Committee Information – Profiles

Sukh Dhaliwal

LPC – Surrey-Newton (BC)

Election to the House of Commons

• First elected: 2006
• Re-elected: 2008, 2015, 2019, 2021

Professional background

• Surveyor: Owner, Dhaliwal & Associates Land Surveying Inc. (1997 – Present)
• Studies: B.Sc Geomatics Engineering, University of Calgary (1987 – 1990); B.Sc Civil Engineering, Guru Nank Dev Engineering College, Ludhiana (1979 – 1984); Licensed Professional Engineer and British Columbia Land Surveyor.

Connection to DND/CAF

• Nil.

Political and parliamentary roles

• Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2016 – 2020); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2016 – 2020)

Committee membership

• Chair: Special Committee on Afghanistan (13 December 2021 – Present)
• Member: Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (17 June 2020 – Present)
• Former Member: Standing Committee on International Trade (2007 – 2008 / 2016 – 2021); Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (2009 – 2011); Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics (2006 – 2008)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

• Capacity Building:
  • During the 2016 debate of the Government’s contribution to the fight against ISIL, Mr. Dhaliwal argued that the CAF’s efforts in the region were best—and most effectively—directed towards a strengthened training mission, rather than through airstrikes against ISIL.
  • During the same debate, Mr. Dhaliwal referenced the CAF’s work training the armed forces of Afghanistan, noting that the effort was seen as “a landmark achievement”.
• Peacekeeping:
  • During the 2016 debate of the Government’s contribution to the fight against ISIL, Mr. Dhaliwal noted that Canada’s mission against ISIL can be understood in the tradition of Canada’s “role as a peacekeeping, not peacemaking, nation.”

Other interests

• Sikhs / Sikhism:
  • Mr. Dhaliwal sponsored Private Member’s Bill C-376, which designated April Sikh Heritage Month. The bill received Royal Assent on April 30, 2019.

Michael Chong

CPC – Wellington-Halton Hills (ON)

Election to the House of Commons

• First elected: 2004
• Re-elected: 2006, 2008, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2021

Professional background

• Technology: Senior Advisor, Greater Toronto Airports Authority (2001 – 2004); Chief Information Officer, NHLPA (1999 – 2000)
• Banking IT: Head of IT, Mackie Research Capital (1997 – 1999)

Connection to DND/CAF

• Nil.

Political and parliamentary roles

• Critic: Foreign Affairs (Sep 2020 – Present)
• Former Critic: Democratic Institutions (Feb 2020 – Sep 2020)
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2018 – 2019)

Committee membership

• Vice Chair: Special Committee on Afghanistan (13 Dec 2021 – Present)
• Vice Chair: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (13 Oct 2020 – Present)
• Former Member: Special Committee on Canada-China Relations (2020 – 2021); Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology (2018 – 2019); Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (2017 – 2018)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Afghanistan evacuation:

• During House debate, Mr. Chong called the evacuation of Afghanistan a “betrayal” of Afghan interpreters who helped the Canadian Armed Forces, and strongly criticized the Government for a perceived delay of the evacuation in the face of multiple warnings.
• During House debate, Mr. Chong suggested that Canada engage Qatar to intermediate with the Taliban and convince them to allow refugees to exit the country and come to Canada.
• During former Defence Minister Sajjan's appearance at the AFGH committee in April 2022 (in his capacity as Minister of International Development), Mr. Chong was highly critical of the Government’s handling of the evacuation of Afghan Nationals, and pressed Mr. Sajjan to provide specific details on Operation AEGIS – i.e. “who knew what, and when”, and the statistics regarding flight capacity and evacuees.

Protection of civilians:

• During House debate, Mr. Chong has endorsed the principle of the Responsibility to Protect, and argued for Canadian military intervention against ISIS based on this principle.

Foreign Policy:

• In an op-ed for Policy Magazine, Mr. Chong criticized the Government for not spending the necessary money to meet Canada’s military, security, and official development assistance commitments. Mr. Chong argued that the Government’s promises regarding foreign policy have not been matched by concrete action.

Military cooperation:

• Since the beginning of hostilities in Ukraine, Mr. Chong has repeatedly pressed the Government to have the CAF participate in various military exercises with its allies in Europe and the Arctic.

