the Government of Canada announced a renewed and enhanced whole-of-government approach to address the crisis in the Middle East, which includes an increased contribution to the advising and assistance of Iraq security forces, as well as humanitarian assistance, stabilization support and capacity building. In Iraq, the CAF is contributing many capabilities to the multinational efforts to destabilize and defeat Daesh, including aerial refuelling and surveillance, CH-146 Griffon helicopters, Special Operations Forces, and an all-source intelligence centre. Additionally, the CAF is providing the leadership and most of the core capabilities of the Coalition Role 2 medical facility and the Coalition Ministerial Liaison Team. In fall 2016, the CAF deployed two Canadian Training Assistance Teams (CTATs) to enhance military cooperation and with the aim to Build Partner Capacity within the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) and the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) through training, equipment, and other support. Build Partner Capacity is the effort on the part of coalition members and the CAF to work with the partnered countries to increase their ability to provide security and defence to their citizens. The CTAT’s role is to identify, establish, and synchronize capacity-building programs to be conducted with the JAF and the LAF. Build Partner Capacity efforts in these two countries promote increased security and contribute to regional security and stability. Materiel donation projects within the year, funded through Global Affairs Canada, included winter and mountain gear for the LAF, wet weather gear for the JAF, and defensive stores for the JAF. Two training projects were conducted within Jordan in early 2017. The first team deployed to provide the JAF with Logistics Support and mentorship, and the second team provided instructors for a JAF Joint Terminal Attack Controller course. Up to 830 CAF personnel are assigned to Operation IMPACT.

Operation UNIFIER | Ukraine

On 6 March 2017, the Government of Canada announced that it has extended Operation UNIFIER until the end of March 2019. This builds on Canada’s ongoing commitment to defence reform in Ukraine, including the appointment in October 2016 of a senior civilian executive within DND to Ukraine’s Defence Reform Advisory Board. DND and Ukraine officials also worked together to finalize the Canada-Ukraine Defence Cooperation Arrangement, a document that reflects Canada and Ukraine’s growing defence cooperation.

Furthermore, the CAF is partnering with Ukraine under the auspices of the Military Training and Cooperation Program (MTCP), an ongoing engagement that offers a series of opportunities to enhance peace support operations, interoperability, military capacity building, and professional development.

For example, a course on military chaplaincy training, sponsored by the MTCP concluded on 10 February 2017. CAF members and Ukrainian religious leaders with military experience worked together to train 22 Ukrainian soldiers over a two-week period. This course took place as part of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ efforts to develop a chaplaincy model to suit the needs of their diverse society and military.

Operation CALUMET | Sinai Peninsula

Canada's participation in the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO), an independent peacekeeping operation in the Sinai Peninsula. Canada has maintained a contingent in the MFO since September 1985. Task Force El Gorah consists of approximately 70 CAF personnel based at the MFO North Camp and South Camp in El Gorah, Egypt. Since March 2015, the Canadian contingent includes Military Police officers, who conduct police and security duties in the North and South camps of the multinational peacekeeping force. These duties include traffic control, patrols, investigations, inspections and searches. They are also responsible for crime prevention programs and general security within the North and South camps. Although insurgent activity continues to impact freedom of movement in the Northern area of operations, objectives were again met.

Operation ARTEMIS | Middle Eastern waters

Operation ARTEMIS ^iv is the CAF participation in counter-terrorism and maritime security operations in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean area. This operation clearly demonstrates Canada’s solidarity with partners and allies as we continue to work together for peace and security in the greater Middle East Region. Canada contributed to stability and regional prosperity by providing a 30 person command and staff for CTF 150 from December 2016 to April 2017. Current government support for this operation is effective until 31 March 2021 and includes a commitment of a periodic deployment of a ship, a maritime patrol aircraft and command and staff for CTF 150.

Operational support hubs

Work continues to operationally engage partners and allies to situate Operational Support (OS) Hubs. OS Hub Southwest Asia (Kuwait) and OS Hub Europe (Germany) are currently operating (at Cadre Status). OS Hub Latin America (Jamaica) was established in June 2016 and is at Caretaker Status, which means that personnel will be deployed there when needed.

Secure in North America

We continue to work with the United States and Mexico to enhance North American defence cooperation in areas such as maritime security, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and peacekeeping. From 2 – 5 March, 2017, HMCS Saskatoon participated in a North American Maritime Security Initiative exercise to address drug trafficking. Ships from the United States Coast Guard and Mexico’s Secretaría de Marina also took part in this exercise.

We also continue to implement initiatives to improve surveillance and control in the Arctic as outlined in the Plan for the North.

The CAF maintain a year-round presence in Canada’s northern region through the activities of Joint Task Force (North) (JTFN) and a host of joint exercises and annual sovereignty operations held in the high, western and eastern Arctic. These activities:

• Exercise Canada’s sovereignty in the region;
• Advance CAF capabilities to conduct arctic operations; and
• Improve whole-of-government coordination and interoperability in response to northern safety and security issues.

Key examples of joint exercises and sovereignty operations, which included participation of all environmental commands during summer and winter months included:

Operation NUNALIVUT ^v 2016: Took place from 1 - 22 April 2016 in and around Resolute Bay and Alert, Nunavut. Operation NUNALIVUT 2016 involved more than 230 CAF personnel from across Canada. The three-week operation provided an opportunity for the CAF to exercise Canada’s sovereignty over its northernmost regions, demonstrate its ability to operate in the harsh winter environment in remote areas of the High Arctic and enhance its capability to respond to any situation in Canada’s North.

Operation NUNAKPUT ^vi 2016: Took place from 5 - 20 July 2016 in the South MacKenzie River and Great Slave Lake regions. The operation consisted of a series of maritime patrols, training opportunities and community engagements. Search and rescue training, small boat operator training for Rangers, marine patrolling and training and community events were conducted in close cooperation with Northern partners.

Operation NANOOK ^vii 2016: Took place from 21 August to 2 September 2016. Approximately 850 Canadian sailors, soldiers, airmen and airwomen and civilian partners participated in Operation NANOOK 2016 in and around the Whitehorse and Haines Junction area of Yukon as well as in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. Military personnel and equipment came from across Canada, while civilian participants represented several federal and territorial agencies in Yukon. It is the largest sovereignty operation in Canada's North.

