Committee Information – Membership and Profiles

Kelly McCauley

CPC – Edmonton West (AB)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Former Critic: Treasury Board (2021 – 2022)
• Former Assistant Critic: Public Works and Government Services (2015 – 2017)

Committee membership

• Chair: Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (2022 – Present, Member since 2015); Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (2022 – present)
• Member: Standing Committee on Public Accounts (2022 – present); Liaison Committee (2022 – present)
• Former Member: Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020 – 2020); Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (2022 – 2022)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Air Defence Procurement Projects:

• At a meeting of the Government Operations Committee (OGGO) on Air Defence Procurement Projects in June 2022, Mr. McCauley pressed National Defence representatives on whether Canada should join the US ballistic missile defence program.
• During a House debate on Main Estimates in May 2022, Mr. McCauley pressed the Minister of Public Services and Procurement for the projected life-cycle cost of purchasing, operating and maintaining the F-35 aircraft, assuming a 30-year lifespan.
• At several OGGO meetings, Mr. McCauley expressed impatience with the lack of clarity and response from DND and PSPC regarding the contracts, the delays and the costs related to the acquisition of the F-35.
• Mr. McCauley also asked industries representatives in September 2022 whether there were problems with the military procurement process.

National Shipbuilding Strategy:

• Mr. McCauley expressed concern, during an OGGO committee meeting in February 2022, over a perceived lack of results thus far of the Government to address shipbuilding delays, and over the augmented cost of AOPS procurements.
• During the Parliamentary Budget Officer’s (PBO) appearance at OGGO in February 2022, he asked PBO about the costs of design fees for the polar icebreakers and claimed that Seaspan is working with other contractors and design teams.

Defence Spending and Procurement:

• In June 2022, Mr. McCauley authored an article alleging that “Canada’s military is struggling with old and decrepit equipment that has become increasingly difficult to maintain if not outright obsolete.” He also alleged that there are several problems with major procurement projects undertaken by the Government, such as the F-35 fighter replacement program, the Canadian Surface Combatants in the Navy, and handgun procurement for the Army.
• At an OGGO committee meeting in early February 2022, Mr. McCauley expressed his dissatisfaction with the Government allegedly using COVID-19 as justification for a lack of transparency in the procurement process.
• During the Deputy Auditor General’s (AG’s) appearance at OGGO in the same month, Mr. McCauley expressed concern about a perceived lack of protection for taxpayers in naval procurement contracts, and specifically cited National Defence as not being forthcoming about this information in their contracts.
• During the House question period on April 8th, 2022, Mr. McCauley criticized the Government for not meeting the NATO target of 2% of GDP in military spending, and called on the Government to increase procurement of equipment.

Governor General Travel Expenses:

• In September 2022 at an OGGO meeting on the 2022 Governor General trip to Middle East, Mr. McCauley asked several pointed questions on the costs for flight catering, flight length, and approval processes. He also asked for detailed, itemized invoices to be provided to the committee.

Arctic Sovereignty:

• At an OGGO meeting on the National Shipbuilding Strategy in May 2022, Mr. McCauley asked if Canada would be better off putting all its resources into icebreakers, while the U.S. would be responsible for submarine surveillance, as part of a strategic partnership.

Russia and China:

• During his interventions in the House and during Committee, Mr. McCauley does not hesitate to point out the defence and security dangers that China and Russia pose to Canada, and he has suggested that it is the duty of National Defence to be prepared and well equipped to deal with these growing issues.

Espionage:

• At an OGGO meeting in 2021, Mr. McCauley mentioned his concern about industrial espionage, attacks on the government and attacks on its logistics systems by China and Russia, and asked how Canada is preparing against these types of threats.

Search and Rescue:

• At an OGGO meeting in November 2022, he inquired about the production and performance problems with the Kingfisher aircraft, and deplored the absence of documents provided on the question to the committee.

Other interests

Uighurs:

• In the House, Mr. McCauley regularly speaks out against China's alleged repression of the Uighur minority and companies using forced labor of the Uighurs.

Veterans:

• Mr. McCauley regularly speaks about veterans, posing questions about their disability benefits and how the government can do better in that regard.

