Committee Information – Membership & Profiles

John McKay

LPC – Scarborough-Guildwood (ON)

Connection to DND/CAF

• Vice-Chair of NDDN from 2011 – 2013. During this period, NDDN studied topics such as continental defence, CAF readiness, and international defence cooperation
• Co-chair of the Permanent Joint Board of Defence

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Former Parliamentary Secretary: Minister of National Defence (2015 – 2017); Minister of Finance (2003 – 2006)
• Former Critic: Environment (2013 – 2015); National Defence (2011 – 2013); Industry (Tourism) (2008 – 2009); Treasury Board (Crown Corporations) (2006 – 2007)
• Parliamentary Association Vice-Chair: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2022 – Present); Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (2022 – Present); Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (2020 – Present)
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2007 – Present)

Committee Membership

• Chair: House Standing Committee on National Defence (2021 – Present)
• Member: House Standing Committee on National Defence (2021 – Present); House Liaison Committee (2021 – Present)
• Former Chair: House Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (2017 – 2021); House Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (2010 – 2011)
• Former Vice Chair: House Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development (2013 – 2015); House Standing Committee on National Defence (2011 – 2013); House Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights (2002 – 2003)
• Former Member: House Special Committee on the Economic Relationship between Canada and the United States (2021); Liaison Committee (2010 – 2011; 2017 – 2021); House Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (2017 – 2021); House Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2017); House Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development (2013 – 2015); House Standing Committee on National Defence (2011 – 2013); House Standing Committee on Finance (2004 – 2010); House Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (1997 – 2000); House Standing Committee on Scrutiny of Regulations (1997 – 1998; 2002 – 2003)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Continental Defence, Canada’s Security Architecture, and Arctic Sovereignty:

• During MND’s briefing on her mandate and priorities at a meeting of the National Defence Committee (NDDN) in February 2022, Mr. McKay stated that he considers China to be an "existential threat to this country" and that he does not consider Russia to be as existential of a threat. He noted that the military is focused on the Russian threat, which he believes is "coming home to roost in the Arctic." He further stated that there is a "threat that’s up and an ability to respond that’s down", and asked the CDS how he intends to "rapidly get the military, in all of its aspects, up to the ever-increasing threat level."
• Mr. McKay expressed that he would like NDDN to review "Canada’s entire security architecture – from a military, intelligence, cyber perspective – so that [Canada] can face the 21st century" during a December 2021 interview.
• He underscored the importance of renegotiating the NORAD treaty during House Debate on the Canada-United-States-Mexico Agreement Implementation Act in January 2020.
• Mr. McKay highlighted the challenge of replacing the early warning system, as well as the complexity of having an all domain warning system, as the keynote speaker on "the impact of climate change on Canadian-U.S. Defense" at a 2020 Canada-United States Law Institute conference.
• Mr. McKay travelled on board the HMCS Charlottetown off the coast of Nunavut in 2018. Following this trip, Mr. McKay told The Hill Times that "the Arctic is the next big frontier from a military standpoint" and emphasized the importance of Canada defending its sovereignty in the Arctic.

Defence Spending:

• During an NDDN meeting on Main Estimates in June 2022, Mr. McKay mentioned that between the Estimates to date and the Main Estimates for 2023, the defence spending "barely moves" to the 2% goal. He stated that "we are in a war situation", and asked the Deputy Minister why the "budget presentation barely moves the needle towards 2%."

NATO:

• During a House debate on Public Safety and National Security, Mr. McKay told his different experiences abroad with different representatives of NATO member countries, in order to explain the relevance and role of NATO in ensuring Europe's defence and security against Russia.

Ukraine:

• On several occasions in the House, Mr. McKay mentioned the importance for Canada to support Ukraine in a real and material way. During a House debate on Ukraine in June 2022, he stated that "Ukrainians are fighting for us as well as for their nation".

Defence Policy Update:

• At a NDDN meeting on Main Estimates 2022-23 in June 2022, Mr. McKay asked if the updating of the defense policy will be done in isolation or in partnership with other agencies of Public Safety, such as CSIS. 

Procurement:

• Mr. McKay stressed the importance of procuring more icebreakers at the 2020 Canada-United States Law Institute conference. He also advocated for a new agency to oversee defence procurement in a 2019 interview. Mr. McKay stated that "the current system is not working," and that the decision process needs to be "sharper and more timely."
• During an NDDN meeting on Main Estimates in June 2022, Mr. McKay asked ADM(Mat) for a "working idea of what military inflation will be for this year."

Russia:

• During a debate in the House on May 5, 2022, Mr. McKay introduced a motion to calls for the immediate release of Vladimir Kara-Murza, and all other Russian prisoners of conscience; the immediate release of Alexei Navalny; the immediate cessation of hostilities in Ukraine, and the unilateral withdrawal of Russian troops.

Military Justice:

• Participated in debate on Bill C-15 (Strengthening Military Justice in the Defence of Canada Act) in 2013. Mr. McKay specifically raised concerns regarding constitutional protections for CAF members, the ability of the VCDS to intervene in a police investigation, and the grievance process.

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Bryan May

LPC – Cambridge (ON)

Connection to DND/CAF

• Nil

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Parliamentary Secretary: Minister of National Defence (2021 – Present)
• Former Parliamentary Association Member: Canada NATO Parliamentary Association (2016 – 2017 / 2018 - 2019)

Committee Membership

• Member: Standing Committing on National Defence (2021– Present)
• Former Chair: Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (2020 – 2021); Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (2016 – 2019)
• Former Member: Liaison Committee (2020 – 2021); Standing Committee on Natural Resources (2020 – 2021)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Personnel:

• Mr. May has a strong background in human resources, and has specific experience with addressing workplace harassment, violence and sexual misconduct. For example, he was the Chair of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development during which the Committee studied various bills related to harassment, violence and sexual misconduct. During these studies, the Committee heard from witnesses on the subject of human resources practices and measures to address sexual misconduct. The Committee also heard from federal employees and employers about their personal experiences with workplace harassment or sexual violence.

Recruitment and Retention:

• During an April 2022 National Defence Committee (NDDN) meeting on recruitment and retention, Mr. May asked the Ombudsman for National Defence whether any changes have been made to the recruiting process to address the concerns identified in the 2016 OAG report on recruitment and retention. Mr. May also asked about the average time it takes to enrol in the CAF, and about the impacts of COVID-19 on the roll-out of CAF programs supporting military families.
• During another NDDN meeting on recruitment and retention in April 2022, Mr. May observed that the CAF has specific recruitment targets for underrepresented groups, but have faced persistent challenges in meeting those targets. He asked witnesses what factors are driving these challenges and if other countries around the world have been more successful in recruiting from diverse groups.
• During the same meeting, Mr. May acknowledged the family-work balance issues for CAF personnel and asked the witnesses what measures the CAF could develop in the short term to improve the situation.
• During another NDDN meeting on this study in April 2022, Mr. May suggested that most Canadians have a very limited understanding of what a career in the CAF looks like, and asked witnesses what is the CAF doing to change this.