Operation NUNALIVUT ^viii 2017: The CAF successfully concluded this operation on 10 March 2017, after two weeks of surveillance and control operations near Hall Beach and Resolute Bay, Nunavut. Over 350 CAF members, including the 1^st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group, participated in the exercise with other government departments and agencies, focusing on long-range patrols, diving operations and survival training in the High Arctic.

Operation LIMPID ^ix: This surveillance, presence and control plan over space, air, cyber, maritime and land domains and approaches to Canada was executed to provide situational awareness to the CAF and whole of government partners.

Operation NEVUS ^x: A continuous operation to maintain effective communications in the High Arctic between Canadian Forces Station (CFS) Alert and CAF elements in southern Canada via the High Arctic Data Communications System.

Operation BOXTOP ^xi: Conducted twice yearly, in April and September, to replenish CFS Alert with fuel and supplies from Thule Air Force Base Greenland.

In addition, the Canadian Army conducts Northern Exercises (NOREX) on an annual basis in order to train and develop our arctic capabilities. All these exercises have a local community engagement nexus. In FY 2016-17 the following NOREXs occurred:

• Exercise NORTHERN SAPPER 17, Goose Bay, NL, 1-24 February 2017;
• Exercise GUERRIER NORDIQUE 17, Hall Beach, NU, 24 February to 12 March 2017;
• Exercise ARCTIC BISON, Grand Rapids, MB, 17-26 February 2017; and
• Exercise NORTHERN SOJOURN 17, around Goose Bay, NL, 2- 11 March 2017.

Operation CARIBBE ^xii | Caribbean and Eastern Pacific

While supporting United States Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachments, CAF personnel directly contributed to the seizure or disruption of approximately 3.4 metric tonnes of cocaine from 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017. Throughout the FY, the CAF contributed one CP-140 Aurora maritime patrol aircraft and five Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) ships which included Her Majesty’s Canadian (HMC) Ships Summerside, Edmonton (deployed twice), Saskatoon (deployed twice), Kingston and Brandon. The following are some highlights from the FY 2016-17 deployments:

• On 5 November 2016, HMCS Brandon in cooperation with the United States Coast Guard seized an estimated 700 kg of cocaine in international waters off the Pacific Coast of Central America;
• From 15 to 18 November 2016, HMCS Edmonton assisted in the disruption of three separate cocaine shipments in international waters off the Pacific coast of Central America. The combined weight of the seized/disrupted drug shipments was an estimated 2,120 kg of cocaine; and
• On 12 March 2017, HMCS Saskatoon in cooperation with the United States Coast Guard seized approximately 660 kg of cocaine in international waters in the eastern Pacific off the coast of Central America.

Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA+)

We continue to promote United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 and the subsequent seven resolutions on Women, Peace and Security. We now have in place a GBA+/WPS Champion, have engaged a Director - Integration of Gender Perspectives for the CAF and also have assigned three military gender advisors (two at the operational level and one at the strategic level). Furthermore, gender focal points have been assigned on each deployed operation and throughout the Department. The UNSCR 1325 Implementation Working Group was stood-up to ensure oversight of the CAFs continued commitment to implementation as per Canada’s National Action Plan. The Status of Women Canada GBA+ on-line training has been mandated to employees of the Department as this training provides an analytical tool on the integration of gender perspectives on military operations and in policy development. The first Five Eyes Plus Gender Conference was also hosted in Ottawa this year with representatives from 10 countries as well as NATO and the UN. There have also been multiple engagements at the international level with gender advisors and the GBA+/WPS Champion on WPS and integration of gender perspectives.

 

Note: Planned figures may not add up to total due to rounding.

For more information on previous fiscal year results, see the Departmental Results Report on our Reports and Publications web page ^xiii

 

Program 2.0: Defence Services and Contributions to Government

Description

The Defence Services and Contributions to Government Program aims to support the delivery of Canadian Government safety and security initiatives and encourage recognition and pride in Canada and the Canadian military. This is accomplished through the provision of unique Defence services in support of other elements of Government or the Canadian public.

To encourage and share pride and awareness of Canada’s military heritage, contributions, and leadership, Defence provides unique services and opportunities for outreach, awareness, preservation and development. Defence unique services also include operations conducted to ensure or enhance the security, safety, stability and/or well-being of Canadians, or international populations in peril, in accordance with Canadian values and the interests of the Canadian Government, in situations where there may be a need to defend against armed threats but where this is not the primary focus.

The operations are delivered through the employment of force elements to achieve a desired effect within specific contexts through execution of tasks according to understood concepts, doctrine and standards. The force elements delivered by Defence are organizational entities which are composed of members of the Canadian Armed Forces and in some cases personnel from the Department of National Defence. Force elements have different sizes and compositions according to the capabilities they must apply during an operation.

Defence remains consistently ready to employ force elements under this Program; however, significant operations do not always occur every fiscal year.

Results

We provided a National Data Transfer Service to other Canadian departments collaborating with the CAF. This service includes secure document transfer between most classified networks accessible by any CAF member. This service has annually decreased the number of security incidents experienced by the CAF and increased the security of each network involved.

Vimy 100 was a VAC led event announced in March 2017 for the important commemorative activities that took place both in Canada and in France in early April 2017, for which the CDS designated the Canadian Joint Operations Commander as the CAF lead for the events overseas. There was a significant Canadian presence of both CAF and retired CAF personnel. In addition, the fallen from previous wars were honoured and buried and CAF participation in a range of national and local ceremonies such as Remembrance Day, the Battle of the Atlantic and the Battle of Britain, helped keep the service, sacrifice and the CAF in the minds of Canadians.

Establishment changes have been processed and manning efforts have progressed toward the desired end-state for the Reserve force positions and for year two of the three year plan to optimize the Regular force establishment in support of the Youth Program.

The Regular force manning priority for Regional Cadet Support Units was also corrected to Priority 3 from Priority 6. This changes the minimum percentage of the military Regular force establishment that shall be filled to 96 percent from the previous 85 percent minimum manning level. The actual manning levels achieved in FY 2016-17 was only 70.5 percent, down from 87.1 percent in FY 2015-16. This is primarily due to the shift in targeted CAF occupations as part of the optimized Regular force establishment plan, which will take a few posting cycles to achieve the required end-state.