Majid Jowhari

LPC – Richmond Hill (ON)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Vice-Chair: Canada-China Legislative Association (2020)
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group (2018 – present); Canadian NATO Association (2018 – 2019, 2021 – Present); Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (2017 – present); Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (2017 – 2020, 2022 – present)

Committee membership

• Vice Chair: Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (2021 – present)
• Member: Standing Committee on Health (2021 – present); Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (2018 – present); Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (2021 – present)
• Former Member: Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology (2016 – 2021); Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020 – 2020)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

NORAD Modernization:

• On numerous occasions during the OGGO committee's study on Air Defence Procurement Projects, Mr. Jowhari raised questions about the importance of modernizing and expanding Canada's defensive and offensive capabilities through the modernization of NORAD.
• At one of those meetings in June 2022, Mr. Jowhari asked the Deputy Commander of NORAD for details regarding the distinction between defensive (detection) and offensive (deterrence) elements in the modernization of NORAD.
• During another meeting in April 2022, Mr. Jowhari asked the witnesses on which elements of NORAD modernization Canada should focus on and how the Government can optimize the procurement process to reduce delays.

Fighter Jets:

• Mr. Jowhari asked the Deputy Auditor General (AG) several questions on the procurement of fighter jets during an OGGO committee meeting in February 2022, specifically how the fighter jets would support NORAD and NATO commitments.

Canadian Surface Combatant

• During OGGO Committee meeting on the Canadian Surface Combatant Ships, Mr. Jowhari asked the Parliamentary Budget Officers more information on the costs of the CSC, the delays, the ship designs and the hybrid models.

Governor General Travel Expenses

• During an OGGO committee meeting in September 2022 on the Expenditures Related to the Office of the Governor General's Secretary, Mr. Jowhari asked what measures have been taken to improve efficiencies and to reduce costs.

Cybersecurity:

• At a meeting of the Government Operations Committee (OGGO) in June 2022, Mr. Jowhari referred to the 2022 Special Report of the Committee of Parliamentarians on National Security and Intelligence on the issue of defending the Government of Canada's systems and networks from cyberattacks and asked the Minister of Public Services and Procurement what kind of investment Canada can put forward to address the issues raised in the report.

National Security and Intelligence Review and Oversight:

• During a House debate in 2020, Mr. Jowhari spoke in support of Bill C-59, An Act respecting national security matters, noting that the Bill, alongside the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians, will serve to create a robust and effective national security establishment.

Veterans:

• During OGGO committee meetings in 2019, Mr. Jowhari showed his support for veterans and their reintegration into civilian life, by proposing several measures that could facilitate employment in the Canadian public service.

Other interests

Iran:

• Mr. Jowhari left Iran at the age of 18. Since the beginning of the recent uprisings, he regularly condemns Iran’s oppressive regime: “The demands of the Iranian people and those of us living in the diaspora are simple. We demand justice, accountability and an end to the cruelty of the Iranian regime.”

Environment:

• In a House debate in 2021, Mr. Jowhari spoke in support of Bill C-12, Canadian net-zero emissions accountability Act, and stated that Canada needs to continue its effort to develop a greener and a cleaner economy and environment.

Discrimination:

• Mr. Jowhari proposed Motion No. 36 in December 2020 for the House to designate August 1 as emancipation day, acknowledging the abolition of slavery in the British Empire, as a means to address historic discrimination and promote Black history in Canada.

Julie Vignola

BQ – Beauport—Limoilou (QC)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Critic: Industry, Tourism (2021– present); Public Services, Procurement and Government Operation (2019 – present)
• Parliament Association Member: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2020 – present); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2020 – present); Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (2020 – present); Canada-China Legislative Association (2020 – present); Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (2020 – present); Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (2020 – present); Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (2020 – present); Canadian Branch of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie (2020 – present); Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary  Group  (2020  –  present);  Canada-Israel  Interparliamentary  Group  (2020  –  present)

Committee membership

• Vice-Chair: Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (2020 – present)
• Member: Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (2020 – present)
• Former Member: Special Committee on the COVID-19 (2020)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Governor General Travel Expenses:

• In June 2022, Ms. Vignola expressed indignation on the expenditure of public funds for catering during an eight-day tour by the Governor General of the Middle East in March 2022, flown by members of the Royal Canadian Air Force. She passed a motion to have representatives of the RCAF and the Office of the Governor General to appear at committee to speak to the expenditures.
• During two OGGO meetings in September and December 2022, Ms. Vignola underscored the exhorbitant costs for catering and suggested solutions for the reduction of costs. She also asked about the interdepartmental working group meetings between Global Affairs Canada and National Defence.
• Ms. Vignola also decried the fact that the media received the invoices before the committee.