NATO Contributions:

• During a February 2022 NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness, Mr. May wondered about the contributions Canada should make “in the coming decades” and how those contributions should be prioritized.
• During a March 2022 NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness, Mr. May asked DOS SJS how Canada’s role in NATO operations under Op REASSURANCE compares to those of other NATO member states.

Indo-Pacific Engagement:

• During a February 2022 NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness, Mr. May asked witnesses about the role of military cooperation in Indo-Pacific relations, and how this deepens engagement in the region.

Cyber:

• During a February 2022 NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness, Mr. May asked witnesses whether Canada should be increasing its capability to counter cyber threats, and what the biggest cyber threats are.
• At an NDDN meeting on Main Estimates in June 2022, Mr. May asked National Defence witnesses how the funding requested to modernize and upgrade DND’s information management and information technology platforms will protect National Defence systems against cyber-attacks from foreign actors like Russia.

Defence Industry and Procurement:

• During House Debate on national defence spending in April 2022, Mr. May acknowledged the need to move forward with a procurement program for the Cormorant helicopter fleet.
• At a 2018 NDDN meeting to study Canada’s involvement in NATO, Mr. May focused his questions on defence innovation and technology. He asked officials from the NATO Industrial Advisory Group if Canada had any unique advantages in the defence technology sector, what innovations Canada could target, and what advantages these prospective innovations might confer to Canada in NATO.

Environment:

• At an NDDN meeting on Main Estimates in June 2022, Mr. May mentioned that “that DND's greenhouse gas emissions have increased over the past few years while at the same time, we’ve seen an increase in the need for CAF due to climate change issues, which will undoubtedly further increase emissions.” He then asked National Defence witnesses how they plan to “reconcile these pressures to ensure that DND hits their goal of zero emissions.”

Sexual Misconduct:

• During an NDDN meeting on Main Estimates in June 2022, Mr. May asked National Defence witnesses how National Defence is advancing victim-centric approaches to sexual misconduct, and how long it will take to get these programs up and running.

Housing:

• During a statement in the House on military housing in May 2022, Mr. May explained the various measures National Defence is taking to resolve the housing crisis for CAF members, and emphasized the importance of addressing this issue to avoid undermining the effectiveness of the CAF.

Other Interests:

Armenia:

• Mr. May has been the Chair of the Canada-Armenia Parliamentary Friendship Group since 2017. He occasionally rises in the House to bring attention to human rights and genocide generally, and the Armenian genocide in particular.
• On 22 June 2021, Mr. May presented petitions regarding the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia and called for the condemnation of Azerbaijan due to allegation that it was holding POWs illegally.

Sponsored Private Members’ Bills:

• Mr. May sponsored a private member’s bill in Feb 2016—Bill C-240: An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (tax credit — first aid) and in Feb 2021—Bill C-272: An Act to Amend the Copyright Act (diagnosis, maintenance or repair).

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Christine Normandin

BQ – Saint-Jean (QC)

Connection to DND/CAF

• Garrison Saint-Jean, Royal Military College Saint-Jean and the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School are located in her riding.

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Critic: National Defence (2021); Citizenship and Immigration (2019 – 2021)
• Former Critic: Citizenship and Immigration (2019 – 2021)
• Deputy House Leader: Bloc Québécois (2019 – present)
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canada-China Legislative Association (2020 – 2022); Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2020 – 2022)

Committee Membership

• Member: House Standing Committee on National Defence (2021 – present)
• Vice Chair: House Standing Committee on National Defence (2021 – present)
• Former Vice Chair: House Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (2020 – 2021)
• Former Member: House Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (2020 – 2021); National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (2020)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Recruitment and Retention:

• During an NDDN meeting on recruitment and retention in April 2022, Mme. Normandin expressed disappointment with the regular departure of members from the CAF, and asked witnesses about the main reasons for these departures. She also asked about the methods the CAF is using to promote retention. She acknowledged that culture change is a long-term process, and asked witnesses if there are any short-term strategies to improve recruitment and retention.
• During another NDDN meeting on recruitment and retention in April 2022, Mme. Normandin raised the Report of the Minister of National Defence’s Advisory Panel on Systemic Racism and Discrimination. She noted that over the past 20 years, other recommendations regarding the treatment of minorities, women and LGBTQ2+ have not been implemented, and asked if it would happen again with the recommendations in this report.
• During the same meeting, Mme. Normandin asked the witnesses if there is a recruitment and retention issue for Francophones in the CAF.
• During House Debate on national defence spending in April 2022, Mme. Normandin linked the issue of increased defence spending with recruitment and retention, asking “what is the point of increasing the National Defence procurement budget if it does not have the personnel needed to manage it?”
• During the NDDN study on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in early 2022, Mme. Normandin asked witnesses whether there are enough pilots to fly the new fighter jets.
• During Supplementary Estimates (C) at NDDN in March 2022, Mme. Normandin asked the DM for more information about the policy changes taking place to improve recruitment and retention.
• During a briefing on MND’s mandate and priorities in February 2022, Mme. Normandin asked the CDS what is being done to reduce the number of non-essential deployments and transfers, and about supports for military families.

Sexual Misconduct:

• In December 2021, Mme. Normandin tweeted that MND’s apology to victims in the CAF is a “step in the right direction, but to be more meaningful, it must be more than an apology. They must be kept promises.”
• She has also expressed concern about trust in military leadership in the House of Commons. During House Debate on the opposition motion to censure the MND in 2021, Mme. Normandin expressed that the former MND’s perceived lack of actions tarnished the CAF.

Continental Defence:

• On several occasions during NDDN’s study on threat analysis and operational readiness in early 2022, Mme. Normandin asked witnesses about collaborating on a missile defence system with the U.S., considering the perceived shortcomings in Canada’s current defence resources.
• During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and operational readiness in March 2022, Mme. Normandin expressed concern with the delay in acquiring future fighters, and asked witnesses from National Defence whether this delay threatens NORAD operations.
• During other NDDN meetings on this study in March 2022, Mme. Normandin asked National Defence witnesses how the use of hypersonic missiles influences NORAD modernization, and about the impact of the conflict in Ukraine on Canadian security issues in the Arctic.

Arctic Sovereignty:

• During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in March 2022, Mme. Normandin asked DOS SJS why Canada was sending a small number of CAF members on NATO’s Exercise Cold Response 2022, and wondered whether this could be perceived as Canada “abdicating its Arctic sovereignty.” She also linked the small number of troops to recruitment and retention issues, asking whether this is an indicator of how critical recruitment and retention are.
• During another meeting on this study in March 2022, Mme. Normandin asked National Defence witnesses whether an “increased human presence in the Northern territory” is part of National Defence’s plan to promote Canada’s Arctic sovereignty.

Ukraine:

• During Supplementary Estimates (C) at NDDN in March 2022, Mme. Normandin asked MND whether Canada would consider sending now-banned weapons, such as AR-15s, to Ukraine rather than destroying them.
• During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in March 2022, Mme. Normandin asked DOS SJS whether the CAF had considered a scenario in which Ukraine surrenders.
• During House Debate on Russia’s attack on Ukraine in February 2022, Mme. Normandin asked MND to tell the House how the Canadian Armed Forces are playing a humanitarian role in welcoming people leaving Ukraine, in collaboration with other NATO countries and the countries bordering Ukraine.