The organizational changes are achieving the intent to exercise better command and control over decentralized delivery of the program regionally and locally. This included the streamlining of regional headquarters and standing up a system of areas and zones that are staffed with personnel who can provide better and more direct service and support to community level programming.

The new governance model for the cadet program continues to be operationalized and is enhancing its overall joint management and administration between National Defence and the Navy, Army, and Air Cadet Leagues of Canada.

Finalization of the research report by the department to gain a better understanding of the types of activities and factors that will encourage youth to join and stay in the program was delayed until FY 2017-18. However, a renewal working group was initiated to review growth and sustainability of the program.

Significant progress has been made in working towards a command-driven and staff supported standardized business planning approach and related comptrollership practices. Some of the new renewal metrics have been activated and the information is being considered by program stakeholders.

The program administration and internal communications reviews have been completed and the results and recommendations are working their way through the applicable governance bodies for consideration.

Implementation of the Youth Program Public Affairs Strategy has progressed as planned and is beginning to generate results particularly in terms of the youth program's social media presence and engagement with its stakeholders.

Science and Technology (S&T)

We supported innovators who have science and technology solutions to public safety and security challenges. Key to the program’s success has been mobilizing, building, and accessing collaborative networks. For example, the Canadian Safety and Security Program has continued funding partnerships that meet Government of Canada priorities such as strengthening Canada’s capacity to predict, prepare for, and respond to weather-related emergencies and natural disasters. Significantly, we have:

• Implemented the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 which strengthens Canada’s capacity to manage weather-related emergencies and natural disasters;
• Promoted innovative use of current technology zoonotic and infectious diseases mitigates diseases that threaten resources inside our borders has been funded; and
• Developed the countermeasures for remotely piloted systems that threaten our critical infrastructure and communities.

Defence Research Development Canada promotes, funds and manages collaborative S&T projects that provide public safety and security communities with knowledge and resources needed to address S&T capability gaps. In such instances, it is expected that public safety and security communities will exploit S&T knowledge and resources to inform their policies, programs, operations and initiatives. An example is our support to Canadian innovators proposing emerging technologies to address challenges related to creating safe and secure smart cities.

Domestic and continental assistance and response operations

Throughout FY 2016-17, as tasked by the Government of Canada and as required, CAF personnel were deployed in support of domestic and continental assistance and response operations. Operations included:

Operation LENTUS ^xiv New Brunswick: After a destructive ice storm, the Province of New Brunswick asked for Government of Canada help on 29 January 2017. About 200 CAF members supported the emergency response until 6 February 2017. Over the course of the operation, the troops surveyed more than 1,100 km of roads, visited 5,400 houses and delivered eight pallets of water and 34 truckloads of firewood.

Operation LENTUS | Alberta: On 4 May 2016, following intense wildfires, the Province of Alberta requested CAF assistance with their emergency response to the wildfire situation in Fort McMurray. In support of the Province of Alberta, the CAF deployed:

• 65 CAF personnel;
• four CH-146 Griffon helicopters;
• one CH-147 Chinook helicopter; and
• one CC-130J Hercules aircraft.

Joint Task Force West shipped 124,700 lbs. of freight, transported a total of 367 evacuees to safe areas and transported 173 firefighters in and out of the affected area.

Working from Conklin, Alberta, the Air Task Force conducted one search and rescue mission, eight reconnaissance flights over fire-affected areas and critical infrastructure, and eight night surveillance flights that employed technology to monitor the fire at night.

On 12 May 2016, the Province of Alberta assessed that the contribution of CAF air assets to support provincial resources in responding to the wildfires in Fort McMurray was no longer required. On 13 May 2016, all participating CAF assets returned to normal duties.

International humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations

Canadian Armed Forces personnel also deployed, as required and tasked by the Government of Canada, in support of international humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. In FY 2016-17, operations included:

Operation PROVISION ^xv: On 12 November 2015, the CAF was tasked by government to provide assistance to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the overseas processing, and settlement in Canada, of 25,000 Syrian refugees. The CAF contribution was named Operation PROVISION, which contributed to Canada reaching its target on 28 February 2016. On 30 March, 2016, the IRCC Minister announced that privately sponsored refugee applications already submitted would continue to be processed, requiring a continuation of CAF assistance to process the remaining applications. From May to June 2016, 16 additional CAF personnel deployed to Beirut, Lebanon, to assist IRCC in processing applications.

Operation RENAISSANCE ^xvi | New Zealand: From 16 - 19 November 2016, HMCS Vancouver conducted emergency relief operations in New Zealand following a 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the South Island on 14 November. In support of the New Zealand Defence Force, HMCS Vancouver, with its embarked CH-124 Sea King helicopter and air detachment, evacuated people from the affected area of Kaikoura, assisted in the delivery of emergency supplies and repaired damaged infrastructure.

Search and Rescue (SAR)

The primary SAR responsibilities of the CAF are the conduct of aeronautical SAR and the coordination of the aeronautical and maritime SAR system. CAF resources may also assist in Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) efforts, medical evacuations, and other humanitarian incidents if requested by the responsible provincial/territorial authority and provided it does not interfere with CAF’s primary mandate of aeronautical SAR. All CAF personnel and equipment are considered secondary SAR assets. The Canadian Rangers and Reserve force, regularly aid in GSAR upon request in sparsely settled regions of the country. This past year there were a total of 10,071 SAR incidents; 2,222 had a final classification of 1 (Distress) or 2 (Imminent Distress), and were all handled effectively. Effectiveness is based on the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre coordinating an appropriate response to all calls received. This may mean dispatching a CAF resource, utilizing volunteers or handing the situation to a more appropriate agency. The 2,222 cases in 2016 generated 826 taskings for RCAF air assets. Thirty-three of these taskings were flown by RCAF secondary SAR aircraft (Aurora, Sea King, Twin Otter, Griffon, etc). There were no missions where the primary SAR asset was unable to complete the mission due to weather or serviceability. The 33 missions where a secondary SAR asset was tasked were due to their closer proximity to the distress location. Finally, in addition to responding to SAR emergencies, organizations also invested time and resources to educate Canadians about SAR in support of the Transport Canada prevention mandate. United by the common theme of "working together to save lives," the collective work of all involved partners forms the backbone of Canada’s National SAR Program.