China and Russia:

• During his various interventions in the House and in Committees, Mr. Chong explicitly mentions that China and Russia represent a direct threat to the security of Canada and that “this situation will only worsen with the rapprochement of Beijing and Moscow.”
• To address threats from these two countries, Mr. Chong often urges the Government to increase the military budget, and to invest heavily in the latest military equipment and infrastructure required, including those related to cyber security.

Other interests

Government Accountability:

• Mr. Chong sponsored Reform Act, a Private Members’ Bill to increase the power of party caucuses over party leaders. The Act received royal assent in 2015.
• During meetings of the Canada-China Relations Committee and during House debate, Mr. Chong vigorously argued that the Government was evading accountability by not allowing documents associated with the Winnipeg Lab to be released to Parliamentary committees. He argued that the decision to release documents only to the National Security Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians stymied Parliament’s duty to hold the Government accountable.

Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe

BQ – Lac-Saint-Jean (QC)

Election to the House of Commons

• First elected: 2019
• Re-elected: 2021

Professional background

• Politics: President of the BQ Lac-Saint-Jean chapter
• Forestry: Formerly employed as a day labourer at a Resolute Forest Products factory
• Culture: Studied in the Art and Media Technology program in Jonquière; worked in the cultural sector as a sound technician and for 20 years on film sets

Connection to DND/CAF

• 3 Wing Bagotville is located in his riding
• Vice-Chair for Standing Committee on National Defence during part of its study on sexual misconduct in the CAF (2021)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Critic: Immigration, refugees and citizenship (2021 – present); Human Rights (2021 – Present); National Defence (2020 – 2021); Canadian Heritage (Francophonie, International) (2019 – 2021); Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (International Cooperation) (2019 – 2021); Citizenship and Immigration (2019 – 2021)
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canada NATO Parliamentary Association (2020 – 2021)

Committee membership

• Vice Chair: House Special Committee on Afghanistan (13 Dec 2021 – Present)
• Vice Chair: House Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (14 Dec 2021 – Present)
• Former Member: House Standing Committee on National Defence (2020 – 2021)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Humanitarian Aid:

• During the Special Committee on Afghanistan’s study on Humanitarian Assistance, Mr. Brunelle-Duceppe expressed a singular focus on the topic of the study, and often asked witnesses to recommend measures to ease the delivery of humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan.

Sexual Misconduct:

• Asked witnesses during the Standing Committee on National Defence's study on sexual misconduct whether the duty to report leads to the under-reporting of inappropriate sexual behaviour within the Armed Forces. Mr. Brunelle- Duceppe also asked what the CAF should prioritize when it comes to inappropriate sexual behaviours, and whether witnesses thought the Minister of National Defence had “assumed his responsibilities and done his duty” to ensure that sexual misconduct allegations would be dealt with appropriately at the highest levels of the CAF.

Mental Health:

• Asked witnesses during the Standing Committee on National Defence's study on access to mental health services whether the CAF keeps data on attempted suicide or self-harm, and if so, whether they use that data to establish policies. He also asked whether the CAF is proactive in dealing with mental health issues and suicide, and how superiors respond to physicians’ findings related to mental health.

Reserves:

• During Standing Committee on National Defence’s meetings, Mr. Brunelle-Duceppe often stated that the Reserves are very important to him. He questioned witnesses about recruitment in the reserves, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recruitment and Retention:

• During a House debate on an Opposition Motion (April 2022) regarding defence spending, Mr. Brunelle-Duceppe argued that the CAF needed to invest in personnel recruitment and retention, and voted in support of the opposition motion calling for Canada to meet the NATO 2% GDP threshold for defence spending.

Fighter Jets:

• During an NDDN meeting, Mr. Brunelle-Duceppe asked the Minister of National Defence how much money has been put into the interim fighter capability and future fighter capability projects, and asked for an explanation of the decision to purchase 88 new fighter jets instead of a different number of aircraft.

Jenny Kwan

NDP – Vancouver East (BC)

Election to the House of Commons

• First elected: 2015
• Re-elected: 2019, 2021

Professional background

• Provincial Politics: Member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia (Vancouver- Mount Pleasant), New Democratic Party of BC (1996 – 2015)
• Municipal Politics: City Councillor, Vancouver, British Columbia (1993 – 1996)
• Activist: Community Legal Advocate (1990 – 1993)

Connection to DND/CAF

• Nil.