NATO:

• During her visit to Vilnius as part of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association meeting in May 2022, Mme. Normandin made several posts on her Twitter account in support of Finland and Sweden's adhesion, as well as Ukraine's future adhesion, to NATO.

Operational Readiness:

• During two NDDN meetings on recruitment and retention in April 2022, Mme. Normandin acknowledged the increasing challenges related to natural disasters and COVID-19, and the burden that these events place on the CAF. She asked witnesses whether it would be appropriate to set up a domestic “paramilitary organization or form of militia” that would be specifically assigned to this type of response.
• During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in March 2022, Mme. Normandin expressed concern about the readiness of the CAF, particularly in terms of equipment. She asked Commander CJOC whether Canada has sufficient resources to undertake a conventional war.

Cyber Security:

• During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in March 2022, Mme. Normandin referenced a rise in cyber threats and asked if Canada should prioritize resources in this area. During the same meeting, she asked witnesses if Canada is a “lost cause” in what it has to offer in cybersecurity, and whether it can upgrade.
• During another meeting on this topic in March 2022, Mme. Normandin questioned witnesses on the type of cyberattack that would justify a counterattack or military intervention.

Procurement:

• On her Twitter account, Mme. Normandin shared an article from La Presse called "Will Canada get the F-35 in time?" and mentioned that almost two years ago, the Bloc called for a committee study to analyze the various options, but that the Liberals blocked the study.
• At an NDDN meeting on Main Estimates in June 2022, Mme. Normandin explained that year after year procurement problems lead to the budget not being entirely spent, and asked what measures are being taken to improve the defence procurement system.

Arbour Report:

• At an NDDN meeting on Main Estimates in June 2022, Mme. Normandin recognized the importance of the Arbour Report recommendations for addressing sexual misconduct issues in the CAF. However, since the College militaire royal de Saint-Jean is in her riding, she remains skeptical about the recommendation calling for a review of the role of the military colleges, and she asked MND if she will determine what improvements can be made instead of outright closing the military colleges.

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Lindsay Mathyssen

NDP – London-Fanshawe (ON)

Connection to DND/CAF

• General Dynamics Manufacturing Facility located in London (Armoured Combat Support Vehicles manufacturing plant); Member of London Victory Legion

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Critic: National Defence (2021 – present)
• Deputy House Leader (2021 – present)
• Deputy Critic: Women and Gender Equality (2021 – present)
• Former Critic: Women and Gender Equality (2019 – 2021); Diversity and Inclusion and Youth (2019 – 2021)
• Former Deputy Whip (2019 – 2021)
• Former Deputy Critic: Export Promotion and International Trade (2019 – 2021); Small Business (2019 – 2021)
• Former Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2021 – 2022); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2020 – 2021)

Committee Membership

• Member: House Standing Committee on National Defence (2021 – present)
• Former Member: House Standing Committee on the Status of Women (2020 – 2021)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Sexual Misconduct in the CAF:

• Focuses on meaningful implementation of external reports and seeks concrete progress that supports survivors. For example:
  • Following the announcement by MND to move all military sexual misconduct cases to the civilian system, Ms. Mathyssen emphasized to the media that the Department must communicate when and how this will be implemented, citing the Department’s delayed response to the sexual misconduct crisis.
  • During Question Period in 2021, Ms. Mathyssen alleged that “since 2015, the Liberals have been sitting on the Deschamps report, failing to implement any of its recommendations.” On another occasion, she also asked MND when the Government will commit to implementing all of the recommendations in the Deschamps report.
• Articulated four key criticisms during the House Committee on the Status of Women’s 2021 study on addressing sexual misconduct in the CAF:
  1. Lack of independence of Military Police and perceived failure to place victims and survivors at the centre of investigations
  2. Erosion of trust between CAF members and senior leadership
  3. Need for effective and independent oversight of misconduct investigations and outcomes
  4. Barriers for participation of women in the CAF
• Filed a supplementary report to the House Committee on Status of Women report on sexual misconduct in the CAF which focused on:
  • Implementing key recommendations of the Deschamps report and 2018 OAG report
  • Addressing the perception that the trust in senior leadership is broken and must be restored
  • Creating an independent centre for accountability
  • Facilitating access to affordable and flexible childcare for CAF members
  • Developing victim-centric and trauma-informed training for all members, including senior leadership
  • Creating a “special program” to increase diversity, gender representation and inclusion in the CAF as recommended by the OAG in 2016

Ukraine and NATO:

• During House Debate on national defence spending in April 2022, Ms. Mathyssen expressed that while the NDP agrees that Canada needs to spend more on defence, the 2% defence spending target set by NATO is “arbitrary.”
• During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in February 2022, Ms. Mathyssen asked CAF officials whether our response to the situation in Ukraine has “given China pause or impacted their reaction in any way.” She also asked the Director of Staff, Strategic Joint Staff at a later meeting whether China has provided support to Russia.
• Throughout the NDDN study on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness, Ms. Mathyssen expressed interest in the effectiveness of sanctions and other diplomatic ways of resolving the crisis in Ukraine. She also expressed concern about the provision of lethal weaponry, asking MND during her Supplementary Estimates (C) appearance in March 2022 about the measures in place to guarantee the tracking of these weapons.

Continental Defence and the Arctic:

• During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in February 2022, Ms. Mathyssen suggested that the Canadian Arctic is “a bit weak” due to climate change and “our own inability to send in the fighter jets that we need but don’t have.” She asked witnesses whether this should be a major preoccupation of Canada’s.
• During another NDDN meeting on the same study in February 2022, Ms. Mathyssen asked CAF officials about future investments in NORAD. She also asked a similar question at the MND briefing on her mandate and priorities, wondering whether National Defence has conducted any cost analysis on NORAD modernization.
• During this study, Ms. Mathyssen also asked witnesses about partnerships with Indigenous communities on Arctic infrastructure projects, and how Canada can pursue such projects in an “Indigenous-led way.”
• Ms. Mathyssen asked witnesses about the perceived challenges Russia would face in an Arctic invasion during a March 2022 meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness.
• In the same meeting, Ms. Mathyssen sought witnesses’ views on how the Government can “break down silos” to have a more “coordinated” response in the Arctic.

Procurement and Supply Chains:

• During an NDDN meeting on continental defence in March 2022, Ms. Mathyssen asked Departmental witnesses how the CAF will ensure the operational ability of C-18s until the future fighters are ready. She also asked how costs on the F-35 project may increase, due to delays in the purchasing of equipment.
• During the same meeting, Ms. Mathyssen expressed interest in Indigenous impact assessments as part of procurement projects, and asked Departmental officials whether these will be conducted on all future procurement.
• During an NDDN meeting on Supplementary Estimates (C) in March 2022, Ms. Mathyssen referred to a PBO report that found that National Defence has underspent on actual capital expenditures since 2018. She asked Departmental officials about the additional costs that National Defence will incur as a result of this, and how it will affect long-term affordability. She also asked how this will affect the scalability of projects, and what such scaling back would mean for the CAF’s work.
• In a November 2021 article, Ms. Mathyssen discussed the need to promote a “made in Canada strategy” to respond to Defence industry supply chain challenges exacerbated by the pandemic and to increase domestic manufacturing capacity to meet our operational obligations.