Ongoing operations

Operation PALACI ^xvii: began on 29 November 2016 and continued until April 2017. This season, artillery troops fired 499-105 mm blank ammunition rounds with the intent of starting controlled avalanches in the mountain regions of British Columbia. The large number of ammunition used was due to significant snowfall in British Columbia. Cumulatively, more than 11 metres of snow fell this past season at the Parks Canada weather station at Mount Fidelity (elevation 1,905 metres) and almost 6.5 metres at the weather station at Rogers Pass (elevation 1,315 metres).

Operation SABOT ^xviii: took place between 1 April 2016 and 31 March 2017 and saw the CAF supporting the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec and Saskatchewan to conduct patrols. In total, police seized and destroyed more than 87,677 marijuana plants from multiple illegal grow sites in the provinces. The CAF have supported Operation SABOT since 1989.

Operation DRIFTNET ^xix: took place from 3 - 26 June 2016. It delivers Canada's participation in multinational efforts to control driftnetting and other forms of illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing in the North Pacific Ocean.Operation DRIFTNET 2016 was coordinated by Fisheries and Oceans Canada personnel from British Columbia, the CAF (including a RCAF CP-140 Aurora aircraft stationed in Hakodate, Japan), and was supported by the United States Coast Guard out of Juneau, Alaska. Over the duration of the mission, 11 flights and 120 surveillance hours were logged in the high threat area of the North Pacific.

For more information on CAF operations, please visit the Defence website. ^xx

 

Note: Planned figures may not add up to total due to rounding.

Program 3.0: Defence Ready Force Element Production

Description

The Defence Ready Force Element Production Program produces and renews force elements on a continual basis for use in Defence Combat and Support Operations, as well as for the delivery of Defence Services and Contributions to Government, in order to increase the likelihood of success and decrease risk of failure in the defence of Canada and promotion of Canadian interests. Results are delivered by assembling force elements from the fundamental elements of Defence capability (i.e., military personnel, materiel and information systems, information, and, in some cases, real property), and integrating them through various training and certification programs so that they have the requisite amount of readiness in order to fulfill predefined roles within the operations for which they are destined.

The term readiness refers to the volume, endurance, responsiveness and capability attributes of force elements that are not employed. These attributes are used to determine the degree of risk that would be associated with assigning them to fulfill perspective role(s) within on-going or contingency operations. The force elements produced by the Defence Ready Force Elements Production Program are organized into portfolios according to the maritime, land, aerospace and special operations environments in which they operate. There are also portfolios for force elements that operate jointly across these domains and force elements that provide common support functions.

Across these portfolios, force elements are produced to meet readiness targets. These readiness targets ensure that production can be sustained over short- and medium-term time horizons and that the number of force elements available for employment in on-going and contingency operations is in accordance with acceptable levels of operational risk.

Results

Royal Canadian Navy (RCN)

The RCN is Canada’s naval force, a rapidly deployable and highly flexible team that provides the Government of Canada with maritime defence and security options. To prepare to meet these demands, the RCN plans, schedules and monitors the execution of naval readiness through its semi-annual governance cycle.

During the reporting period, the RCN participated in many joint and inter-operability exercises and deployments. Of note were: the participation in RIMPAC ’16; participation of the submarine, HMCS Windsor, in Exercise DYNAMIC MONGOOSE; the deployment of HMC ships Summerside and Moncton to West Africa for NEPTUNE TRIDENT 17; HMCS Vancouver’s participation in the Royal Australian Navy Exercise KAKADU; the Canadian-led anti-submarine warfare exercise CUTLASS FURY; and Exercise TRADEWINDS in the Caribbean Sea.

The RCN has embarked on new initiatives aimed at reducing organizational risk and increasing ability to deliver on naval readiness. As an example, the Naval Reserve recruiting process has been revamped, significantly reducing the time required to enroll naval reservists. Significant strides forward have also been achieved in the implementation of Command Analytics within RCN lines.

Gaps that exist in naval capability continue to be mitigated. For a second year, RCN sailors have embarked in partner nation's replenishment vessels in order to maintain operational experience and retain individual skills. The RCN continues to manage the risk associated with the lack of long range air defence caused by the early retirement of the IROQUOIS class destroyers.Finally, the weld issues discovered in HMCS Chicoutimi and Victoria are being addressed and the last of the Halifax Class frigates to be modernized is undergoing at sea trials.

 

Canadian Army (CA)

The CA is made up of Regular force, Reserve force, Canadian Rangers and civilian personnel who work together to provide Canada with a reliable and responsive range of military capabilities that deliver decisive land power in the achievement of Canadian defence objectives. Through its Managed Readiness Plan, the Army’s flexibility and depth ensures it can scale its forces across the full continuum of operations. Throughout 2016-17, the CA remained ready to defend Canada and North America and to contribute to international peace and security. This was aptly demonstrated by contributing to Operation LENTUS, the deployment of Reserve-based Arctic Response Company Groups to the North and contributions across international areas of conflict including those in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Preparations were also initiated for the deployment of the Enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group to Latvia.

Strengthening the Primary Reserve is a high priority for the CA in order to increase the army’s readiness. In December 2016, the CA launched an innovative Primary Reserve recruiting trial program in 5^th Canadian Division, in the Atlantic Provinces, to improve the recruiting process. The trial demonstrates a faster form of enrolment that effectively synchronizes all the processing steps, such as aptitude tests, reliability checks and medical assessments, enabling applicants to be enrolled within a couple of weeks rather than months. This will result in personnel taking part in basic training much sooner. Expedited recruiting has proven possible and is expected to lead to an increase of effective strength over time which may positively affect retention.

The limited vehicle serviceability rates within the CA, due to its aging fleets, are impacting readiness. The CA assesses its major vehicle and equipment fleet serviceability at 60 percent. This number does not currently reduce the operational capability of the CA to achieve its missions as directed by the Government of Canada; but in the long-term, delays may affect the force generation of land capabilities if unaddressed. Until replacement fleets are fielded, and in order to minimize the impact on readiness, the CA is actively prioritizing the usage of its fleets based on the Managed Readiness Plan. Projects for replacement fleets are in various stages of development and fielding. The recapitalization of core capabilities as well as modernization of the CA in areas such as communications, command and control, weapons systems and vehicle fleets are key elements addressed in Strong, Secure, Engaged: Canada’s Defence Policy.