Defence Procurement

• In the HOC in May 2022, Ms. Vignola qualified the military procurement process as: “slow, inefficient and rife with political interference.”

Defence Spending:

• During a Government Operations Committee (OGGO) meeting on the Parliamentary Budget Officer’s (PBO) Report on Canada's Military Spending in June 2022, Mme. Vignola alleged that National Defence is often not able to spend its budget and asked the PBO why the military does not receive their equipment in time for their training.
• Whether in the House or in committee, she regularly wishes to know if the costs paid by Canada for defence procurement are the same as for other countries for the same equipment.

Cybersecurity:

• Concerned about cybersecurity issues, During an OGGO meeting in June 2022, Mme. Vignola asked the President of Shared Services Canada where most of the cyberattacks against Canada came from and what the government was doing to test the strength of the network protecting the private information of citizens and businesses.

Air Defence

• During several OGGO meetings in 2022, Ms. Vignola inquired about aircrafts capabilities in the Arctic climate.
• Mme. Vignola stated, during a House debate on Main Estimates in May 2022, that the training and aircraft maintenance for the F-35 program should be done in Canada.

Personnel Recruitment and Retention:

• Ms. Vignola believes the Canadian Forces need to do a better job of recruiting and retaining members.
• During an OGGO meeting in February 2022, Mme. Vignola questioned the Government’s decision to procure 80 new fighter jets when there is a perceived lack of trained pilots in the RCAF to operate those aircraft. She also asked if the RCAF has enough trained technicians and maintenance personnel to work on the next generation jets.
• Mme. Vignola also claimed that the National Shipbuilding Strategy emphasizes construction and economic benefits to the perceived detriment of training and recruitment, and that the Strategy should include measures to ensure the RCN has the personnel to man the new ships.

Davie Shipyards:

• In an OGGO meeting in February 2022, Ms. Vignola suggested that Davie Shipyards is being under-used in the National Shipbuilding Strategy, claiming it was being utilized mainly for cleaning and repair.
• Mme. Vignola criticized Minister Anand during Question Period in the House on June 3, 2022, for allegedly requiring Davie Shipyard to pay for improvements that the Government is subsidizing at Irving Shipyard. She accused the Government for using the upgrade requirement as a reason for refusing to award Davie Shipyard any contracts.

Ship Procurement:

• During a meeting of the OGGO Committee in February 2022, Mme. Vignola inquired about increasing cost estimates for shipbuilding.
• In the same meeting, she asked the Parliamentary Budget Officer if supply-chain issues caused by COVID-19 would have an impact on acquiring advanced technology for the polar icebreaker procurement, and if a Canadian supplier would have mitigated these impacts.

Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC)

• In October 2022, Ms. Vignola asked the PBO if Canada really need to buy 15 CSC, and the economic impacts of either going through or abandonning the project.

Other interests

Mental Health:

• During interventions in the House and during various committee meetings, Mrs. Vignola frequently raises mental health issues.

Parm Bains

LPC – Steveston—Richmond East (BC)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Nil

Committee membership

• Member: Access to Information, Privacy, and Ethics (2021 – present); Government Operations and Estimates (2021 – present)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Shipbuilding:

• At two meetings of the Government Operations Committee (OGGO) in February 2022, Mr. Bains connected his residency in coastal Richmond, BC, and his experience in the BC Provincial Government, to his interest in shipbuilding, particularly with regards to Seaspan in Vancouver.
• During one of those meetings, he asked the Deputy Auditor General (AG) about adjustments the Government has made to mitigate delays in shipbuilding projects, the state of shipbuilding prior to the National Strategy, and long-term lessons learned.
• Mr. Bains expressed interest in the maintenance of vessels and their lifespans during an OGGO meeting on the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) in May 2022, and he asked if it is better to put out new vessels rather than repair them, considering recycling and the amount of money invested in repairs.
• In October 2022, he inquired about the economic benefits of building the Canadian Surface Combatant domestically.