Environment:

• At a NDDN meeting on Rising Domestic Operational Deployments and Challenges for the CAF in May 2022, Ms. Mathyssen wanted to know what measures the CAF has put in place to reduce its environmental footprint, as well as to adapt to the impact of climate change on its facilities.

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Emmanuella Lambropoulos

LPC – Saint-Laurent (QC)

Connection to DND/CAF

• Former member of the House Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs during studies on topics such as mental health and suicide prevention and barriers to transition.

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2018 – 2019)
• Chair: National Liberal Women’s Caucus (2021 – Present)

Committee Membership

• Member: House Standing Committee on National Defence (2021 – Present); House Standing Committee on the Status of Women (2021 – Present; 2017 – 2019)
• Former Member: House Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (2020 – 2021); House Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology (2020 – 2021); House Standing Committee on Official Languages (2020); House Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (2017 – 2018)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Recruitment and Retention:

• At a National Defence Committee (NDDN) meeting on recruitment and retention in April 2022, Ms. Lambropoulos asked witnesses whether it would be relevant to recruit members whose only responsibility is responding to domestic emergencies.
• During the same meeting, Ms. Lambropoulos recognized the importance of military families, and asked witnesses what benefits or supports are offered to military families.
• During another meeting on this study in April 2022, Ms. Lambropoulos asked witnesses what recruiting practices the CAF should continue to use and which practices it should stop, as well as what Canada could learn from other countries in terms of recruiting.
• During another NDDN meeting on recruitment and retention in April 2022, Ms. Lambropoulos asked witnesses if they think the CAF is doing enough to recruit diverse members, and what more could be done.
• During a briefing on MND’s mandate and priorities at NDDN in February 2022, Ms. Lambropoulos asked MND whether there are any plans for a change in structure to change National Defence’s culture from the top down. She further asked how new recruits will “change the way things are run currently".
• At an NDDN meeting on Main Estimates in June 2022, Ms. Lambropoulos mentioned the Arbour Report's recommendation that sexual offences under the Criminal Code be removed entirely from the jurisdiction of the military justice system and that they be dealt with and prosecuted in civilian criminal court. She asked MND what she will be doing in regard to this recommendation.

Ukraine and NATO

• During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in March 2022, Ms. Lambropoulos asked National Defence and Global Affairs witnesses how Canada can protect itself and put itself in a “better position with regard to NATO.”
• During the same meeting, Ms. Lambropoulos asked whether Canada is doing enough to be considered an “equal NATO partner” and what more we could be doing.
• During Statements by Members in March 2022, Ms. Lambropoulos stated that she is “very happy” that the Government has shown military, humanitarian and economic leadership regarding the situation in Ukraine.
• At an NDDN meeting on Main Estimates in June 2022, Ms. Lambropoulos recognized the importance of the CAF's efforts to strengthen NATO's deterrence posture in Europe through Op REASSURANCE, and asked MND for an update on the work that the CAF has been doing on NATO's eastern flank.

Threats from Russia and China:

• During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in February 2022, Ms. Lambropoulos asked witnesses what a military relationship between Russia and China – who she characterized as “two of our biggest threats" – would mean for Canada, and what types of warfare Canada should be prepared for.
• During an NDDN meeting on the same study in March 2022, Ms. Lambropoulos observed that a lot of cyber-threats and cyber-attacks against Canada are coming from Russia. She asked how Russia gets to and influences Canadians “to think a certain way.”
• During a briefing on MND’s mandate and priorities at NDDN in February 2022, Ms. Lambropoulos noted that cyber threats have been “increasingly steadily for the last while, mainly by China and Russia.” She asked the Chief of CSE what plans are in place going forward to advance cybersecurity under MND’s mandate.

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Jennifer O'Connell

LPC – Pickering—Uxbridge (ON)

Connection to DND/CAF

• Nil

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Parliamentary Secretary: Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities (2021 – Present)
• Former Parliamentary Secretary: Minister of Health (2021), Minister of Finance (Youth Economic Opportunity) (2018 – 2019)
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2015 – Present); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2016 – Present)

Committee Membership

• Member: House Standing Committee on National Defence (2021 – Present)
• Former Member: National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (2020 – 2021); House Standing Committee on Health (2021); Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2021); House Standing Committee on Finance (2016 – 2018)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Veterans:

• Expressed support for Legions in a Member’s Statement in February 2021, noting that “Legions provide supportive spaces and valuable assistance for veterans and their families.”
• Inquired about veterans’ pensions and service dog allowances during NFFN committee meetings.

Other interests

Recruitment and Retention:

• During an National Defence Committee (NDDN) meeting on recruitment and retention in April 2022, Ms. O’Connell asked witnesses to share best practices that other countries use to retain members of their armed forces, and how Canada can learn from them.
• During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in February 2022, Ms. O’Connell remarked on the challenges in recruiting women who may want to have families in the future. She asked witnesses how the CAF considers these issues in their recruiting processes.
• During a Supplementary Estimates (C) appearance in March 2022, Ms. O’Connell asked MND how long it takes for an individual to enter the CAF, serve, and “reach the rank of expertise we actually need.”

Arctic Sovereignty:

• During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in February 2022, Ms. O’Connell expressed concern about the potential collaboration between China and Russia in the Arctic. She asked witnesses if they believed that these two countries would compete in the Arctic, or join forces to limit Canadian sovereignty in the region.
• During an NDDN meeting on the same study in March 2022, Ms. O’Connell asked National Defence witnesses to elaborate on the recent agreement for the North Warning System, in partnership with Inuit.
• During the same meeting, Ms. O’Connell asked witnesses whether much thought has been given to a North American approach versus a solely Canadian sovereignty approach to defence in the North.

Ukraine and NATO:

• During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in February 2022, Ms. O’Connell asked witnesses whether there are specific lethal weapons or technology that NATO allies have not been able to provide that Canada could provide, or that Ukraine would like Canada to provide.
• During an NDDN meeting on the same study in March 2022, Ms. O’Connell asked Canada’s Military Representative to NATO about his involvement with the NATO no-fly zone in Libya, and how that could apply to the decision-making process on a no-fly zone in Ukraine.
• During an NDDN meeting on the same study in March 2022, Ms. O‘Connell asked the Director of Staff, Strategic Joint Staff whether Canada is being relied on for air support, or if Canada is capable and ready should NATO ask for such assistance.