 

Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF)

The RCAF force elements, through the Total Air Resource Management (TARM) process, dictate the yearly flying rate required for force generation to complete tasks associated with the RCAF Force Protection and Readiness (FP&R) that align with established readiness levels within the CAF FP&R. RCAF has met the goal of preserving the yearly flying rate required to ensure force generation for force elements enabling them to meet established readiness levels. Core force generation hours are defined in the TARM and are not apportioned for force employment, ensuring that the force generation base required for FP&R tasks is preserved.

The RCAF participated in more than 10 main joint exercises in FY 2016-17. Main domestically located exercises were: CUTLASS FURY, VIGILANT SHIELD, ^xxi READY ANGLE, READY RENAISSANCE, ^xxii MAPLE FLAG 49, MAPLE RESOLVE and BULLSEYE.

Main expeditionary exercises were RIMPAC 16 and PITCH BLACK. Furthermore, Air Task Force Operation IMPACT ^xxiii Collective Training was conducted to enable Operations Ready declaration for RCAF assets to support the joint mission. Some observers were also sent to three joint exercises to assess and optimize potential future participations (ULCHI FREEDOM GUARDIAN in South Korea, TRIDENT JUNCTURE for NATO, and VOLFA in France).

Governance structures were refined and used to ensure force elements had the required resources by priority and combined air operations centre ensured effects of air assets were used to the maximum extent.

Special Operations Forces (SOF)

The Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) is strategically placed to meet the Government of Canada’s requirement to deliver SOF operational effects around the globe. This is achieved through the preparation and maintenance of very high-readiness forces.

CANSOFCOM contributes directly to achieving National Defence’s priorities by ensuring sustainable operational excellence (including long-term investments in equipment and infrastructure); CAF posture and readiness (positioned and ready to meet operational contingencies and expectations in Canada and around the globe); strengthening the Defence Team (investing in our personnel and growing the Command in order to achieve defence policy objectives); and ensuring defence resource stewardship and affordability.

CANSOFCOM has maintained a global presence, not only in the Middle East, but also in the Caribbean, Africa and South East Asia. Special operations forces engagements leverage relationships with other government departments, allies and partners to ensure a coordinated and collaborative approach. Global engagements over the last year have covered a wide variety of activities including, but not limited to, capacity building (through collaborative exercises TROPICAL DAGGER and FLINTLOCK); key leader engagements, multinational training activities and the maintenance of a strong international liaison network.

CANSOFCOM continues to meet its Force Development mandate to conduct activities that develops SOF capabilities and provide SOF teams with the essential structural, technological and knowledge advantage required to be successful. CANSOFCOM also sponsors an ambitious Science and Technology / Research and Development program aimed at enabling, facilitating and supporting the development and acquisition of innovative technology, examples of which include the Long Range Anti-Armour Missile and the Ultra-Light Combat Vehicle.

Joint and common forces

The continued evolution of the Joint Managed Readiness Program (JMRP) was the joint readiness focus for 2016-17. The JMRP is in the third year of a five year development process. It comprises a detailed schedule of joint exercises implemented by a Joint Training Advisory Group and CAF planning staffs. The associated CAF Joint Task List was reviewed comprehensively and revised this year.

We identified opportunities for NATO training that would support Canada’s training needs. This training takes place under the oversight of the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) and/or the Allied Command Transformation (ACT).

The Strategic Management Readiness Tool (SMART) was delivered to the command and control (C2) network and used by Defence organizations to report on readiness metrics related to assigned tasks and responsibilities. The tool collects readiness data (personnel, resource, equipment and infrastructure components) that provides CAF Force Posture and Defence Readiness reports. It also serves as a decision aid for senior management.

Exercise DETERMINED DRAGON ^xxiv is an annual training event that exercises the Canadian Joint Operation Command’s ability to execute various scenarios in defence of North America and global defence operation. From 12 - 23 September 2016, it focused on the joint defence of North America, specifically the joint and combined control and command of the NORAD and the Canadian NORAD Region.

RIMPAC 16 ^xxv | Pacific Rim Region: is the world’s largest international maritime exercise, comprised of nations with an interest in the Pacific Rim region. It took place from 30 June to 4 August 2016. More than 1,500 Canadian sailors, soldiers, airmen and airwomen participated in the United States Navy-led exercise in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. RIMPAC is conducted on a biennial basis from the Hawaiian Islands and Pearl Harbour.

For more information on military exercises ^xxvi visit our web site

*Note: No activities were undertaken, FY 2014-15.

Note: Planned figures may not add up to total due to rounding.

Program 4.0: Defence Capability Element Production

Description

The Defence Capability Element Production Program aims to sustain Defence by producing and maintaining portfolios of the fundamental Defence capability elements so that they are continuously available in the appropriate quantity, combination and condition to sustain the chain of programs delivered by Defence, from the Defence Capability Development and Research Program through to the Defence Ready Force Elements Production Program.

These programs collectively give Defence the ability to conduct Defence Combat and Support Operations as well as deliver Defence Services and Contributions to Government.

The primary elements of Defence capability are military personnel, materiel and information systems, information, and real property. A fundamental focus of the Defence Capability Elements Production Program is to provide an adequate and sustained supply of individual military personnel and materiel in the near-term and over long-term time horizons so that they can be integrated to produce force elements within the Defence Ready Force Element Production Program.

Results are achieved through subordinate programs, each of which focuses on a separate portfolio: military personnel and organization; materiel; real property; or information systems. A lifecycle approach is used to manage each portfolio. The essential aspects of the lifecycle approach are sub-sub-programs that provide the principle lifecycle functions: introduction into service; maintenance, upgrade and supply; release from service; portfolio management; and overarching co-ordination and control. The character of activity that occurs within each of these primary functions depends on the portfolio of entities being produced and therefore the desegregation of the lifecycle functions into sub-sub-programs is unique to each portfolio.

The authority for this Program is derived from the National Defence Act and related Government direction, such as the Defence Policy.