Political and parliamentary roles

• Critic: Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship (2015 – Present); Housing (2019 – Present)
• NDP Caucus Chair: 2021 – Present
• Deputy Whip of the New Democratic Party: Mar 2019 – Sep 2019
• Member of the Joint Interparliamentary Council: Apr 2019 – Feb 2020
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canada-China Legislative Association (2015 – 2020); Canada-Japan Inter- Parliamentary Group (2016 – 2017)

Committee membership

• Vice-Chair: Special Committee on Afghanistan (13 December 2021 – Present)
• Member: Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (29 Jan 2016 – Present)
• Former Vice Chair: Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (16 Feb 2016 – 11 Sep 2019)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Afghan Refugees:

• Since September 2021, Ms. Kwan has consistently raised the plight of refugees in Afghanistan. Ms. Kwan requested an emergency debate on Afghanistan on 24 November 2021, and called on the Government to provide temporary residency permits and travel documents to Afghan interpreters and their families.
• In a 13 September 2021 press release, Ms. Kwan called on the Government to issue Afghan interpreters and their extended families—as well as Afghan human rights activists and Afghans with family in Canada—temporary residency permits and temporary travel documents to facilitate their quick resettlement in Canada.
• On the 8 December 2021 proceedings of the Committee of the Whole examining the Supplementary Estimates (B) 2021-22, Ms. Kwan called on the Government to waive the requirement that Afghans receive refugee determination from the UNHCR as part of their refugee application to Canada.
• During former Defence Minister Sajjan's appearance at the AFGH committee in April 2022 (in his capacity as Minister of International Development), Ms. Kwan pressed Mr. Sajjan to confirm the number of flights that left Kabul that were not filled to capacity.
• On 8 April 2022, Ms. Kwan introduced in the House a petition calling on the Government to immediately “undertake an emergency immigration measure that grants a temporary residence permit and temporary travel documents, while suspending the usual documentation requirements to all Afghans and their extended families who served the military, to those who are human rights activists and those with immediate family members here in Canada.”

Refugees:

• Ms. Kwan frequently advocates on behalf of refugees in both the House of Commons and in committee. She has called for the Government to create special immigration streams for particular groups of refugees (Yazidis, Hong- Kongers), to broaden its definition of “family” to ease the process of family reunification, and advocated for increased resources for organizations that assist asylum seekers.

Other interests

Private Members Bills:

• Ms. Kwan has sponsored four private member’s bills during her tenure in Parliament. These bills sought to narrow the grounds under which foreign nationals and refugees could be deemed inadmissible and to make it harder to deny individuals Canadian citizenship or temporary residency. None of the bills proceeded beyond 1st Reading.

Yvan Baker

LPC – Etobicoke Centre (ON)

Election to the House of Commons

• First elected: 2019
• Re-elected: 2021

Professional background

• Politics: Former Member of Ontario’s Provincial Parliament (2014 – 2018)
• Business: Former management consultant and instructor at the Schulich School of Business, York University
• Community: On the Board Directors for Leave out Violence (builds programs supporting youth and healthy relationships), the Emerging Leaders Network (young professionals promoting international development), and Global Grassroots (supported emerging women leaders)

Connection to DND/CAF

• Member of the Standing Committee on National Defence during its study on Addressing Sexual Misconduct Issues in the CAF (2021)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Parliamentary Association Member: Canada-China Legislative Association (2021); Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2021)

Committee membership

• Member: Special Committee on Afghanistan (8 Dec 2021 – Present)
• Member: Standing Committee on Finance (2 Dec 2021 – Present)
• Former Member: House Standing Committee on National Defence (2020 – 2021); House Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development (2020 – 2021)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Ukraine:

• Advocate for Ukrainian heritage, democracy, sovereignty; introduced Private Member’s Bill C-314: An Act Respecting Ukrainian Heritage Month in June 2021; thanked MND on Twitter in June 2021 for his “support and leadership in ensuring that Canada continues to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”.
• Since the beginning of the conflicts in Ukraine, Mr. Baker has repeatedly shown his support in the House to send military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

Humanitarian Assistance:

• Mr. Baker has sought information on what Canada can do to provide humanitarian assistance. In a meeting of the Special Committee on Afghanistan, Mr. Baker solicited advice from witnesses for what could be done to overcome challenges associated with delivering aid in Afghanistan. Likewise, in the House, Mr. Baker questioned the Minister of International Development to describe what Canada has done to deliver humanitarian assistance in Ukraine.