Domestic Operational Deployments:

• At an NDDN meeting on Rising Domestic Operational Deployments and Challenges for the CAF in May 2022, Ms. O’Connell asked witnesses how the federal government works with local authorities to develop their response to natural disasters, so that the CAF is only called upon for organizational assistance or specific assistance that it can offer as a last resort.
• During another NDDN meeting on the same topic in May 2022, Ms. O’Connell asked witnesses if it might be appropriate to create a response unit within the CAF to respond only to domestic operational deployments related to natural disasters.

Other interests

Sexual Assault:

• Ms. O’Connell supported Bill C-3 (an Act to amend the Judges Act and the Criminal Code), which ensures provincial superior court justices receive specialized sexual assault training. During House debate on this matter, in October 2020, Ms. O’Connell noted that protecting victims from sexual assault “should be a basic principle in our country.”

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Yves Robillard

LPC – Marc-Aurèle-Fortin (QC)

Connection to DND/CAF

• Former CAF member (RCAF); has a nephew in the CAF
• Member of NDDN during studies including sexual misconduct, mental health, diversity, peacekeeping, Canada’s involvement in NATO, continental defence, force protection, etc.

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2016 – 2019); Canada-China Legislative Association (2015 – 2016)

Committee Membership

• Member: House Standing Committee on National Defence (2017 – Present)
• Former Member: House Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (2020); House Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs (2018 – 2019); House Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (2016 – 2018)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Cybersecurity:

• During an NDDN meeting in June 2022 on Main Estimates, Mr. Robillard wanted to know what the Communications Security Establishment is doing to protect Canadian cyberspace and our national interests.

Future Fighter Capability:

• At a June 2022 NDDN meeting, Mr. Robillard expressed his satisfaction with the start of the finalization phase of the Future Fighter Capability project, and asked MND why this procurement project is so important to Royal Canadian Air Force members.

Sexual Misconduct:

• At a June 2021 NDDN meeting, Mr. Robillard expressed strong support for seeking a Government response on an NDDN report on sexual misconduct in the CAF. Mr. Robillard argued that by failing to leave room for a Government response, the report would not change the situation and that the Committee must make sure that survivors’ “testimonies have not been in vain.”
• At a May 2021 NDDN meeting, Mr. Robillard stated that “every member of the National Defence team should feel safe and respected in their workplace environment.” He further noted that “eliminating harassment and sexual misconduct and creating a safe work environment for every defence team member is a priority.”
• Mr. Robillard is familiar with the SMRC and explained how it operates to the NDDN table in April 2021.

Military Justice:

• At a 2018 NDDN meeting, Mr. Robillard asked witnesses about best practices for recognizing and respecting victims’ rights in a military justice context. Specifically, he asked whether “the proposed addition of the Declaration of Victims Rights to the Code of Service Discipline respects established standards and best practices in this area.”

Mental Health in the CAF:

• At a 2020 NDDN meeting, Mr. Robillard expressed that the subject of mental health is particularly important to him, as his nephew – a member of the CAF – recently attempted suicide.
• During the NDDN study on mental health (2020), Mr. Robillard asked witnesses about mental health programs and services the CAF should provide; gaps in the mental health support system currently in place; what support is available for CAF families suffering from mental illness; accessing mental health services in French; the reasons for the differences in the mental health issues of women and men in the CAF; and what mental health conditions must be met for a CAF member to be deployed to a mission.

GBA+:

• In 2021, Mr. Robillard introduced a motion in the House that aims to encourage and support existing efforts by the CAF to implement GBA+ across the organization, and to promote awareness and training on GBA+ among current members and newly hired civilian staff. He referred to a diverse military as a “strategic advantage” and highlighted that there are a “number of areas” where the CAF could focus its recruitment efforts in order to achieve greater representation of women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities and members of the LGBTQ2 community.

Youth:

• Mr. Robillard is an advocate for the cadet program. He has referred to his time as a former Royal Canadian Air Cadet officer in the House and in Committee on several occasions.

Reserves:

• Mr. Robillard expressed support for the reservists during Statements by Members in 2019 and during the 2017-18 Main Estimates. He also asked the MND about changes made to support reservists across the country during Oral Questions.

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Darren Fisher

LPC – Dartmouth—Cole Harbour (NS)

Connection to DND/CAF

• CFB Shearwater in riding
• Member of NDDN during studies on: threat analysis and CAF operational readiness, diversity within the CAF, peacekeeping, Bill C-77, Ukraine, Canada’s involvement in NATO, and continental defence

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Parliamentary Secretary: Minister of Seniors (2021 – Present)
• Former Parliamentary Secretary: Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Official Languages) (2021); Minister of Health (2019 – 2021)
• Counsellor: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2020 – Present) and formerly Vice-Chair from (2019 – 2020)
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2016 – 2021); Canada-China Legislative Association (2015 – 2016)

Committee Membership

• Member: House Standing Committee on National Defence (2021 – present; 2016 – 2019)
• Former Member: House Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (2021); House Standing Committee on Health (2020 – 2021); House Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development (2016 – 2019)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Arctic Sovereignty and NORAD Modernization:

• During a National Defence Committee (NDDN) meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in March 2022, Mr. Fisher asked witnesses about the most important investments that Canada should be making in NORAD today.
• During another NDDN meeting on this study, Mr. Fisher asked witnesses about the degree of the threat posed by Russia when it comes to entering North American airspace, and asked how often this happens.
• Mr. Fisher also asked witnesses how the nature of a given U.S. presidential administration influences Canada’s decisions on continental defence.
• At an NDDN meeting on Main Estimates in June 2022, Mr. Fisher asked witnesses what types of investments were supported by these Estimates to strengthen the CAF's ability to operate in the North, and how they will benefit Northern communities.

Ukraine and NATO:

• During Supplementary Estimates (C) at NDDN in March 2022, Mr. Fisher asked MND to describe Canada’s contribution to Op REASSURANCE, and how this emphasizes Canada’s commitment to NATO.
• During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in February 2022, Mr. Fisher introduced a motion to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and the government of Ukraine, and condemned the Russian attack, the illegal invasion of Ukraine, and President Putin and the Russian government.
• During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in February 2022, Mr. Fisher acknowledged the importance of Canada’s collaboration with NATO and asked witnesses how this relationship advances Canadian defence and foreign policy. He also asked how Canada’s role in NATO is likely to evolve over time.
• During another meeting on this study in March 2022, Mr. Fisher asked about Canada’s contribution to Ukraine and NATO, and asked National Defence witnesses whether Canada’s contributions are comparable to those of our Allies.
• At an NDDN meeting on Main Estimates in June 2022, Mr. Fisher asked MND what has been done to directly support Ukraine and coordinate with our international partners.

Recruitment and Retention:

• At a NDDN meeting on recruitment and retention in April 2022, Mr. Fisher asked witnesses about Universality of Service. He wondered about the challenges it poses to recruitment and retention, and asked if modernizing this principle influenced recruitment and retention in other countries.
• During the same meeting, Mr. Fisher asked why members of the CAF are leaving service, and wondered what percentage of members leave the CAF due to grievances.
• At an NDDN meeting on Main Estimates in June 2022, Mr. Fisher wanted to know about the methods and programs that the CAF is using to recruit Canadians from diverse backgrounds.