Results

Diversity and Employment Equity

The CAF focused on the development of an enhanced Diversity Strategy and Diversity Action Plan, which encompasses legislated Employment Equity regulations. In addition the following were conducted:

• Published a directive regarding Religious or Spiritual Accommodation to highlight the CAF’s responsibility to consider a request for an accommodation based on a religious or sincerely held spiritual belief;
• Commenced revision of an instruction that provides information for transgender members and their unit. This will reflect current terminology and provide additional guidance for supervisors in the provision of support to transgender members;
• Initiated the revision to modernized definitions and integrated policy across the institution to reflect GBA+ and diversity concepts;
• Commenced the development of Employment Equity and Diversity training packages;
• Continued ongoing involvement of Defence Advisory groups for designated groups; and

• Continued ongoing development of the Family Status and of Learning Disability Accommodation policies.

Definitive action on Operation HONOUR and related initiatives

The CAF has taken significant action to improve victim support; initiate prevention programs; update policies; enhance subject matter expertise of those who provide support and assistance to victims; embed Operation HONOUR concepts across all levels of education and training; hold leaders to account for their response and actions; take decisive action to deter perpetrators; and engage and empower all members of the CAF to take action to address and eliminate sexual violence and harassment.

Related initiatives include:

• The Integrated Complaint & Conflict Management System which is now operating on four bases and is providing a simplified, integrated complaint and conflict management system that is responsive to and trusted by CAF members and the chain of command;
• DND has been working closely with Other Government Departments on initiatives related to Diversity and Inclusivity, Mental and Spiritual Health and Wellness, Gender Based Violence, Workplace Violence, and Sexual Harassment and continues to gain insights from the experience of our Allies and Canadian experts who have been part of our stakeholder engagement plan and consultations;
• The stand-up of the specially trained Sexual Offence Response Teams which will investigate all complaints of sexual assault within the CAF that are investigated by the military police;
• The revision of the medical policy on "Medical Management of Sexual Misconduct", which now provides clearer direction on providing medical care to victims of sexual misconduct;
• The Survey on Sexual Misconduct in the CAF was conducted by Statistics Canada and collected information regarding the prevalence of sexual misconduct within the CAF, the reporting of harmful and inappropriate sexualized behaviour, and member awareness of policy, programs, and associated support mechanisms;
• The development of a one-day workshop titled "Respect in the CAF" which has been designed to foster a sustained change in attitudes and behaviours focused on building a respectful climate and culture within the Canadian Armed Forces to align with its ethical principles and values;
• Updated policy and instructions on harassment; and
• Rolled out new or enhanced training packages on harassment, conduct, workplace environment and bystander intervention and ongoing products related to harmful and inappropriate sexual behaviour.

Support of CAF members (including those who are medically-released) and their families

In October 2015, VAC, in partnership with DND, announced a pilot initiative for medically-released veterans and their families to access the Military Family Services Program for two-years from their date of release from the CAF. To ease transitional challenges, the Veteran Family Program pilot initiative was made available at seven Military Family Resource Centres, through the Family Information Line and virtually at www.CAFconnection.ca. Since the implementation of the Veteran Family Program there has been:

• Direct contact with 1,190 medically-released veterans and/or their families through the Family Information Line; and
• Virtual contact with 13,000 medically-released veterans and/or their families.

As a part of the broader initiative to provide enhanced support to veterans, serving military members, and their families, a Records Disclosure Team (RDT) was established to support the timely provision of digitized medical records to VAC. In 2016, the RDT disclosed 11,596 redacted medical records to VAC within an average timeframe of 30 days. This enhanced information sharing capability between DND and VAC represents a disclosure increase of approximately 31 percent since its inception in 2014.

The strengthening of our commitment to improving support to our military members saw the launch of The Journey initiative and the creation of the project team who will set the conditions for the implementation of many of the Defence Policy initiatives with the aim of amelioration of support to our currently serving and retiring members.

Ensure Canada’s military is well-equipped

We continued to acquire and support the materiel and equipment required by the CAF to ensure that our materiel capability elements are available in the quantity, mix and condition needed to support operations and to achieve Force Protection and Readiness (FP&R) requirements.

To acquire and modernize operational fleets for the CAF, the department progressed key major capital projects and advanced the National Shipbuilding Strategy. Highlights included:

• The approval of a revised procurement strategy for the Canadian Surface Combatant Project;
• Commencement of design and engineering of the Joint Support Ship Project;
• Commencement of construction of the second Arctic Off-Shore Patrol Ship;
• Modernization of the last of 12 HALIFAX Class frigates;
• Implementation of the Fixed Wing Search and Rescue Project;
• Introduction of several Block 1.1 and 1.2 Cyclone maritime helicopters into service;
• Acceptance of the first Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle; and
• The start of the definition phase for the Interim Fighter Capability Project.

We continued to collaborate with Public Services and Procurement Canada on the implementation of the Defence Procurement Strategy including further streamlining the Defence procurement process and making improvements to the Defence Acquisition Guide to ensure the delivery of the right equipment to the CAF and the creation of economic opportunities and jobs in Canada. We continued to develop and augment our procurement and contracting capacity through the hiring and training of procurement officers in the Department.

Through the Defence Renewal Maintenance and Materiel Program, we successfully identified and implemented organizational and business efficiencies, resulting in significant reinvestments in the Defence Services Program. With the goal of increasing equipment availability, streamlining equipment maintenance programs, and optimizing the amount of inventory procured, we advanced its Inventory Management Modernization and Rationalization Project, National Stocktaking Project, and contracting innovation initiatives to increase efficiencies.

On the change management front, our National Procurement Corporate Account Review has led to significant improvements in forecasting accuracy which has resulted in more efficient equipment in-service support. We also implemented best practices in capital project demand forecasting methodologies, resulting in the standardization of forecasting and reporting methodologies, more informed risk management, and strengthened stewardship of financial resources. Furthermore, the sustainment initiative, a focal point of Defence Renewal, advanced very well, with all equipment sustainment contracts now required to undergo a sustainment business case analysis, which is presented to the appropriate whole-of-government Defence Procurement Strategy committee for decision.

With respect to public account and inventory stewardship, we pursued and achieved several materiel accountability and inventory improvements. Key successes included:

• A significant increase in non-required materiel disposals and the modernization of disposal policies, with new integrated materiel disposal coding in the Defence Resource Management Information System;
• Regular nationally-controlled stocktaking and stock verification to improve inventory data quality accuracy and materiel management discipline; and
• Improved automated reporting, stocktaking training, and procedures implementation as part of the Materiel Accountability Action Plan.

