Defence Policy

• Since 2017, National Defence has made significant progress in advancing initiatives in Strong, Secure, Engaged.
• 71% of the policy's projects are in the implementation phase, near completion, or completed.
• For example, we are delivering on a number of major procurement projects, including:
  • Six Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships for the Royal Canadian Navy, the first of which has been delivered;
  • 1587 Standard Military Pattern trucks, which were recently delivered to the Canadian Army and are now operational;
  • Acceptance of the first of 16 new Fixed Wing Search and Rescue Aircraft, and;
  • Awarding a contract to Seaspan's Vancouver Shipyards for the full construction of two Joint Support Ships.
• As outlined in this policy, we are also working to expand the Defence Team to meet 21st century defence challenges.
• As part of this effort, in the last year, we grew the Reserve Force by 1743 members and the Regular Force by 411 members.
• As we grow, we remain committed to ensuring that Canadian Armed Forces members and their families are well-supported through initiatives such as:
  • the Total Health and Wellness Strategy, which includes mental health support and a Suicide Prevention Strategy;
  • Diversity Champions appointed to oversee the implementation of the Diversity Strategy and Action Plan; and,
  • Bill C-77, which, once in force, will enshrine important rights for victims in the military justice system.
• Taken together, progress on SSE represents an important investment in the Canadian economy and the creation of jobs for Canadians from cross to coast to coast.
• Looking ahead, we will continue to move forward with the full range of initiatives outlined in Strong, Secure, Engaged.

If pressed on Strong, Secure, Engaged implementation audit:

• Audits and evaluations help determine where adjustments and improvements can be made to ensure the continued efficient progress and oversight of Strong, Secure, Engaged.
• All of the audit's recommendations have been addressed and the action plans have been fully implemented.

• We welcome engagements of this nature as we implement our defence policy.