Procurement:

• Mr. Bains asked the Procurement Ombudsman to expand on challenges experienced during communication with bidders during an OGGO committee meeting with the Procurement Ombudsman in February 2022.
• At an OGGO meeting on Air Defence Procurement Projects in June 2022, Mr. Bains asked the President of the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada if he agrees that a competitive process for defence procurement is better for the Canadian taxpayer. He also asked him what challenges members of the Aerospace Industries face in Canadian military tenders and what are the solutions to address those challenges.
• Mr. Bains acknowledged that Canada's defence procurement process is complex during an OGGO meeting on the NSS in May 2022, and he asked the Directors of the Canadian Marine Industries and Shipbuilding Association how Canada can simplify its defence procurement process.
• Mr. Bains rose in the HOC in May 2022 to highlight the procurement of military equipment the Government has made under “Strong, Secure, Engaged.”
• During an OGGO meeting in September 2022, Mr. Bains asked industries how they were helping with indigenous procurement in the military sector.

Air Defence:

• Mr. Bains asked about the capacity for the F-35s to operate in Arctic conditions and about their interoperability with NORAD and NATO allies, during an OGGO meeting on Air Defence Procurement Projects in April 2022

British Columbia Floods: Op. LENTUS

• In the House in December 2021, Mr. Bains thanked the Minister of National Defence for “acting quickly to provide the necessary supports in our province” during the 2021 floods in British Columbia as part of Operation LENTUS.

Michael Barrett

CPC – Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes (ON)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Deputy House leader of the official opposition: (November 2021 to February 2022)
• Critic: Ethics and Accountable Government
• Parliamentary Association Member of the Executive: Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (2022 - present)
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canada-Israel Inter-Parliamentary group (2020 - present); Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (2019-present); Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (2019 - present); Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2019 - 2021).

Committee membership

• Member: Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (2022 – present); Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics (2020 - 2021, 2022 - present)
• Former Vice-Chair: Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying (2022 - 2022), Standing Committee on Health (2022 - 2022)
• Former Member: Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (2021 – 2022); Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020 – 2020); Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights (2019 – 2019)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Sexual Misconduct:

• Mr. Barrett rose on several (13) occasions in the HOC, calling on the Government for not doing enough to implement the recommendations of the 2015 Deschamps report, and for covering up cases of sexual misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces.
• In 2021, he invited the Government to act on Deschamps’ recommendations before conducting another review: “The women and men in our Canadian Armed Forces deserve better. We owe it to them. We owe it to them to implement the recommendations from retired Supreme Court Justice Deschamps' report in 2015, before we embark on another review.”

Canadian Surface Combatant Ships (CSC):

• Mr. Barrett asked questions on the costs of the Canadian Surface Combattant Ships and their life-cycle projections during an OGGO meeting in October 2022.

Governor General Travel Expenses:

• During an OGGO meeting in December 2022 on the travel expenses of the Governor General, Mr Barret suggested that the Governor General’s Secretary should proactively disclose documents and detailed travel costs in order to increase transparency.
• He was responsible for filing the initial Order Paper Question in April 2021 that triggered the beginning of the OGGO study.

Taiwan

• Mr. Barrett regularly highlights the Canada-Taiwan friendship. He believes Taiwan deserves a seat at the table and should be allowed to participate on the world stage.

China :

• Mr. Barrett is concerned about the presence of foreign agents operating in Canada, especially from China. He thinks Canada should focuses more on identifying risks and threats.
• He rose in the HOC in May 2022 to express his support with reinstating a committee to look at Canada’s relationship with China.
• He wants Canada to have a strengthened tone on China, and deplores Chinese influence in Canadian politics.

Other Interests

Ethics and Conflict of Interests:

• As Shadow Minister for Ethics and Accountable Government, Mr. Barrett holds a particular interest in transparency, access to information, and accountability. He rose in the HOC 105 times since 2018 (and 386 times in committee) to address issues of conflict of interests.

Technology:

• During his time as a Member of Parliament, Mr. Barrett has advocated for regional issues such as improving mobile coverage to rural areas through enhanced digital infrastructure.

Kelly Block

CPC – Carleton trail—Eagle Creek (SK)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Critic: Public Services and Procurement Canada (2019 – 2020, 2022 - present)
• Critic: Transport (2015 – 2019)
• Parliamentary Secretary: Natural Resources (2013 – 2015)
• Parliamentary Association Member: NATO Parliamentary Association (2010 – 2014, 2017 – 2020, 2021 - present); Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (2011 - 2019, 2022-present); Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (2008 - 2020, 2021 - present); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2011 - 2020, 2022 - present); Canada-Israel Inter-Parliamentary Group (2010 - 2020, 2022 - present, vice-chair from 2011 - 2015)

Committee membership

• Member: Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (2022 - present)
• Former Chair: Standing Committee on Public Accounts (2020 – 2021); Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts
• Former Vice-Chair: Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (2022 - 2022); Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (2017 - 2019)
• Former Member: Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (2021 - 2022); Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (2011 – 2013) and (2020 – 2020); Special Committee on COVID-19 Pandemic (2020 – 2020); Special Committee on Violence against indigenous women (2013 - 2014).