Sexual Misconduct:

• Mr. Baker expressed strong support for seeking a Government Response when the report on sexual misconduct in the Armed Forces is complete. He argued that a Government Response will allow the Standing Committee on National Defence to have greater confidence that the Government will appropriately address the issue of sexual assault and sexual harassment in the CAF.

Culture Change in the CAF:

• Mr. Baker stressed the importance of implementing Arbour and Deschamps recommendations, and highlighted the ongoing work by the Department to address them. He noted that taken together, “these initiatives are critical to building a true culture of inclusion”. He has spoken about “the pervasiveness of culture, how the CAF has a distinct culture and that it is deeply entrenched”.

Operations:

• Mr. Baker demonstrated interest in the effectiveness of Op UNIFIER and Op REASSURANCE. He expressed concern about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and annexation of Crimea, resulting in the death and displacement of many Ukrainians. He asked for an update from the Minister of National Defence on Op UNIFIER’s impact on Ukraine’s ability to defend and re-establish its sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also asked the Minister whether Op REASSURANCE was meeting its goal of containing Russia.

Pam Damoff

LPC – Oakville North—Burlington (ON)

Election to the House of Commons

• First elected: 2015
• Re-elected: 2019, 2021

Professional background

• Municipal Politics: Town Councillor of Oakville (2010 – 2015)
• Volunteer Work: Chair of the Oakville Terry Fox Run (2010 – Present)
• Honours: Recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Paul Harris Fellow  Recognition  from  Rotary  International,  and  the  Linda  Jones  Women’s  Activist Award from the Oakville District Labour Council for her community service

Connection to DND/CAF

• Nil.

Political and parliamentary roles

• Parliamentary Secretary: Minister of Public Safety (2021 – Present)
• Former Parliamentary Secretary: Minister of Health (2019); Minister of Indigenous Services (2019 – 2021)
• Parliamentary Associations: Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (2015 – Present)

Committee membership

• Member: House Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (2015 – Present); Special Committee on Afghanistan (2021 – Present)
• Former Vice-Chair: House Standing Committee on the Status of Women (2016 – 2019)
• Former Member: House Standing Committee on the Status of Women (2015 – 2016)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Sexual Misconduct:

• In 2021, Ms. Damoff was invited to participate in a meeting of the National Defence Committee on  sexual misconduct in the CAF. During her appearance, she emphasized that “the committee needs to write a report and find solutions for these survivors of sexual violence, rather than continuing to try to find someone to blame.”

Mental Health:

• During a 2017 House Debate on Bill C-211, An Act Concerning a Federal Framework for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Ms. Damoff explicitly stated her support for the bill. She also stated that the mental health issues facing our veterans and public safety officers are “much more serious than just post-traumatic stress disorder.”

Cybersecurity:

• At a Public Safety Committee meeting (2020) on the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security’s Report on National Cyber Threat Assessment, Ms. Damoff asked witnesses about the risk of telecommunications hacking or spying by China, particularly as it pertains to 5G infrastructure in Canada.

Reconciliation:

• Generally in Committee and in the House, Ms. Damoff encourages greater inclusion and collaboration of marginalized people such as Indigenous Peoples, women, people with disabilities, and Black and racialized Canadians.

Other interests

• Ms. Damoff is passionate about many causes including climate change, criminal justice reform and strict firearms safety legislation, reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, support for persons living with disabilities, women’s empowerment, mental health, and environmental protection.

Fayçal El-Khoury

LPC – Laval—Les Îles (QC)

Election to the House of Commons

• First elected: 2015
• Re-elected: 2019, 2021

Professional background

• Consultant: Specialized in business relations with the Middle East (2005 – 2015)
• Construction: Founded/owned a construction company
• Engineer: Degree in Civil Engineering from Concordia University

Connection to DND/CAF

• Nil.

Political and parliamentary roles

• Member of the Executive: Canada-France Inter-Parliamentary Association (2021 – Present)
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2018 – Present); Canada- France Inter-Parliamentary Association (2017 – Present)

Committee membership

• Member: House Special Committee on Afghanistan (9 December 2021 – Present); House Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (9 December 2021 – Present)
• Vice Chair: Joint Committee on Scrutiny of Regulations (2 March 2021 – 15 August 2021)
• Former Member: House Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (2020 – 2021)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Safety of Afghan Nationals:

• During meetings of the AFGH committee, Mr. El-Khoury repeatedly demonstrates his concern for the safety and security of Afghan women and girls, often questioning witnesses to provide detailed information regarding the measures taken to ensure their protection and safety.