Procurement and Defence Spending:

• During the Supplementary Estimates (C) appearance at NDDN in March 2022, Mr. Fisher asked MND where she stands on the question of defence spending and resourcing for the CAF.
• During a speech at the 2017-18 Main Estimates (as part of Committee of the Whole), Mr. Fisher emphasized the challenges related to the procurement process and the need to “continually improve our procurement systems.”
• During the same Committee of the Whole, Mr. Fisher requested an update from the MND and Parliamentary Secretary on the status of the Arctic Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) procurement project, the RCN’s acquisition of ships under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, and aircraft fleets.

Domestic Operational Deployments:

• At an NDDN meeting on Rising Domestic Operational Deployments and Challenges for the CAF in May 2022, Mr. Fisher asked witnesses if it might be appropriate to create a special reservist entity or a private entity to respond to natural disasters in Canada.

Other Interests

Environment:

• In June 2022, Mr. Fisher introduced a petition on behalf of his constituents, calling on the Government to enact “just transition legislation” that would continue to reduce emissions while creating more green jobs and strengthening workers' rights.

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Cheryl Gallant

CPC – Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke (ON)

Connection to DND/CAF

• Located in riding: CFB Petawawa, Arnprior Aerospace, and Chalk River Laboratories (a nuclear research facility)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Counsellor: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2022 – Present)
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canada-China Legislative Association (2013– Present); Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2004 – Present); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2017 – Present); Canada-Israel Interparliamentary Group (2014 – Present)
• Former Critic: Veterans Affairs (Associate) (2019 – 2021), Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (2019 – 2021); Small Business; Industry; Science, Research and Development; Canadian Heritage
• Former Deputy House Leader: Official Opposition (2001 – 2002)

Committee Membership

• Member: House Standing Committee on National Defence (2006 – Present)
• Former Vice Chair: House Standing Committee on National Defence (2016 – 2017)
• Former Member: House Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (2011); House Standing Committee on Natural Resources (2010 – 2011); House Standing Joint Committee on the Scrutiny of Regulations (2010); House Standing Joint Committee on the Library of Parliament (2009); House Standing Committee on the Status of Women (2006); House Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage (2001); House Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (2001 – 2002); House Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology (2002 – 2004; 2011 – 2015)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Recruitment and Retention:

• During a National Defence committee (NDDN) meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in March 2022, Ms. Gallant criticized the fact that CAF recruits in basic training were isolated in their rooms once the pandemic started, which she stated led at least one recruit to commit suicide. She asked witnesses how to avoid a similar situation in the future, and what recommendations they would put forward to improve retention.
• During an April 2022 NDDN meeting on recruitment and retention, Ms. Gallant asked witnesses if it would it be beneficial to have a certain number of seats in medical school set aside for the military.
• During another NDDN meeting on the same study, Ms. Gallant asked National Defence witnesses if the CAF is planning or has future plans to “have a modern submarine capability in terms of the human workforce that’s needed to operate in these conditions.” She also asked when recruitment and training would begin for the F-35s.
• Additionally, Ms. Gallant expressed concern with vaccination mandates in the CAF and the alleged loss of pension and benefits for members who do not wish to be vaccinated. When speaking on this issue during MND’s briefing on her mandate and priorities in February 2022, she noted that “morale is at an all-time low” and the CAF is “short thousands of members.”

Continental Defence and Arctic Sovereignty:

• During NDDN meetings on threat analysis and CAF operational security in early 2022, Ms. Gallant asked witnesses if Canada is upholding its NORAD obligations. She also asked about the amount of money that has been allocated toward technology to detect “under-Arctic ice incursions” in Canadian waters.
• In addition, Ms. Gallant asked witnesses about the impact of the conflict in Ukraine on Canada’s defence and security, as well as Russian threats in the Canadian Arctic. She expressed concern about the “naval investment of China and Russia” in the Arctic, and asked witnesses whether Canada should “focus our efforts on the Canadian Arctic, in addition to holding up our NATO commitment.”

Access to Mental Health in the CAF:

• During an April 2022 NDDN meeting on recruitment and retention, Ms. Gallant asked CAF witnesses how many suicides and sexual assaults occurred at the Royal Military College in 2021.
• In 2020, Ms. Gallant tabled an OPQ related to the number of suicides and attempted suicides in the CAF (both active and former members), as well as the collection and maintenance of data for suicides and attempted suicides.
• Ms. Gallant posed short, direct questions to witnesses during the NDDN study on mental health in 2020, focusing on: weapon removal as a result of mental health issues; communication up a member’s Chain of Command when they may be at risk of suicide; and supports provided to soldiers suffering from PTSD, including after release.

Russia and China:

• During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in February 2022, Ms. Gallant asked witnesses how Canada’s threat environment is affected by Canada’s “indecision on banning Huawei to 5G.”
• During another meeting on this study in March 2022, Ms. Gallant asked witnesses how Canada should defend against the weaponization of data, as well as mass surveillance of Canadians and Chinese citizens.
• At another meeting on this study, she asked witnesses how Russia carries out disinformation campaigns in Canada, and whether Canadian troops in Latvia have been subject to psychological warfare or cyber warfare by groups attributed to Russia and/or the Russian state.

Procurement:

• In 2021, Ms. Gallant tabled an OPQ inquiring about: the full budget for the Canadian Surface Combatants; the total expected cost or value of the Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) policies on each vessel built under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS); and the full costing of the first Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship.
• During an NDDN meeting in March 2018, Ms. Gallant asked the DM to table reports or emails related to audits of Irving and measures taken to ensure competition and lowest prices to taxpayers under the NSS.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for CAF Members:

• During an appearance on Main Estimates in June 2022, Ms. Gallant asked Minister Anand if Canadian troops deployed in Eastern Europe have the necessary equipment to protect them from chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats.
• During an appearance on Supplementary Estimates (C) at NDDN in March 2022, Ms. Gallant asked the VCDS about the amount being set aside for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) PPE.
• Ms. Gallant also tabled an OPQ related to CBRN PPE in March 2022, which inquired about inventory, storage, expiration dates, inspection, and the amount of PPE currently assigned to CAF personnel deployed in Eastern Europe.
• In 2020, Ms. Gallant tabled an OPQ, and expressed concern on several occasions at NDDN committee meetings, about access to PPE for CAF members, and the quality and type of PPE provided, particularly in relation to Op LASER and the CAF’s support in long-term care facilities.

Services and Transition Benefits for Veterans:

• During a February 2020 ACVA committee meeting, Ms. Gallant encouraged veterans and CAF members to reach out to her and her team so that they can work together to ensure a “seamless transition” into their civilian lives.
• Ms. Gallant joined a veterans’ protest on Parliament Hill in 2018, stating on her website that Canadian veterans are being “left in the cold” and that “the Prime Minister broke his promise to make it easier for veterans to access services.”

Defence Spending:

• During Question Period in June 2022, Ms. Gallant mentioned that a former official said that there is a $15-billion difference between “what is earmarked for defence and what is actually shown.” She then asked “if the funding is just being shown as defence spending so that our NATO contributions do not look so bad.”