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Defence spending:

• Ms. Block rose in the Chamber in June 2022 to show support for the increase in NORAD funding, stating it was a good start to improving Canada’s ability to protect the integrity of its national border.
• She also thinks Canada should meet NATO 2% target to respect Canada’s international obligations.

Sexual Misconduct:

• During HoC debate in March 2021, Ms. Block stressed that, “issues with the military need to be fixed and fixed now,” noting that “Our country and all Canadians need an effective and well-led military to face ever-evolving and complex global conflicts. We cannot be strong at home when leaders fail the women and men under their command….”

Governor General trips and expenses:

• During OGGO study on the Governor General trips in December 2022, Ms. Block suggested that Protocol and the RCAF should focus more on expenses before a trip is taken, not after.

Canadian Surface Combattant (CSC):

• During an OGGO meeting in October 2022, Ms. Block asked several questions to the PBO regarding their report on the CSC, especially on the increase of costs and transparency from DND with regards to sharing information.

Op Impact:

• While speaking to a Liberal Government’s motion in the HoC in 2016 regarding the “government’s decision to broaden, improve, and redefine [its] contribution to the effort to combat ISIL,” Ms. Block called on the Government to reverse its decision to withdraw the CF-18s from the air component of Operation IMPACT. She also said that Canada should contribute more resources to its operation in Iraq and Syria.

China:

• Ms. Block rose on a few occasions in the HOC to condemn the Uighur genocide, the illegal emprisonment of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, and China’s human rights violations.

Minister Saijan:

• In 2017, Ms. Block asked for the resignation of former MND Harjit Saijjan, following him claiming he was the architect behind operation Medusa in Afghanistan.

Ocean war graves:

• In 2018 and 2019, Ms. Block rose in the HOC for the protection of ocean war graves, which are the location of drowned Canadian ships, to honour the lives of the Canadians who lost their lives defending Canada at sea.

Other interests

Supply Chain Management:

• During an all-candidates’ forum, Ms. Block, stressed that a CPC government will, “… rebalance trade priorities away from countries like China and towards the Indo-Pacific and Africa, reform Canada’s procurement rules to create a vital national interest category that must be sourced in Canada, and create a strategy to repatriate and diversify supply chains to move them away from China.”

Freedom of conscience

• In September 2020, Ms. Kelly introduced a Private Member’s Bill to the House of Commons, called the Protection of Freedom of Conscience Act, which would protect medical professionals who do not want to participate in Medical Assistance in Dying. The bill died when the 2021 election was called. Kelly reintroduced her Private Member’s Bill on February 4th, 2022. It was defeated at Second reading on October 5th, 2022.

Anthony Housefather

LPC – Mount Royal (QC)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Parliamentary Secretary: Public Services & Procurement (2021 – present)
• Former Parliamentary Secretary: Employment and Social Development (2019 – 2021)
• Parliamentary Association Chair: Canada-Israel Interparliamentary Group (2021 – present)
• Parliamentary Association Vice-Chair: Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (2022 – present)
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2018 – present); Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (2015 – present); Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (2016 – present); Canada-Israel Interparliamentary Group (2015 – 2019); Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (2019 – present)

Committee membership

• Member: Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage (2020 – present); Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (2021 – present)
• Former Chair: Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights (2016 – 2019); Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights (2016 – 2019)
• Former Member: Standing Joint Committee on the Library of Parliament (2018 – 2019); Liaison Committee (2016 – 2019); Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020 – 2020); Special Committee on the Economic Relationship between Canada and the United States (2021 – 2021).

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Fighter Jets:

• Mr. Housefather expressed support during an Government Operations Committee (OGGO) meeting in February 2022 for the procurement of new fighter jets, citing the need to meet Canada’s NORAD and NATO commitments.
• During an OGGO meeting in September 2022 with witnesses from Leonardo Canada and Saab, Mr. Housefather asked questions about fighter jet capabilities and weapon systems.

National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS):

• During an OGGO meeting in February 2022, Mr. Housefather inquired about the qualification and implementation of Davie Shipyards as the third shipyard in the NSS.