Operation IMPACT:

• During the 42nd Parliament, Mr. El-Khoury vigorously defended the Government’s decision to withdraw Canada’s CF-18s from Operation IMPACT, and re-focus efforts on training local forces and humanitarian aid.

Child Soldiers:

• During Question Period, Mr. El-Khoury asked the Government to update the House on the progress being made to prevent the use of child soldiers.

Sexual Misconduct:

• During a meeting of the National Defence Committee, Mr. El-Khoury, who stood in for Mr. Yvan Baker, spoke about the need to ensure that sexual misconduct is eliminated from the Canadian Armed Forces. In a prepared speech, he noted the launch of Justice Arbour’s review.

Other interests

Lebanon:

• Mr. El-Khoury, himself an immigrant from Lebanon, is the Founder and President of the Canada-Lebanon Friendship Group.

Armenian Genocide:

• In Committee, Mr. El-Khoury repeatedly speaks to the Azerbaijani forces’ genocide of the Armenian people, often mentioning that “through multilateralism, Canada will continue to make a constructive contribution to the peaceful and just resolution of this conflict, while ensuring that Armenians and other minorities live in peace, free from hatred and discrimination.”

Maninder Sidhu

LPC – Brampton East (ON)

Election to the House of Commons

• First elected: 2019
• Re-elected: 2021

Professional background

• Import / Export: Owner, Customs Brokerage Firm

Connection to DND/CAF

• Nil.

Political and parliamentary roles

• Parliamentary Secretary: Foreign Affairs (2021 – Present)
• Former Parliamentary Secretary: International Development (Mar – Aug 2021)
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association   (2020 – Present); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2020 – Present)

Committee membership

• Member: Special Committee on Afghanistan (16 December 2021 – Present)
• Former Member: Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2021 – 2021); Natural Resources (2020 – 2021); Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (2020 – 2021); Citizenship and Immigration (2021 – 2021)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Afghan Minorities:

• During Question Period, Mr. Sidhu honored the life of Manmeet Singh Bhullar, and asked the Minister of Immigration to explain what is being done to carry on Mr. Bhullar’s legacy of assisting the Sikh and Hindu minority in Afghanistan. He further highlighted the work of the Manmeet Singh Bhullar Foundation during a meeting of the Subcommittee on International Human Rights.

Humanitarian Aid:

• During the first meeting of the Special Committee on Afghanistan, Mr. Sidhu pushed the committee to devote five meetings to the study of humanitarian aid efforts in Afghanistan, and expressed a desire to hear from a variety of different organizations on the matter.

Supporting Afghan Women:

• During both committee meetings and House debate, Mr. Sidhu occasionally underscores the importance of supporting women and girls, whether it be in their economic participation, social justice efforts, or protecting their security in the midst of crisis.
• During various AFGH committee meetings, Mr. Sidhu expressed interest in the social and educational supports provided to Afghan women and girls.

Other interests

Philanthropy:

• Mr. Sidhu founded a charity called The Kindness Movement, which supports economically disadvantaged students in Canada and India.

Salma Zahid

LPC – Scarborough Centre (ON)

Election to the House of Commons

• First elected: 2015
• Re-elected: 2019, 2021

Professional background

• Public Servant: Senior Advisor, Government of Ontario
• Education: Masters of Educational Management and Administration, University of London; Masters of Business Administration, Quaid e Azam University

Connection to DND/CAF

• Nil.

Political and parliamentary roles

• Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2018 – 2021); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2016 – 2021)

Committee membership

• Chair: Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (18 Feb 2020 – Present)
• Member: Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (19 Sep 2018 – Present)
• Member: Special Committee on Afghanistan (8 Dec 2021 – Present)
• Former Vice Chair: Standing Committee on the Status of Women (11 April 2019 – 11 September 2019)
• Former Member: Standing Committee on the Status of Women (11 April 2019 – 15 August 2021); Public Accounts (2016 – 2016); Indigenous and Northern Affairs (2017 – 2018)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Afghan Refugees:

• Ms. Zahid has raised the importance of resettling vulnerable Afghans in Canada on several occasions during House debate. Her comments sometimes reference the Canadian Armed Forces, but her focus tended to lie on resettlement efforts.

Afghanistan Mission:

• During House debate, Ms. Zahid suggested that Canada would benefit from a larger post-mortem of the mission in Afghanistan, not just the last several years.
• During various AFGH committee meetings, Ms. Zahid asked several questions about what Canada is doing to support women's rights advocacy within Afghanistan, including their access to education.

Culture Change:

• Ms. Zahid was an active member of the House Standing Committee on the Status of Women during that committee’s study of Sexual Misconduct within the Canadian Armed Forces. Her questions tended to be of a problem-solving nature—asking about the root causes of problems, and seeking input on possible solutions from witnesses.

Other interests

Palestine:

• Ms. Zahid is the Chair of the Canada-Palestine Parliamentary Friendship Group, which works to advance the recognition and protection of human rights for Palestinian people. In May 2021, Mr. Zahid advocated for the Government to call for an end to Israeli airstrikes within Palestine, and condemn Israeli settlements in disputed territories.

Immigration:

• Ms. Zahid champions immigration, and has risen in the House to highlight Canada’s history of welcoming “people fleeing persecution, war, and terror.”

Kerry-Lynne Findlay

CPC – South Surrey—White Rock (BC)

Election to the House of Commons

• First elected: 2011 (Delta—Richmond East)
• Re-elected: 2019 (South Surrey—White Rock), 2021 (South Surrey—White Rock)
  • Defeated: 2015

Professional background

• Law: Established a law practice in civil litigation, family law, employment law, aboriginal land issues, and mediation; appeared in all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada; established her own law firm, KFindlay Law Group, in 2019
• Community connections: Serves as Treasurer of BC & Alberta Guide Dogs, providing support dogs to veterans with PTSD; BC India Business Network Advisory Board member; member of Rotary International, (2018-19 Club President), South Surrey White Rock Chamber of Commerce, Surrey Board of Trade, and the Canadian Bar Association

Connection to DND/CAF

• Former Associate Minister of National Defence (2013)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Critic: National Defence (2021)
• Former Associate Minister: National Defence (2013)
• Former Minister: National Revenue (2013 – 2015)
• Former Critic: Environment and Climate Change (2019 – 2020)
• Former Parliamentary Secretary: Minister of Justice (2011 – 2013)
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canada-China Legislative Association (2020 – 2021; 2011 – 2013); Canadian NATO Legislative Association (2011 – 2013)

Committee membership

• Member: House Standing Committee on National Defence (2021 – present); House Special Committee on Afghanistan (2021 – present)
• Vice Chair: House Standing Committee on National Defence (2021 – present)
• Former Vice Chair: Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying (2021); House Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development (2020)
• Former Member: House Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights (2020 – 2021; 2011 – 2013); House Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development (2020)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Afghanistan:

• During Question Period in 2021, Ms. Findlay asked whether the Government would support the CPC motion to examine what went wrong in Afghanistan, stating that “we promised our allies and their families protection and a new life, and the Government broke that solemn bond.”
• During former Defence Minister Sajjan's appearance at the AFGH committee in April 2022 (in his capacity as Minister of International Development), Ms. Findlay was highly critical of the handling of the evacuation of Afghan Nationals, and pressed Mr. Sajjan to provide detailed information on “why several flights left [Kabul] when they were only at half of their capacity.”
• In a November 2021 video published on her social media, Ms. Findlay stated that one of her three priorities for this Parliamentary session is “ensuring Canada provides critical support and expedites the safe passage process to bring to Canada those Afghan interpreters and support personnel who so bravely assisted alongside our Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan.”

Alliances:

• During a briefing on the Minister’s mandate and priorities at NDDN in February 2022, Ms. Findlay asked the Minister whether Canada has “given up” on bilateral defence diplomacy, noting that there is “no mention” of the Five Eyes alliance, the Quad, or AUKUS in the Minister’s mandate letter.
• During a November 2021 media interview, Ms. Findlay stressed that maintaining partnerships such as NATO, NORAD, and the Five Eyes is “vital to the defence of Canada.” She also cautioned that Canada should not be “left out” of the AUKUS defence partnership between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

NATO Funding:

• During a March 2022 NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness, Ms. Findlay asked Canada’s ambassador to NATO how he would characterize Canada’s relationship with other countries on the issue of 2% defence spending.

Continental Defence:

• During a February 2022 NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness, Ms. Findlay asked witnesses how NORAD modernization will unfold given the threats posed by new weapons, and the impact on deterrence.
• From November 2021 to March 2022, Ms. Findlay has used social media to raise continental defence-related issues, including:
• In March 2022, she tweeted that “with the Russian attack on Ukraine, we must be prepared that our Arctic could be next. Canada must commit to our defence partnerships like NORAD and upgrade our North Warning System to ensure we are protected from threats like Russia and China.”
• In January 2022, she tweeted a quote that said “to the extent that the Americans need to ensure their continental defence in the absence of our half of the continent, they’ll simply proceed without us.” She went on to state that “our allies know that defence is not a priority for this government” and that “this must change.”
• In November 2021, she tweeted that “Russia is ramping up in the Arctic, yet Trudeau's Throne Speech offers nothing on protecting our Arctic sovereignty or purchasing new fighter jets. This needs to be a priority. We must protect our Arctic, before we lose it.”

Ukraine:

• During a February 2022 NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness, Ms. Findlay asked witnesses whether Canada should take a “principled stand” for Ukraine to try to deter a Russian invasion, even though it is not a NATO ally.
• Throughout the threat analysis and CAF operational readiness study, Ms. Findlay has asked questions regarding the Government’s donation of CAF equipment and lethal aid to Ukraine.
• On November 15, 2021, Ms. Findlay issued a joint statement with CPC Foreign Affairs critic Michael Chong and Deputy Whip James Bezan, reiterating CPC support for Op REASSURANCE and Op UNIFIER.

Sexual Misconduct and Culture Change:

• Following the apology given by MND, DM, and CDS in 2021, Ms. Findlay stated to the media that “it's time for the Liberals to take concrete action, including implementing the recommendations from the 2015 Deschamps report, and ensuring that the process to deal with allegations of sexual misconduct is transparent and respectful.”
• In a November 2021 video published on her social media, Ms. Findlay stated that one of her three priorities for this Parliamentary session is “ensuring all members of the CAF are treated with respect, and that the process in place to deal with allegations of sexual misconduct is transparent and respectful.”

Recruitment and Retention:

• During an NDDN briefing on the Minister’s mandate and priorities (February 2022), Ms. Findlay pressed the CDS about the recruitment initiatives that he has undertaken to bring the military to “full strength and ensure they are operationally ready.”
• During a February 2022 NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness, Ms. Findlay often pressed witnesses whether they thought “more money and more investment” should urgently be put toward recruitment and retention.

Canadian Rangers:

• During a March 2022 NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness, Ms. Findlay observed that the Canadian Ranger program is “unique” and provides a “distinct advantage of eyes and ears on the ground.” She asked witnesses about “expanding and professionalizing the Canadian Rangers,” supporting the training, and the perceived “need to re-arm them with new small arms.”

Procurement and Equipment:

• During an NDDN briefing on the Minister’s mandate and priorities in February 2022, Ms. Findlay pressed the Minister on the timelines for the future fighter jet replacement.
• From November 2021 to January 2022, Ms. Findlay has used social media to raise major defence procurement issues, including:
  • In January 2022, she tweeted that “preparing for the warfare of the future is about more than just the much- needed fighter jets and submarines. The Canadian Armed Forces need surface warships, advanced defence systems, cyber warfare capabilities, and other tools to prepare for the conflicts of tomorrow.”

Jasraj Singh Hallan

CPC – Calgary Forest Lawn (AB)

Election to the House of Commons

• First elected: 2019
• Re-elected: 2021

Professional background

• Business owner: General Manager, Klair Custom Homes Ltd. (2007 – 2019)
• Provincial politics: United Conservative Party Candidate, Calgary-McCall (2018 – 2019)

Connection to DND/CAF

• Nil.

Political and parliamentary roles

• Critic: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (2021 – Present)
• Former Deputy Critic: Multiculturalism (2019 – 2020)
• Member of the Executive: Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (2020 – Present)

Committee membership

• Member: Special Committee on Afghanistan (8 Dec 2021 – Present)
• Member: Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (5 Feb 2020 – Present)
• Former Vice Chair: Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (17 Feb 2021 – 15 Aug 2021)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Immigration:

• In both the House and at committee meetings, Mr. Hallan frequently brings up the perceived backlog of applications at Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, which, he claims, is currently 1.8 million.
• When questioning officials at the House Committee on Citizenship and Immigration, Mr. Hallan typically asks process and outcome oriented questions, such as the length of time to process refugee resettlement applications or what resources are necessary to decrease the backlog.

Data security (Immigration):

• At meetings of the House Committee on Citizenship and Immigration in Feb and Mar 2021, Mr. Hallan frequently expressed concern for Canada’s ability to maintain data security for visa applicants from Hong Kong, especially those involved in pro-democracy protest activity.
• On 3 Nov 2021 Mr. Hallan wrote to the Privacy Commissioner to demand an investigation of a reported data breach that exposed the private information of hundreds of Afghan refugee applicants.

Afghan Refugees:

• On 7 Dec 2021, Mr. Hallan rose in the House to speak at length in favour of establishing the Special Committee on Afghanistan, criticizing the Government for a perceived lack of planning, preparation, and urgency in evacuating vulnerable Afghans and interpreters from Afghanistan.
• Mr. Hallan thanked members and veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces for their private efforts to evacuate Afghan interpreters from Afghanistan, during this speech, noting that they deserve to know “what happened”.
• Mr. Hallan has personally sponsored an Afghan refugee family.
• During Question Period in the House (11 February 2022), Mr. Hallan pressed the Government to provide details for why “a 17-member Canadian Armed Forces evacuation operations advance team awaited the orders to deploy for several days at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, while the United States and United Kingdom military teams were on the ground in Kabul saving Afghans.”

Other interests

Private Member’s Bill:

• During the last session of Parliament, Mr. Hallan sponsored a bill which would allow consideration of “grooming” behaviour as an aggravating factor in determining a sentence for certain sexual offences. The bill underwent First Reading on 28 May 2021, and has not proceeded since.

Alex Ruff

CPC – Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound (ON)

Election to the House of Commons

• First elected: 2019
• Re-elected: 2021

Professional background

• CAF Member: Army Officer, Royal Canadian Regiment (1993 – 2019)
• Education: B.Sc Space Science, Royal Military College (1993 – 1997)

Connection to DND/CAF

• Long-serving, former member of the Canadian Armed Forces. Retired in 2019 at the rank of Colonel.

Political and parliamentary roles

• Former Deputy Whip of the Official Opposition: (2020 – 2021)
• Former Member of the Joint Interparliamentary Council: (2020 – 2021)
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2021 – Present)

Committee membership

• Member: Special Committee on Afghanistan (03 Mar 2022 – Present); Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (09 Dec 2021 – Present)
• Former Member: Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (Feb – Aug, 2020)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Afghanistan:

• Mr. Ruff served two operational deployments in Afghanistan. He noted in the Special Committee on Afghanistan that he has serious concerns about Afghans trapped in the country, especially women and children. Mr. Ruff declared that Canada must streamline its refugee process and work with NGOs to get the vulnerable out of Afghanistan as quickly as possible.
• During the meetings of the AFGH committee (2022), Mr. Ruff pressed witnesses to provide the Committee with detailed information and context regarding Operation AEGIS, such as the context and intelligence leading up to the fall of Kabul/Afghanistan and the evacuation of Afghan nationals. Mr. Ruff tends to question the effectiveness of the Government’s evacuation efforts, often stressing that Canada should have taken action sooner.

Leadership:

• Mr. Ruff has argued in both the House and at committee that a lack of leadership—exacerbated by poor inter- departmental coordination, and no single responsible minister—caused problems with the Canadian efforts to evacuate Afghanistan.

Government Accountability:

• Mr. Ruff was extremely critical of the former Minister of National Defence’s actions regarding allegations of sexual misconduct among senior CAF officers. He asserted, in both the House and at committee, that the former minister failed to demonstrate adequate accountability and leadership.

Defence Spending:

• During a debate in the House (April 2022) on the Opposition Motion on Spending on National Defence, Mr. Ruff mentioned that it was essential for Canada to invest 2% of its GDP in defence in order to protect Canada against Russia, China, and terrorism, as well as to ensure the modernization of NORAD and that the CAF has the equipment it needs to fulfil its mandate.
• During the same debate, Mr. Ruff explained that the biggest challenge in defence procurement “is the political interference that occurs naturally because of the Canadian political system,” often stressing his desire for a “non- partisan or bipartisan defence policy and foreign policy.”
• During a meeting of the National Defence Committee (March 2022), Mr. Ruff pressed National Defence witnesses on the institution’s procurement processes, often questioning if the Government has the ability to “speed up its procurement of CAF air defence capabilities.”