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Dean Allison

CPC – Niagara West (ON)

Connection to DND/CAF

• Youngest son joined the army reserves in 2006 and serves in the Lincoln and Welland Regiment (St. Catharines, ON), Riding is within 4th Canadian Division.

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Former Member: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2006 – 2010 & 2018 – 2019 ), Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (2016 – 2019), Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2011 – 2019), Canada-China Legislative Association (2010-2013 & 2016-2017), Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (2004 – 2005 & 2007 – 2012)
• Former Director: Canada Parliamentary Affairs Association (2013 – 016)
• Former Counsellor: Canadian Section of Parl Americas (2016 – 2017)

Committee Membership

• Member: House Standing Committee on National Defence (2022 – Present), Joint Committee on the Library of Parliament (2021 – Present)
• Former Chair: Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2009 – 2019), Foreign Affairs and International Development (2013 – 2015), Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2010 – 2011 & 2013 – 2017), Public Accounts (2020)
• Former Vice Chair: Standing Committee on International Trade (2017 – 2019) Foreign Affairs and International Development (2016 -2017)
• Former Member: Public Accounts (2004 – 2005 & 2020), COVID-19 Pandemic (2020), Foreign Affairs and International Development (2010 – 2017)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

NATO Burden-Sharing:

• During a House Debate on the 2017 Budget, Mr. Allison disagreed with the defence budget cuts, citing the growing pressure from the U.S. for NATO members to spend at least 2% of their GDP on defence. He also communicated concern over large funding deferments from previous budgets and criticized a “lack of” advancement of procurement projects. During this debate, he expressed his position that he was against the government’s preference for fourth generation fighter jets.

Russia and Ukraine:

• In April 2022, while hosting “The Hill Update” for The Forum News, Mr. Allison questioned Editor-In-Chief and Publisher with Global Brief Magazine, Irvin Studin, on the complexities of Russian and Ukrainian geography, resources and why the war was a “logical progression from a Russian perspective.” During this interview, Mr. Allison also showcased an interest in the economic toll of the conflict including, but not limited to, oil, the impact on Canadian businesses, and export restrictions.
• During an interview for the in the Niagara Independent in February 2022, Mr. Allison called the escalating conflict in Ukraine “complicated” and wasn’t sure how best Canada should proceed. Mr. Allison also called Russia’s latest actions “intolerable” and “completely unacceptable.”
• During a House Debate on Foreign Affairs in 2016, Mr. Allison expressed disapproval with the Minister of Foreign Affairs for considering lifting sanctions against Russia despite “Russia's blatant disregard for Ukrainian sovereignty.”
• In 2014, Mr. Allison was one of thirteen Canadian officials included in a Russian travel ban, which appears to still be in effect in 2022.

Domestic Response:

• During a National Defence Committee (NDDN) meeting in 2022, Mr. Allison asked witnesses about the political direction to deploy the Canadian Armed Forces domestically.

Arctic Sovereignty:

• At a NDDN meeting on Main Estimates in June 2022, Mr. Allison acknowledged the importance of acquiring patrol vessels and asked what Canada's needs are in terms of satellite sensors to ensure surveillance of the Arctic.

CAF Vaccine Mandates:

• During Statements by Members in June 2022, Mr. Allison told a story of a member of the CAF who is currently in the process of being released by the CAF because he did not want to be vaccinated against COVID-19, noting that the member has “suffered the consequences of the punishing vaccine mandate policy.”

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Glen Motz

CPC – Medicine Hat—Cardston—Warner (AB)

Connection to DND/CAF

• Located in riding: CFB Suffield

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Former Critic: Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness (Associate) (2019 – 2020)
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2018 – 2019)

Committee Membership

• Vice-Chair: Special Joint Committee on the Declaration of Emergency (2022)
• Member: House Standing Committee on National Defence (2021 – Present); Special Joint Committee on the Declaration of Emergency (2022 – Present)
• Former Member: House Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (2017 – 2021); Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations (2017); National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (2020)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Recruitment and Retention:

• At a National Defence committee (NDDN) meeting on recruitment and retention in April 2022, Mr. Motz asked witnesses several questions relating to the number of CAF members recruited each year, the number of people who expressed interest in being recruited, and the reasons motivating people to join the CAF.
• During the same meeting, Mr. Motz asked witnesses if certain people should be recruited to only respond to domestic emergencies, in order to attract members who do not want to be deployed overseas.
• During another meeting on this study in April 2022, Mr. Motz asked witnesses if, in the context of the cyber digital world that we are facing, it would be logical to have some “serious relaxation” of the Universality of Service in the CAF for certain occupations.
• During MND’s briefing on her mandate and priorities at NDDN February 2022, Mr. Motz referenced “serious concerns” about threats and force readiness, including “a lack of personnel.” He asked the CDS about his mid- to long-term concerns about the future of the CAF, and his plan to address them.

Constituent Concerns:

• Mr. Motz has raised constituent concerns related to COVID-19 masking mandates.
• During a February 2022 NDDN appearance on MND’s mandate and priorities, Mr. Motz referenced constituent concerns regarding at-risk pay, and asked the CDS whether he would commit to resolving at-risk pay and back pay issues within the next six months.

Cyber Defence:

• During a meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness at NDDN in March 2022, Mr. Motz referred to the 2017 cyber breach of the National Defence network, and asked witnesses if National Defence is now using “up-to-date and fully patched technologies in all their systems and networks.” He also asked if the CAF is engaging in active cyber operations as part of Op UNIFIER.
• During a meeting on the same study in March 2022, Mr. Motz asked National Defence witnesses if Canada could detect and defend itself against state-sponsored infrastructure attacks.
• In addition, he advocated for a “full investment in increasing our cybersecurity” at a Main Estimates appearance at SECU in May 2018.
• Mr. Motz expressed interest in cybersecurity during SECU committee meetings in 2019. For example, Mr. Motz expressed interest in learning more about cyber defence actions that could deter actors like China from “rerouting the Internet.” He further asked witnesses about what other countries are doing when it comes to cybersecurity breaches, and how financial security issues can be improved in Canada. He also inquired about the difference between cybersecurity in the defence sector and cybersecurity in the IT sector, as well as about “gaps in talent with respect to cybersecurity.”
• In May 2022, Mr. Motz tweeted that Conservatives have been calling on the Liberal government to ban Huawei from Canada's 5G network, and said that Justin Trudeau's delay has “damaged the public’s confidence that this government will defend the national interest.”
• At a NDDN meeting on Main Estimates in June 2022, Mr. Motz recognized the important role that AUKUS plays in terms of artificial intelligence; autonomy; cybernetics; quantum technologies; hypersonics and counter-hypersonics; electronic warfare; and innovation in information sharing. He asked MND if Canada has a plan to join AUKUS, and wondered if Canada’s perceived delay in banning Huawai is the reason why Canada has not been invited to join AUKUS.