Military Expenditures:

• During an OGGO meeting on the Parliamentary Budget Officer’s (PBO) Report on Canada’s Military Expenditure in June 2022, Mr. Housefather asked the PBO the most efficient means to reach for the Government to reach the NATO target of 2% GDP on defence spending
• Mr. Housefather mentioned that he was in favor of increasing Canada's defense spending to 2% of its GDP during a House statement on Main Estimates in May 2022.

Government contracts:

• Mr. Housefather rose in the HOC in May 2022, saying there should be no politicization of the procurement process. He also noted that: “there are things that we could buy faster if we did not buy them here in Canada, or if we did not insist on Canadian industrial participation. There are things we might be able to buy off the shelf that we would otherwise customize. We all need to work together to make sure we get procurement right.”

Governor General Travel Expenses

• In December 2022, during an OGGO meeting, Mr. Housefather deplored that the invoices were given to the media and third parties before being given to the committee.
• In September 2022, he noted the expensive costs of the catering services offered on the trips, and asked pointed questions about costs-saving solutions, negotiations of contracts with caterers, and accountability.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict:

• In February 2022, Mr. Housefather called for increased defence spending in the House, in light of Russian aggression and its proximity to Canada in the Arctic.
• In the same address to the House, Mr. Housefather cited new challenges posed by cybersecurity and disinformation in the security sphere as causes for re-examining defence spending.
• A few months later, Mr. Housefather highlighted Canada’s assistance to Ukraine, noting the military assistance and training provided, as well as the immigration measures to welcome Ukrainians.

Other interests

Ukraine:

• Mr. Housefather identifies as a member of the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada and has been vocal about the crisis in Ukraine.

Indigenous Reconciliation:

• During a debate at the House of Commons in 2020, Mr. Housefather introduced an amendment to Bill C-3 to add the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to the Canadian Labour Code.

Gord Johns

NDP – Courtenay—Alberni (BC)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Critic: Public Services & Procurement & Government Operations (2021 – present); Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard (2021 – present); Mental Health and Addictions (2021– present)
• Former Critic: Economic Development, Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Small Business, Tourism, Deputy Critic for Crown-Indigenous Relations and Indigenous Services (2015 – 2021); Veterans Affairs (2018 – 2019)
• Parliamentary Associations and Interparliamentary Groups: Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group (2016 – present); Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2017 – present); Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (2016 – present); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2016 – present); Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (2016 – 2018, 2020 – present); Canada-China Legislative Association (2016 – present), etc.

Committee membership

• Member: Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (2021 – present); Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (2021 – present)
• Former Vice Chair: Standing Committee on Fisheries & Oceans (March 2019 – September 2019); Veterans Affairs (2018 – 2019)
• Former Member: Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (2018 – 2019); Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (2019 – 2021); Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020 – 2020)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Governor General Travel Expenses:

• Mr. Johns supported MP Vignola's motion, moved at an OGGO meeting in June 2022, that representatives of National Defence and the Governor General’s Office explain the catering expenditures for the Governor General’s tour of the Middle East.
• He decried the costs for catering, especially during a time where 1.5 million Canadians are using food banks, and asked how National Defence could review its process to ensure the reduction of costs and increased accountability.

Defence Spending:

• During an OGGO meeting on the PBO’s Report on Canada’s Military Expenditure in June 2022, Mr. Johns expressed concern that investing 2% of Canada's GDP in military spending would exceed federal spending on health and climate action.

National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS):

• During a February 2022 OGGO meeting, Mr. Johns asked the Deputy AG whether contracting out defence work contributes to delays in shipbuilding, and he expressed a desire for the Government to expand and invest in creating more options for shipbuilding in Canada, by utilizing such deep-sea ports as Port Alberni in his riding.
  • During committee, he shared that the Port Alberni Port Authority is actively seeking Government investment to build more dry dock space to build shipbuilding capacity.
• Mr. Johns had previously raised the same concerns to the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) during a separate OGGO meeting.

CAF Personnel Shortages:

• Mr. Johns asked the Deputy Auditor General (AG) about perceived failures of recruitment in the CAF, barriers to recruitment, and strategies employed by other countries to augment recruitment, during a February 2022 OGGO meeting, noting that human resources appears to be a “general issue” for National Defence.

Air Defence:

• Mr. Johns asked several questions, during a June 2022 OGGO meeting on the Air Defence Procurement Projects, regarding the logistics of future F-35 operations in Canada’s far north, such as the infrastructure requirements to support the F-35s year-round, and whether Canada needs to purchase specialized refueling aircraft.
• In October 2022, he also asked several questions about how air defence procurement can better address climate emergencies.

Recycling Ship and Aircraft:

• During a House debate Main Estimates in May 2022, Mr. Johns asked the House member to support him on getting the government to commit to the EU ship recycling regulation program for all naval procurements.
• At an OGGO meeting on the Air Defence Procurement Projects in May 2022, Mr. Johns asked industry witnesses the importance of the development of an aircraft recycling program.

Environmental Risks:

• Mr. Johns expressed concerns to PBO on the environmental and labour risks around shipbreaking, and he inquired if shipbreaking in an environmentally responsible way was considered in the costs of vessels under construction.
• He rose in the HOC in September 2022, suggesting the “ need to redesign the military to tackle the climate crisis and to ensure that we look after the people who are serving our country.”

Indigenous Relation:

• At an OGGO meeting on the NSS in April 2022, Mr. Johns recognized the importance of consulting the Arctic Inuit communities on ship procurement and asked the witnesses if Canada is doing a good job of consulting them.

Other interests

Mental Health:

• Mr. Johns is an advocate for greater federal government involvement in health, particularly mental health.
• During Question Period on June 10, 2022, he criticized the Liberal government for allegedly not keeping their promise to invest $4.5 billion to expand mental health services, to fund a three-digit suicide prevention hotline, and to develop a suicide prevention strategy.

Diversity and Inclusion

• Mr. Johns asked the Procurement Ombudsman about barriers to fostering diversity and inclusion in federal procurement during a February 2022 OGGO meeting.

Stephanie Kusie

CPC – Calgary Midnapore (AB)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Critic : Treasury Board (2021 – present)
• Member of the panel of chairs for the legislative committees (2022 – present)
• Member of the Executive: Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (2022 – present)
• Counsellor: Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (2020 – 2020)
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2017 – 2019, 2020 – present); Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (2017 – 2019, 2021 – present); Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (2017 – present); Canada-Germany Inter-parliamentary Group (2018 – 2019, 2020 – present); Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group (2020 – present)

Committee membership

• Member: Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (2022 – present)
• Former Vice Chair: Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (2020, 2022); Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (2020 - 2021); Procedure and House Affairs (2018 - 2019)
• Former Member: Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (2020 - 2021); Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020 - 2020); Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (2018 - 2019); Standing Committee on the Status of Women (2018 - 2018).

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Governor General expenditures

• Ms. Kusie joined OGGO as a member in October 2022, at th beginning of the study on Travel Expenditures Related to the Office of the Governor General's Secretary since 2014.
• She asked for clarification regarding items in the travel expenses invoices provided by National Defence, including on transportation, communication.

Defence Spending:

• Ms. Kusie said in March 2022 that Canada should prioritize its NATO commitment to invest 2% on military spending.

Russia-Ukraine:

• Ms. Kusie rose in the HOC in March 2022, claiming Canada should do more to help reduce Europe’s energy dependency toward Russia. She defended CPC motion calling on Canada to export more natural gas to displace Russian natural gas in Europe
• During an allocution in the HOC in March 2022, she also called for an intensification of Operation UNIFIER and theprovision of additional lethal weapons to Ukraine.

Sexual Misconduct:

• In 2021, Ms. Kusie called on the Government of Canada to “take accountability for their failure to act on sexual misconduct allegations against General Vance three years ago.”

China:

• Ms. Kusie condemned on various occasions in the HOC the Uighurs genocide and human rights violations committed by China. She also presented petitions to sanction corrupt Chinese officials from using Canada as a safe heaven, and called on the government to take further steps with China.

Cyber Security:

• Believes that Canada needs stronger and more resilient cyber-security infrastructure, especially to prevent foreign interferences during election periods.
• For Ms. Kusie, understanding and responding to cyber threats is not enough. Canada should focus on deterrence.

F35 Procurement

• During an OGGO Committee meeting in October 2022, Ms. Kusie asked Defence experts several questions about the procurement of the F35, its technology, and the related delays.

Women, Peace and Security

• She supported the establishment of a women, peace and security ambassador.

Federal Government Consulting Contracts Awarded to McKinsey & Company

• On January 18, 2023, Ms. Kusie moved the motion to study government contracts awarded to McKinsy and Company. It was numerously adapted by the Committee.

Other interests

International relations:

• Having served as a diplomat for the Canadian Federal Government, Ms. Kusie is very well versed in matters of international relations. She regularly rises in the HOC to speak about foreign policy and to condemn human rights violations, including from Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Myanmar, and Hungary.

Irek Kusmierczyk

LPC – Windsor—Tecumseh (ON)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Parliamentary Secretary: Minister of Employment, Workforce Development & Disability Inclusion (2019 – present)

Committee membership

• Member: Standing Committee on Government Operations (2020 – present)
• Former Member: Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020 – 2020)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) :

• During an Government Operations Committee (OGGO) meeting in February 2022, Mr. Kusmierczyk asked the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) about the advantages and disadvantages, in terms of cost and capacity, of including two shipyards on the polar icebreaker project. He also asked about the timelines of the project.
• Mr. Kusmierczyk asked the President of Heddle Shipyards during an OGGO meeting on the NSS in May 2022, for examples of initiatives in the shipbuilding industry that can help reduce the negative impact on climate change.
• Mr. Kusmierczyk asked academic witnesses appearing at an OGGO meeting on the NSS in April 2022, how different shipbuilding programs around the world keep pace with the fast pace of technological change, and if there are lessons that can be learned from some other countries.
• During an OGGO meeting on the Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC) in October 2022, he asked for precisions about the CSC life cycle and possible extensions.

Defence Expenditure:

• At an OGGO meeting on the Parliamentary Budget Officer’s (PBO) Report on Canada’s Military Expenditure in June 2022, Mr. Kusmierczyk asked the PBO what is the easiest way to increase defence, between personnel, equipment, or infrastructure, in order to reach the NATO 2% of GDP target.

Russia:

• During a debate in the House on the situation in Ukraine in 2022, Mr. Kusmierczyk identified Russia as a danger not only for Ukraine, but also for the neighbouring countries such as Poland and the Baltic States, and he urged Canada to stand in solidarity with Ukraine.

Indigenous Relations:

• Mr. Kusmierczyk highlighted DND's 2022-23 departmental plan to engage with indigenous organizations at an OGGO meeting in March 2022, as part of the Government's plans to strengthen domestic and continental defence and NORAD modernization. He also asked for details on procurement projects that are taking place with Inuit and indigenous partners.

Air Defence

• At an OGGO meeting in September 2022, Mr. Kusmierczyk asked what were the advantages for a country to acquire the same plane and platform as its allies.

Other interests

Diversity and Inclusion:

• At OGGO committee meetings, Mr. Kusmierczyk regularly raises issues regarding the representation and status of minority groups, such as black, indigenous, women and persons with disabilities.

Joanne Thompson

LPC – St. John's East (NL)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2022 – present); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2022 – present); (2022 – present); Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (2022 – present); Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (2022 – present); Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (2022 – present); Canada-Ireland Interparliamentary Group (2022 – present); Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (2022 – present); Canada-China Legislative Association (2022 – present)

Committee membership

• Member: Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development (2021 – present); Government Operations and Estimates (2021 – present)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Sexual Misconduct:

• Ms. Thompson rose in the House in December 2021 to ask Minister Anand for an update on the steps the Government is taking to ensure that the CAF finds restitution for survivors of sexual trauma.

Arctic Sovereignty:

• At a meeting of the Government Operations Committee (OGGO) in June 2022, Ms. Thompson asked the DG of Continental Defence Policy about the potential threats posed by China and Russia to the Canadian Arctic.

Air Defence Procurement:

• During an OGGO meeting on Air Defence in October 2022, Ms. Thompson asked several questions about procurement process, including challenges faced by industries in Canadian military procurement bids.

Ship Procurement:

• Ms. Thompson’s riding of St. John’s East is the location of St. John’s harbour, the home base of the Canadian Coast Guard, and therefore she regularly asks questions related to shipbuilding and coastal defence.
• For example, Ms. Thompson asked the Deputy Auditor General (AG) during his appearance before OGGO in February 2022 about ships operating at or beyond their expected service lives.
• During the Parliamentary Budget Officer’s (PBO’s) appearance before OGGO in February 2022, Ms. Thompson inquired about the accuracy of cost estimates for the polar icebreaker procurement, as well as the importance of investments to modernize IT capacity.

Other Interests

Diversity and Inclusion:

• Ms. Thompson stated the importance of continuing to invest in the empowerment of Black and racialized Canadians and Indigenous peoples during a House debate in 2021.

Mental Health:

• