Plans at a glance
Plans at a glance
In Fiscal Year (FY) 2021-22, the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) will carry out their mandate to achieve results related to six Core Responsibilities:
- Operations;
- Ready Forces;
- Defence Team;
- Future Force Design;
- Procurement of Capabilities; and
- Sustainable Bases, Information Technology Systems and Infrastructure.
More information on the Core Responsibilities can be found in the Supporting information on the Program Inventory section of this report.
Canada's vision for Defence – Strong at home, Secure in North America, Engaged in the world
The Government of Canada's vision for defence is an agile, multi-purpose and combat-ready military, operated by highly trained, well-equipped women and men, supported by the Government of Canada, industry, academia, and fellow Canadians.
Strong, Secure, Engaged: Canada's Defence Policy (SSE), is based on a long-term vision and features the flexibility to respond to a changing world. DND remains committed to the significant and strategic long-term investments that will ensure that the CAF continues to function as an agile and combat-ready force, capable of making tangible contributions and delivering on its commitments at home and around the world. DND and the CAF remain committed to its people and their families, in providing them with the support and tools they need to be successful at every stage of their career. DND remains committed to investing in procurement, in military bases and wings across the country, and in the Canadian economy. The value that DND generates through defence spending, including through Industrial and Technological Benefits, means good jobs and economic growth for Canada. We are committed to maximizing this impact with the assurance and the confidence that stems from what we have seen so far in advancing the 111 SSE initiatives.
National Defence will develop and implement the vision for continental defence outlined in SSE. As stated in the Minister of National Defence Mandate Letter, by working with the United States to modernize North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) and with partners through the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, we will develop better surveillance, defence and rapid response capabilities in the North and in the maritime approaches to Canada.
The department will leverage key engagements, education, and assistance to build and sustain strong relationships with allies, partners, other militaries, and multinational institutions. These cooperative relationships will foster knowledge, understanding and interoperability, which allows for the exchange of best practices and supports better strategic partnerships that result in effective defence diplomacy.
Through the new Defence Intergovernmental Affairs capability, the department will enhance leadership, visibility, coordination and coherence in defence activities that have intergovernmental dimensions. Ongoing engagement will be fostered with provinces and territories to advance defence and whole-of-government priorities, including support of Continental Defence.
Anticipate, Adapt, Act
The CAF's core missions are: detecting, deterring and defending against threats to Canada and North America; providing assistance to civil authorities/law enforcement in support of national security; assisting and in some cases leading forces for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), coalitions and United Nations peace operations; contributing to global stability and security, as well as engaging in capacity building; responding to domestic and international disasters; and conducting search and rescue (SAR) operations.
Some of the key planned operations for FY 2021-22 include:
Strong at Home
- Search and Rescue: Provide aeronautical SAR; coordinate the aeronautical and maritime SAR system; as well as assist with ground SAR efforts which may include Canadian Rangers and Primary Reserve members.
- Operation LASER: Respond to the impact of a worldwide pandemic situation, as required.
- Operation VECTOR: Provide support to civilian authorities to ensure the transportation, delivery and administration of COVID-19 vaccines to Canadians, as required.
- Operation LENTUS: Provide support for Canadian civil authorities to help them respond to the impact of extreme climate events and disaster relief operations, as required.
- Operation LIMPID: Detect threats to Canada through awareness of air, maritime, land, space and cyber domains.
- Operation NANOOK: Synchronize operational and training activities that enhance collaboration with other government departments, agencies, territorial and Indigenous governments, and local organizations to increase interoperability, readiness and presence in the North.
Secure in North America
- NORAD: Conduct Aerospace Warning, Aerospace Control, and Maritime Warning for North America through NORAD to protect against threats to Canada and the United States in accordance with the NORAD Agreement.
- Operation NOBLE EAGLE: Following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, NORAD created Operation NOBLE EAGLE, which provides the response to asymmetric air security threats occurring within Canada and the United States and the approaches to North America. This includes, but is not limited to, civilian aircraft being used as a weapon. Collaboration among other government departments and agencies is essential to the successful execution of this DND/CAF operation.
- Operation CARIBBE: Fight illicit trafficking by transnational organized crime in the Caribbean Basin, the Eastern Pacific Ocean and the coastal waters of Central America by working with partners in the multinational campaign (Enhanced Counter‑Narcotics Operations).
Engaged in the World
- Operation IMPACT: Support Iraqi ministerial and institutional reform, and train Iraqi security forces, to enhance the Iraqi Armed Forces' self-sustainability.
- Operation ARTEMIS: Contribute to Combined Task Force 150. This naval coalition of 33 nations, led by the United States Combined Maritime Forces, promotes security and stability in Middle Eastern and East African waters. Combined Task Force 150's mission is to disrupt criminal and terrorist organizations and their related illicit activities in the maritime domain.
- Operation NEON: Support the implementation of United Nations Security Council sanctions imposed against North Korea.
- Operation PRESENCE: Deploy a Tactical Airlift Detachment to Entebbe, Uganda. This will assist the United Nations' Regional Support Centre by transporting personnel, equipment and supplies to sustain ongoing missions in the region. The CAF will contribute to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), through specialized staff officers in MINUSMA Headquarters.
- Operation REASSURANCE: Conduct assurance and deterrence measures through leadership of NATO's multinational enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battle Group in Latvia; deploy a frigate into a Standing NATO Maritime Group; and support NATO enhanced air policing in Romania on a rotational non-permanent basis.
- Operation UNIFIER: Assist with security force training and defence institutional reform. The CAF will support the Security Forces of Ukraine to improve and build their capability and capacity, and DND, through the Assistant Deputy Minister (Policy) will provide support to the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine to foster western alignment and structural reform in the country.
- Operation PROJECTION: Enhance relationships with Canada's allies and partners in maritime environments around the world by conducting training, exercises and engagements with foreign navies and other international security partners. It also supports NATO Maritime Command, United States Naval Forces and other allied operations to make the world more secure.
More information on current operations can be found here: Current military operations.
Well-supported, diverse, resilient people and families
SSE puts people at its core. Military and civilian personnel are our most important resource. A well‑organized, well-trained, healthy and motivated workforce enables us to deliver on SSE initiatives and ensures that we are an employer of choice within Canadian society. During FY 2021-22, the Defence Team will:
- Protect the health, wellness and safety of employees in response to the COVID-19 pandemic;
- Continue to build a representative workforce by fostering diversity and inclusion and combating racism and hateful conduct by developing Diversity and Inclusion Action Plans, utilizing Gender-based analysis plus (GBA+), making new corporate commitments to eliminate systemic discrimination and integrating diversity and inclusion strategies;
- The Advisory Panel on Systemic Racism, and Discrimination, with a focus on anti-Indigenous and anti-Black racism, LGBTQ2 prejudice, gender bias and white supremacy was established in late 2020. This independent panel will provide advice on how we can ensure that individuals who hold racist or white supremacist beliefs are not allowed to enter into or remain in our organization. Additionally, they will identify the policies, process(es) and practices that enable discriminatory behaviours and provide recommendations on how DND/CAF can eliminate them. A report and recommendations will be prepared by the end of the year;
- Create and maintain a workplace free of harassment, violence and discrimination through the full implementation of Bill C-65;
- Release the Defence Team Total Health and Wellness Strategy in 2021; and
- Continue to deliver on SSE priorities.
CAF Response to Sexual Misconduct
In 2020, the CAF published The Path to Dignity and Respect: the CAF Sexual Misconduct Response Strategy, a culture change strategy designed to prevent and address sexual misconduct in the CAF and increase support for persons affected by sexual misconduct. The strategy serves as an overarching guide for Operation HONOUR and includes a prevention-based implementation plan and a performance measurement framework. In FY 2021-22, the CAF will continue to implement initiatives and programs set out in The Path and measure the established indicators to ensure continuous evaluation and improvement.
Sexual Misconduct Response Centre
As a result of the CAF-DND Sexual Misconduct Class Action settlement, the Sexual Misconduct Response Centre (SMRC) is playing a lead role in two aspects of the settlement: the setting up of the Survivor Support Consultation Group, and the implementation of the Restorative Engagement program in partnership with Integrated Conflict and Complaint Management.
The Survivor Support Consultation Group will implement a plan to ensure that all CAF members affected by sexual misconduct have access to the supports and services they need. The Restorative Engagement program will give the plaintiffs of the CAF-DND Sexual Misconduct Class Action (class members) an opportunity to share their experience of sexual misconduct in the military with a senior defence representative. This process will be facilitated by civilian Restorative Practitioners. Making it possible for class members' experiences to be acknowledged by DND/CAF will contribute to meaningful culture change within the CAF, and restore the relationship between class members and the CAF. In FY 2021-22 the SMRC intends to:
- Draw up a business plan to expand its Response and Support Coordination program to regional centres on CAF bases and/or wings;
- Set up a program on a trial basis that provides free, independent legal advice for victims/survivors of sexual misconduct where the perpetrator, accused or offender is a CAF member in order to empower them to make informed choices;
- Create an Alternative Reporting Option which allow survivors to report the incident, anonymously if they wish, through a service provider;
- Launch, with the assistance of Statistics Canada, the third iteration of the Survey on Sexual Misconduct in the CAF; and
- Continue implementing the "Building Our Future" course at Royal Military College (RMC) Kingston. Building on the previous year's briefing(s), the course addresses the unique needs and requirements of the combined university (emerging adult) and early military (career) population.The SMRC intends to develop a similar program for RMC Saint-Jean.
Gender-based analysis plus (GBA+)
The Defence Team will continue to institutionalize GBA+. The findings from each analysis will inform decision-making related to institutional policies, operations, programs, budgets, priorities and orders.
The Defence Team remains focused on advancing the global Women, Peace and Security agenda through Canada's National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security 2017-2022 .
Additional information on GBA+ can be found in the "GBA+ Supplementary Information Table", in the Supplementary information tables section of this report.
Defence Procurement
The implementation of SSE continues to streamline defence procurement, thus improving timely acquisition of much needed military capabilities. Continued robust defence procurement will contribute to Canada's plan for a strong economic recovery from COVID-19.
The Government strives to provide the CAF with the modern capabilities they need to succeed in a complex and constantly evolving world. The CAF must be ready and able to deliver across a spectrum of operations — from domestic humanitarian assistance and disaster response to counter-terrorism and combat operations.
SSE outlines and makes provision for the funding of major equipment projects. Key projects for FY 2021‑22 include:
- Manned airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance: The in-service support contract will be awarded and the first step in Canadian acceptance of the bid will be complete by the start of FY 2021-22. Construction of the aircraft hangar will continue in anticipation of aircraft delivery in FY 2022-23. Aircrew training is planned to begin in 2021 and it is anticipated that the capability will be fully operational one year after aircraft deliveries have been completed;
- The Canadian Surface Combatant: Design and production engineering of the Canadian Surface Combatant continues through FY 2021-22. These fifteen vessels will be the backbone of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), playing a variety of roles and capable of meeting multiple threats in both open oceans and complex coastal environments. They will allow us to monitor and defend our waters and contribute significantly to international naval operations;
- Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship: Following the acceptance and delivery of Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Harry DeWolf in July 2020, the second Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship, the future HMCS Margaret Brooke, is anticipated to be delivered to the RCN in the fall of 2021. These six ships will allow the RCN to conduct sovereignty and surveillance operations in Canada's waters, including in the Arctic, as well as to conduct a wide variety of operations abroad;
- Joint Support Ship: Construction of the first Joint Support Ship will progress under the full build contract that was awarded in June 2020. It is anticipated that the majority of steelwork on the first vessel will be completed in 2021 and that significant progress will be made in integrating and outfitting the ship. Deliveries of the associated Sea to Shore transport systems are also planned for FY 2021-22;
- Fixed-wing Search and Rescue Aircraft Replacement Project: In the course of the project, 16 new CC-295 Kingfisher aircraft equipped with advanced technology systems will be procured to support Canada's SAR operations, replacing the current Buffalo and Hercules aircraft performing this function. The project is currently in the implementation phase. Project activities in FY 2021-22 will include inspecting and accepting produced aircraft, and conducting initial maintainer and aircrew training, along with initial operational testing and evaluation of the aircraft;
- Future Fighter Capability Project: The project consists in acquiring and putting into service 88 advanced fighter aircraft and associated equipment, weapons, infrastructure, information technology, and sustainment, including training and software support. The project will leverage Canadian capabilities and support the growth of Canada's aerospace and defence industries. The project is currently in the Definition Phase, and the evaluation of eligible suppliers' proposals and the selection of the preferred supplier are expected to be completed in FY 2021-22;
- Remotely Piloted Aircraft System: The project consists in delivering a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System capability providing Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance information and delivering precision strike effects to CAF commanders. The project is currently in the Definition Phase and the Request for Proposal relative to the project is expected to be released in spring 2021;