Additionally, the Materiel Acquisition and Support Transformation Campaign Plan continued to advance the strategic change agenda and improve the delivery of the Materiel Acquisition and Support Program to strengthen the stewardship of resources, reduce the cost of asset ownership, and invest in the materiel acquisition and support team. The strategic initiative on systems security engineering also made significant progress with contributions made to our focus on cyber mission assurance. Significant progress was also made on refining land, air and sea materiel assurance programs to ensure the CAF has equipment that is safe and fit-for-purpose.

Reserve force

The permanent full-time establishment has been set with a ceiling of 4,500 positions and aligned to support the priorities of Reserve force generation, support to operations, Reserve professional development and support to the institution. CAF policies affecting the Reserve force that require changes or amendments to meet the CDS’s direction were tabled and, as a result, committees and working groups are addressing any required changes. The selection of reservists to attend foreign military out of service training courses, including the NATO School, have been consistently maximized with 100 percent of allocated seats being filled. The implementation of the CDS’s directive continues as planned and key successes thus far include:

• Streamlined recruiting process;
• Inclusion of Primary Reserve specific elements in the "Your Say Survey" and "Focussing on the Future Survey";
• Creation of a Reserve Corporate Account to ensure funding is predictable and sustainable, also ensuring funds allocated to the Reserve remain dedicated for that purpose;
• Establishment of the Career Edge Internship program to increase attraction and retention;
• Launch of the High School co-op program in several locations across Canada; and
• Civil-Military Leadership Pilot Initiative agreements have been signed in three new educational institutions.

Infrastucture

Defence’s Real Property portfolio consists of approximately 21,000 buildings, nearly 10 million m² of floor space, and has a replacement value of $26 billion.

The infrastructure program completed the first year of a five year transformation agenda, including the consolidation of Real Property responsibilities under a single custodian and the launch of a new real property and environmental information management system across the country.

Other key highlights included:

• Completing detailed condition assessments for approximately 40 percent of the real property portfolio;
• Successfully launching Energy Performance Contracts in Petawawa, Bagotville, Alert, and Shilo;
• Establishing a Director General of Environment and Sustainable Management to coordinate and manage environment related activity across Defence; and
• Completing 78 additional repair and construction projects under the Federal Infrastructure Investments Program, investing over $410 million in upgrades for Defence infrastructure.

Information Systems

We have made progress in supporting defence priorities, including:

• Enhancing IT security capabilities including monitoring, detection, and controls;
• Enabling, through interoperability development, secure information exchange between Canada and its allies;
• Consolidating IT service and processes to improve service delivery across Defence and better enable the conduct of Cyber operations;
• Delivering a foundational business intelligence/analytics infrastructure and specific capabilities in support of departmental priorities, such as enhanced support to CAF members and veterans; and
• Enhancing the operational effectiveness of the CAF by sustaining current C4ISR capabilities and delivering new or enhanced capabilities through better integration, interoperability, and security.

Note: Planned figures may not add up to total due to rounding.

Program 5.0: Defence Capability Development and Research

Description

The Defence Capability Development and Research Program seeks to provide the analytical bases and knowledge to anticipate foreseeable changes in the threat and security environment and to determine the associated demand for Defence capabilities across near- and long-term time horizons in order to enable evidence-based strategic decisions that align the introduction, modification and divestment of Defence capabilities and guide the application of existing capabilities with an acceptable levels of risk.

Results are achieved by: establishing and monitoring the fulfillment of near-term targets for readying force elements and conducting Defence operations; identifying lessons from past operations; assessing defence and security trends; developing and integrating new knowledge and systems/methods for conducting operations; developing approaches and conducting Defence capability analyses at strategic, operational and tactical levels; present to future capability assessments; designing and assessing defence alternatives; providing Defence capability oversight and expertise; and Defence capability use planning for sustainable Defence capabilities in future time horizons.

As such, this Program sustains Defence by providing key products and services to the Defence Capability Element Production Program, the Defence Ready Force Element Production Program and parts of the Defence Combat and Support Operations, and Defence Services and Contributions to Government programs.

This Program also directly enables the management and oversight of Defence as a whole.

Results

Strong, Secure, Engaged – Canada’s defence policy is comprehensive in scope and addresses all aspects of the business of defence, from military operations and capability development, to care for personnel, and management of infrastructure. The process was supported by extensive external consultations, including engagement with the Canadian public, Parliament, defence experts, and allies and partners.

The Lean Headquarters final report project closed out in October 2016.

We will continue capability development, doctrine advancement, and incorporation of lessons learned to promote capability design, development and integration. The focus for these efforts is Command and Control, Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance, Force Protection and Sustainment. In particular, advanced concepts for targeting will be refined through the Joint Non-munitions Effects Experiment, the development of the Joint Targeting Centre of Excellence, associated joint targeting Tactics, Techniques, Procedures and the Joint Doctrine for targeting. The ongoing development of a Recognized Operational Support Picture, including Automated Information Technology, will provide a sustainment readiness decision support capability with utility at the strategic, operational and tactical levels.

The Canadian Forces Warfare Centre (CFWC) continues to advance CAF capabilities through the work of the unit branches. The Joint Experimentation and Training Team continued to support joint operational readiness of the CAF through efforts such as major table top and computer-assisted exercises – in particular JOINTEX 17. Significant activity surrounded the preparations for Non-Munitions Based Targeting in the Joint Non-Munitions Based Targeting experiment and creation of modern synthetic environments to include advanced Electronic Combat. The Joint Doctrine Branch conducted an extensive analysis into delivering joint doctrine in a more effective manner and provided the Department with consistency in operational language through its joint terminology function. The Lessons Learned branch provided local and dispersed training for teams recording the lessons in preparation for joint and service (RCN, CA, and RCAF) specific exercises including major CAF endeavours such as the multinational exercise RIMPAC. A major focus for the Lessons Learned branch was the design and development of the Departmental Lessons Learned Program, which provides for the strategic management of lessons learned issues across DND and the CAF.

At the start of the year, CFWC managed the CAF Joint Targeting Enterprise (JTE) on behalf of the newly stood-up Targeting Capability Implementation Team (TCIT), but is now in a supporting role to the TCIT. The JTE is an amalgamation of significant aspects, components and mechanisms related to effective Command and Control, and Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance efforts by leading and providing support for major JTE sub-committees.

In 2016-17, we focused on advancing and supporting science and technology through effective partnerships and close collaboration with our allies. The overarching goal was to ensure the CAF was equipped and prepared to protect Canadians as we:

• Supported Canada's renewed focus on surveillance and control of Canadian territory through significant scientific investment and collaboration with the United States to provide advice for enhanced domain awareness of air and maritime approaches to North America. An overall systems concept is being explored to minimize surveillance gaps and risks. It is a joint effort between in-house research and development and accessing innovation in industry and academia. In total, 12 external proposals and four internal projects were accepted for funding, with targeted investments for technologies and potential solutions;
• Advanced S&T to enhance FP&R by continued support to NATO activities in Central and Eastern Europe and support to Ukraine, in coordination with key NATO allies including the NATO Heads of State and Government Summit in Warsaw, Poland. In addition, Canada has become a Framework Nation in Latvia in support of NATO's enhanced Forward Presence;
• Collaborated with international partners to advance science enhancing contested urban environments by developing urban operation vignettes, including pre-entry sensing, reconnaissance support, automated sentry sensing, and mobility support, which brought together wide-area motion imagery with aircraft and tethered remotely piloted systems, network-enabled soldiers and future small arms sighting technologies. This is also evidenced by the Complex Urban Environment Program trials with Five Eyes partners.
• Implemented the Defence Research and Development Partner engagement plan with the identification of partnership opportunities by assessing allied, industrial, and academic strengths. National Defence signed a Memoranda of Understanding with two of the Canadian granting councils, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Internationally, Senior S&T Boards to manage bilateral Canada and United States research programs were also implemented;
• Completed 15 studies to advance the Strategic Outlook providing analysis to develop strategic estimates and supporting the development of an evidence-based Horizon One Strategic Outlook, and FP&R Directive;
• Established a Joint Targeting Steering Committee to coordinate the support of science, technology and engineering for joint targeting;
• Worked closely with allied defense organizations to develop and implement coalition programs on Space Situational Awareness and Earth Observation;
• Implemented an advisory engagement plan and advisory cell structure to provide S&T advice to senior executives. The advisory cell reached Initial Operating Capability and maintains a list of emerging S&T related policy issues to set priorities. Products delivered include S&T trends, "The Future of Warfare", “Science Innovation in Defence for the Defence Policy Review” and “Threats from Advanced Chemical Compounds”; and
• Completed the implementation of the management action plan in response to the Department’s evaluation of the Defence Science and Technology Program.

Note: Planned figures may not add up to total due to rounding.

Internal Services

Description

Internal Services are groups of related activities and resources that are administered to support the needs of programs and other corporate obligations of an organization. Internal services include only those activities and resources that apply across an organization, and not those provided to a specific program. The groups of activities are Management and Oversight Services; Communications Services; Legal Services; Human Resources Management Services; Financial Management Services; Information Management Services; Information Technology Services; Real Property Services; Materiel Services; and Acquisition Services.

Results

Human Ressources (HR)

A new modern service delivery model, the Next Generation Human Resources – Civilian (HR-Civ), was implemented at the end of the reporting period to establish consistent and strategic civilian HR capabilities, enabling the Defence Team to achieve higher success and to meet business priorities. Through the Next Generation HR-Civ model, we modernized and standardized staffing and classification processes, strengthened governance structures and introduced new tools to support national HR services.

We launched a departmental-wide exit survey for civilian employees. Access to this holistic data gives the Department the opportunity to identify trends and issues relating to civilian human resources management and inform the development of effective retention strategies.

The launch of the Total Health Strategy, a Defence Team initiative, aims to develop and implement a shared framework that supports the health and well-being of the Defence Team while building a safe, supportive and respectful work environment. The strategy outlines three pillars of health that are factored into an employees and members overall health and well-being: personal health, physical work environment and the psychosocial work environment.

In partnership with Shared Services Canada, we continue to provide IM/IT Solutions and support to the move to Carling campus.

We negotiated with GCConnex to implement a Carling Job Match site for all of government, which enables our employees and other Core Public Administration departments in the National Capital Region to find job opportunities in light of the move to the Carling Campus.

Significant work was undertaken for our Human Resources Strategy to better understand the integrated Defence workforce (Regular force, Reserve force and civilian) and requirements. This included an environmental scan, attrition patterns and in-depth analysis of key classifications.

Finance

Financial Management Services are comprised of a five lines of operation and hundreds of enabling policies, programs and service-delivery activities. It focused on maintaining strong fiscal responsibility and careful stewardship of resources as the magnitude, complexity and visibility of our budget demands a cohesive, comprehensive and strategic approach to maximizing the efficacy of our expenditures and investments.

In 2016-17 we have:

• Established the Centre for Costing in Defence and instituted a robust training certification program for cost estimating specialists resulting in a significant expansion of costing capability and capacity in order to ensure lifecycle cost estimates and procurements are valid and completed in accordance with Treasury Board guidelines;
• Refreshed cost estimates for all planned and ongoing projects and updated them to reflect a more complete life cycle cost estimate;
• Conducted an affordability assessment in November 2016 as part of the Defence Policy Review;
• Streamlined the project approval process to be more efficient and effective by significantly reducing the approval timelines with the implementation of Part I of the Project Approval Process Renewal for Ministerial Submissions, which was approved on 20 February 2017; and
• Continued the implementation of the multi-year integrated plan focused on the remediation of the remaining key control deficiencies identified during the evaluation of the Financial Control Framework. As of 28 February 2017, 554 of 643 key control deficiencies had been remediated.

Communications

We are leading the National Security and Defence theme on the Government of Canada’s website - Canada.ca - in collaboration with partner departments and agencies. Specific sections of the information architecture for this theme were tested with users to help make it easier for visitors to find information and services. The testing involved the sections on jobs with the CAF, operations and exercises, and Defence equipment purchases and upgrades.

In 2016-17, in support of the Government of Canada’s Web renewal initiative, we:

• Created over 50 new topic and 20 new destination pages in each language for the National Security and Defence theme on Canada.ca;
• Developed and validated the list of top user tasks for the Defence pages with data analysis to ensure the information most often sought by visitors is easily accessible; and
• Finalized a plan to get visitors oriented to and using the new Defence pages at Canada.ca.

Note: Planned figures may not add up to total due to rounding