CFB Suffield:

• Mr. Motz underscored the importance of CFB Suffield in an interview with Medicine Hat News and on Twitter. He expressed support for the British Army’s decision not to close the British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS), which is a British army unit located in the training area of CFB Suffield. Mr. Motz stated BATUS is “an important part of our community that supports many jobs and businesses” in a November 2021 Tweet.
• Mr. Motz noted that CFB Suffield is “a unique environment that allows large-scale exercises” and recommended that it should be “more fully utilized” in an August 2020 interview with Medicine Hat News.

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Shelby Kramp-Neuman

CPC – Hastings-Lennox and Addington (ON)

Connection to DND/CAF

• Located near riding: 8-Wing CFB Trenton

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Critic: Associate Shadow Minister for National Defence (Recruitment and Retention) (October 2022 – Present)
• Former Critic: Shadow Minister for Seniors (2021 – 2022)
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canada-China Legislative Association (1 April 2022 – Present); Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (1 April 2022 – Present)

Committee Membership

• Member: Standing Committee on the Status of Women (22 November 2021 – Present); Standing Committee on Health (22 November 2021 – Present)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Arctic Security:

• In February 2022, Ms. Kramp-Neuman tweeted that “we need to strengthen our security, including the Arctic, and renew our commitment to the NATO alliance.” She also noted that “Conservatives stand ready to defend the rules-based international order.”

Support for Ukraine:

• In a February 2022 media article by In Quinte on the airlifting of military equipment to Ukraine, Ms. Kramp-Neuman stated that  Russia’s attack “not only violates Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity but also goes against international law and the Charter of the United Nations.” She also indicated that “Putin's actions should be met with severe consequences”, and noted she supports sanctions against Russia.
• Ms. Kramp-Neuman was listed as one of over 300 politicians and community leaders barred from entering Russia in 2022. In a media statement, she indicated this move was the Russian regime “grasping at anything they can” by banning Canadian lawmakers from the country.

Op LASER:

• During House debate on improvements to long-term care in April 2022, Ms. Kramp-Neuman referred to CAF’s provision of logistical support during Op LASER. She referenced the document that the CAF released chronicling “concerning shortcomings further exacerbated by COVID-19” at five long-term care facilities.

Veterans:

• During House debate on the Economic and Fiscal Update Implementation Act, 2021 in February 2022, Ms. Kramp-Neuman claimed that “promises made to our veterans, seniors and small businesses have been broken.”

Other Interests

Guaranteed Income Supplement for Seniors:

• Ms. Kramp-Neuman has indicated that her constituents frequently raise the Guaranteed Income Supplement as an issue, and she stated she is committed to providing the support that seniors need.

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James Bezan

CPC – Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman (AB)

Connection to DND/CAF

• Former Shadow Minister for National Defence (2015 – 2021)
• Former Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence (2013 – 2015)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Critic: Shadow Minister for National Defence (October 2022; 2015 – 2021).
• Former Parliamentary Secretary: Minister of National Defence (2013 – 2015)
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canada-China Legislative Association (1 April 2022 – Present); Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (1 April 2022 – Present); Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (1 April 2022 – Present)
• Other Parliamentary Roles: Member of the Joint Interparliamentary Council (2021 – 2022); Deputy Whip of the Official Opposition (2021 – 2022)

Committee Membership

• Member: Standing Committee on National Defence (2022; 2011 – 2021); Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics (22 November 2021 – Present); Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics (22 November 2021 – Present)
• Former Chair: Standing Committee on National Defence (2011 – 2013); Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development (2009 – 2011); Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (2007 – 2008)
• Former Member: Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development (2009 – 2011); Liaison Committee (2007; 2009 – 2013) Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (2004 – 2008)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Support to Ukraine and NATO:

• Mr. Bezan is very outspoken on the issue of Ukrainian democracy and human rights. As a result, he was one of 13 Canadian officials sanctioned by the Russian Government in 2014. He has also earned numerous awards in Canada and abroad for his work on Ukrainian issues.
• Mr. Bezan is an advocate for sending more military weapons to Ukraine. For instance, during House Debate on October 3, 2022, Mr. Bezan pressed the Government to send more materiel and defensive weapons to Ukraine. He expressed concerns that Coyotes, Bisons, and M113s are not being sent to Ukraine, despite the fact that they are about to be replaced.
• On September 20, 2022, Mr. Bezan asked a question on the Order Paper regarding the number of available LAVs in Canada that could be sent to Ukraine, including when National Defence plans to “donate the pledged 40 armoured vehicles to the Government of Ukraine.”
• In 2014, Mr. Bezan accompanied the delivery of non-lethal military aid to Ukraine on two occasions.
• During an August 4, 2022 meeting of the Foreign Affairs Committee (FAAE) on the export of Russian Gazprom turbines, Mr. Bezan stated that he “welcomes the resumption of Op UNIFIER.”
• During House Debate on June 1, 2022, Mr. Bezan stated that NATO is “one of the most active political alliances in the world” and “much can be done through deterrence measures because of the military strength that NATO possesses.” He also expressed his support for Finland and Sweden joining NATO.
• During House Debate on October 3, 2022, Mr. Bezan noted that “our role in NATO, our role in supporting Ukraine, can never weaken.” He also asked the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marc Garneau, for his comments on “the path towards [Ukraine] completing its membership within the NATO family.”

Defence Policy:

• In a 2018 article that he authored for the Hill Times, Mr. Bezan criticized Strong, Secure, Engaged, alleging that the Government failed to deliver critical equipment that the CAF requires to “protect Canadians and meaningfully contribute to NORAD and NATO.”

Afghanistan:

• On September 20, 2022, Mr. Bezan asked a question on the Order Paper regarding relocation applications from Afghan nationals who assisted the Canadian Government.
• On January 31, 2022, Mr. Bezan asked a question on the Order Paper relating to Special Immigration Measures for Afghans who assisted the CAF as interpreters or locally engaged staff.
• During House Debate on an Opposition Motion to establish a Special Committee on Afghanistan in December 2021, Mr. Bezan stated that “our Canadian veterans who served developed great relationships and considered their allies to be brothers and sisters in arms.” He added that “to then see the Government turn its back on these allies was so disheartening.”

Sexual Misconduct and Culture Change:

• Mr. Bezan was the Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on National Defence (NDDN) during its 2021 study of sexual misconduct issues in the CAF.
• As part of this study, Mr. Bezan indicated that as a result of sexual misconduct allegations, the CAF faces “a leadership crisis and low morale that must be addressed.”
• During House Debate in June 2021, Mr. Bezan was highly critical of the former Minister of National Defence, citing his “weak leadership” and calling for his resignation.
• In a 2021 media statement on the initiation of the independent review into sexual misconduct in the military, Mr. Bezan alleged that the Arbour review was the Government’s attempt to cover up inaction.
• In April 2022, Mr. Bezan told reporters in a pre-Question Period scrum that “everybody that serves in uniform in this country should never be discriminated against based upon gender, based upon sexuality, based upon race, based upon ethnicity and religion.” He also stated that “everybody deserves to be treated equally and to be treated with respect.”

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