- Strategic Tanker Transport Capability : The project consists in delivering a multi-role Strategic Tanker Transport Capability to the CAF, along with associated equipment, sustainment, training and supporting infrastructure. The Request for Proposal is expected to be released in FY 2021-22;
- Logistics Vehicle Modernization: The project consists in delivering new light and heavy logistics truck fleets providing increased payload-carrying capacity, modularity and protection during the conduct of CAF operations at home and abroad. The project is currently in the Definition Phase and in FY 2021-22 the Request for Proposal relative to the project will be released to eligible suppliers and the review of proposals will begin;
- Armoured Combat Support Vehicle: The project consists in delivering an armoured vehicle capability in eight different variants to provide support to forward elements of an Army Brigade Group. These capabilities include, but are not limited to, command post vehicles, ambulances and mobile repair teams. The project is currently in the Implementation Phase. In FY 2021-22, the project will involve continuing production and delivery of the Troop Cargo Vehicle variant, and the start of production of and delivery of the Ambulance and Command Post variants;
- CP-140 Aurora Incremental Modernization Project: The project consists in modernizing the mission systems and sensors on 14 CP-140 Aurora aircraft and Initial Operational Capability of Block IV is expected in April 2022;
- Interim Fighter Capability Project: This project consists in procuring 18 F/A-18 fighter aircraft in addition to spares and equipment from the Government of Australia to augment the current CF-18 fleet. This will help to ensure that Canada is able to generate sufficient mission-ready aircraft to meet its domestic and international obligations until the permanent replacement is fully operational. The project is currently in the Implementation Phase. For FY 2021-22, the project will involve receiving the final aircraft and spares from Australia, and conducting aircraft inspections and carrying out necessary modifications to enable the aircraft to be released into service;
- CF-18 Hornet Extension Project: This project consists in upgrading and implementing new capabilities to maintain the operational effectiveness of the CF-18 Hornet up until 2032 when the replacement fighter aircraft becomes fully operational. These upgrades will enable the Government of Canada to continue to defend the sovereignty and security of Canada, meet its NORAD and NATO commitments, and contribute meaningfully to other international security operations. Most of the project entered the Implementation Phase in May 2020. For FY 2021-22, the project will involve taking delivery of some equipment and commencing aircraft prototyping and software development;
- CH-148 Cyclone Project: This project consists in delivering 28 multi-role Maritime Helicopters to the Royal Canadian Air Force. The project also includes procuring associated infrastructure, in-service support and modifications to the Halifax-class ships. The project is currently in the Implementation Phase and all remaining aircraft are on track for delivery and acceptance in FY 2021-22; and
- Victoria Class Modernization: This project consists in upgrading and implementing new capabilities to maintain the operational effectiveness of the Victoria-class submarines (VCS) until the mid-2030s. These upgrades will focus on improving the habitability and deployment conditions on board the VCS for Royal Canadian Navy submariners, positioning the VCS to contribute meaningfully to Canadian Armed Forces Joint Operations ashore, and ensuring the survivability of the VCS against current and evolving threats in an increasingly complex and changing battle space. Several of the related projects entered the Definition Phase in November 2020. For FY 2021-22, the remaining projects will enter the Definition Phase.
For additional information on key equipment projects, visit the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces' Current Projects webpage.
Defence Innovation and Business Transformation
DND/CAF will move towards becoming a digitally-enhanced organization that engages its workforce in grass-roots ideas and fosters collaboration with academia, private sector and other experts to address the challenges we face. Our innovation efforts will advance research and development programs, business process modernization initiatives as well as adoption and design of technology. In FY 2021-22, we will be driving business transformation, digitalization and innovation by:
- Advancing research in defensive and offensive cyber operations techniques to find innovative ways of classifying cyber threats, and developing automated cyber defence mechanisms. Additional research will be done to assess and improve human factors related to cyber operators and the CAF organizations that employ them;
- Maintaining interoperability within the Five Eyes community (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States) in a data-centric environment, which will maximise the probability of success in developing a cross-domain solution capability in Canada and allied networks;
- Implementing cloud computing capabilities to support major initiatives in data analytics and management, collaboration among the Defence Team and modernization of classified computing networks;
- Identifying elements of business processes that require modernization and delivering on use-cases where experimentation with data and data outcomes will further enable our future workforce and leaders;
- Aligning our resources and activities by using modern approaches, building business models that put our users' experience front and centre and prioritizing digital innovation; and
- Driving the government's Beyond2020 initiative by supporting a workforce that is agile in its ability to achieve results and adjust to priorities; inclusive in developing our ideas and making decisions; and equipped for excellence. In FY 2021-22, DND will continue to create opportunities for our workforce to engage in bottom-up business process modernization.
DND/CAF participate in experimentation in a number of ways through significant internal and external research programs as well as through ideation and proof of concept design and development initiatives. In FY 2021-22, we will evolve data maturity and deliver on proofs of concept related to internal business process challenges through the launch of a new data lab capability and digital modernization initiatives. These initiatives will provide an experimentation environment for predictive analysis, cloud-computing, and other data science and data engineering solutions.
The Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program was designed to complement DND internal research programs in order to resolve defence and security challenges. It will provide $1.6 billion in financial and human resources over a 20‑year period. IDEaS fosters creativity and ingenuity in Canada by bringing together networks of experts, providing support and opportunities to innovators and facilitating the integration and adoption of new capabilities for the CAF and public safety and security communities. In FY 2021-22, DND/CAF will:
- Issue a Call for Proposals for the Test Drive element, for which there are plans to acquire, install, and operate a large‑scale low‑carbon energy generation and storage system for heating an existing building. DND/CAF will also provide the Government of Canada with support to carry out its mandate to make its buildings and facilities carbon‑neutral by 2050; and
- Conduct research focusing on the application of Command, Control and Intelligence (C2I) Artificial Intelligence to military problems. This includes video and big data analysis, automated text analysis, interpretation and anticipation of adversary intent, and enhanced intelligence tools to reduce analysts' workload.
The department will continue to invest in Artificial Intelligence projects and activities by:
- Supporting partnerships with Canadian university-led research clusters (more commonly known as micro-nets) and with industry and government to promote collaboration and the sharing of ideas critical to innovation;
- Using Artificial Intelligence as part of proposed solution models. These range from supporting recruitment to the detection and classification of objects of interest;
- Advancing defensive and offensive cyber operations in the areas of cyber attribution techniques and ways of classifying cyber intent. Canadian innovators continue to carry out initial research and development to assess human factors related to cyber operators and the CAF organizations that employ them; and
- Establishing strong governance and providing direction to ensure the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence and implement defence modernization initiatives across the Defence community.
The department will carry out data-focused business process transformation by:
- Enhancing our data analytics capabilities to better support decision-making using data as its foundation by applying the new vision for data outlined in the DND/CAF Data Strategy;
- Implementing a data management framework that is based on the principles that data must be trusted by decision-makers, is readily accessible and secure, and will be used ethically;
- Implementing data governance and data quality frameworks to steward our data; and
- Building on data literacy in order to create a culture that values data as an asset to be used to our advantage in operations and to improve accountability for our decisions and actions.
Defence Infrastructure and Environment
The Defence Team manages the largest infrastructure portfolio in the federal government. Because infrastructure is a critical enabler for CAF operations, the department will continue to modernize the portfolio to help meet military requirements. It will increase efficiency, reduce our environmental footprint, and dispose of and demolish underused or obsolete properties and buildings, making Defence more efficient while accelerating the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. During FY 2021-22, the department will:
- Improve infrastructure on bases and/or wings by investing in construction, maintenance and repair programs, including the management of 156 infrastructure projects. In addition, we will provide oversight for fire safety, respiratory protection, and nuclear safety programs;
- Improve housing on bases and wings by investing in construction, maintenance and repair programs in accordance with long-term housing portfolio investment plans;
- Continue to modernize the real property portfolio by disposing of four properties and demolish 66 buildings, which is consistent with SSE direction to demolish outdated buildings of limited operational value. This reduces the DND/CAF's environmental footprint making the real property portfolio more efficient by reducing long-term operating and maintenance costs, Payment In Lieu of Taxes and reallocates resources to other key infrastructure;
- Continue to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from defence infrastructure and commercial light-duty vehicle fleets, where feasible, with a commitment to reduce these emissions by 40% (below 2005 levels) by 2025 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050;
- Develop a long-term (five year+) strategic view of the Real Property program to better integrate portfolio, risk, asset, and service management strategies, and ensure the implementation of the Defence Real Property Portfolio Strategy for an affordable and sustainable portfolio; and
- Advance reconciliation by engaging with Indigenous communities across Canada through a variety of programs and activities, and by consulting with Indigenous groups on land disposal cases.
Defence Relationships with Indigenous Peoples
The Government of Canada is committed to advancing reconciliation and renewing its relationships with Indigenous Peoples. Because DND/CAF operations intersect with Indigenous interests and rights, we will continue to strengthen our relationship, contribute to government-wide reconciliation priorities, and review our policies and operational practices to ensure that they are consistent with reconciliation principles. In FY 2021-22, DND/CAF will:
- Provide strategic advice and policy instruments to the DND/CAF community on the implementation of the United Nations Declaration for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, treaty rights, the legal duty to consult, treaty implementation and other issues related to DND/CAF's relationship with Indigenous groups and communities;
- Support economic development opportunities for Indigenous communities within the scope of the DND/CAF mandate;
- Work with DND/CAF stakeholders, including base/wing commanders, to build awareness and understanding of new and existing federal policies, commitments and guidelines, as they pertain to Indigenous relationships;
- Provide training sessions and tools to the Defence Team to raise awareness of our commitment and obligations to Indigenous Peoples, and build departmental capacity (examples include the Indigenous Awareness Course, Northern Indigenous Awareness, and Introduction to Indigenous Cultures);
- Establish and support internal governance structures to enable effective and cohesive decision-making on Indigenous concerns within DND/CAF;
- Develop and nurture relationships between Indigenous community leaders and base and wing commanders. An example of this is discussing planned locations of hunting camps and low-level flying activities;
- Include Indigenous traditions in the departure and arrival ceremonies for deploying ships;
- Build on the existing relationship to affiliate HMCS Harry Dewolf with the Qikiqtaaluk region of Nunavut. COVID-19 may impact the CAF's ability to further affiliation relationships, but will resume when it is safe to do so;
- Work with Indigenous leaders to provide a blend of military training and Indigenous culture to hundreds of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis participants through programs across Canada: Bold Eagle, Black Bear, Carcajou, Grey Wolf, and Raven. Indigenous youth leadership programs, Eagle's Nest and Camp Loon, foster and enhance existing bonds between communities and the CAF;
- Enhance relationships with Indigenous CAF members by developing recruitment and retention strategies, including:
- Actively reaching out through the CAF Indigenous programs the Canadian Forces Aboriginal Entry Program and the Aboriginal Leadership Opportunity Year which provides a year of education and leadership experience at the Royal Military College of Canada;
- Developing new policies (e.g. Indigenous Spirituality);
- Leveraging the cultural understanding, perspectives and experiences of our Defence Aboriginal Advisory Group members, drawing on their relationships and links with local communities across the country. This advisory group also supports the Commander of the Canadian Army, the Defence Team Champion for Indigenous Peoples; and
- Celebrating Indigenous culture (e.g. Indigenous Awareness Week) or Indigenous contributions to the CAF (e.g. National Aboriginal Veterans Monument).
- Encourage and provide Indigenous Canadians with support to join the Defence Team as military personnel (Regular or Reserve) or as civilian staff members through existing DND/CAF programs or the development of new initiatives;
- Support requests for assistance from Indigenous government(s), to address or perform complex search and rescue missions, natural disasters responses, and health emergency support. This support includes, but is not limited to: flooding, forest fires, and COVID-19 response;
- Participate in Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussion tables to discuss interests of Indigenous groups related to DND's properties (e.g. Tsilhqot' in National Government and the Chilcotin Military Training Area);
- Participate in interdepartmental committees and related working groups to help shape and inform the whole-of-government approach to advancing the Indigenous reconciliation agenda;
- Support Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada during modern treaties negotiations with Indigenous communities;
- Consult, coordinate, collaborate, and engage with other government departments, DND/CAF stakeholders, including base and wing commanders and Indigenous groups, as appropriate, in exploring opportunities for advancing Indigenous socio-economic opportunities and Indigenous procurement modernization; and
- Coordinate and consult with relevant DND/CAF stakeholders to build understanding and support in respect of treaty and consultation obligations and Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self Determination Tables with a view to effectively representing DND interests, managing litigation risks, and improving reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
For more information on the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces' plans, priorities and planned results, see the "Core Responsibilities: planned results and resources, and key risks" section of this report.
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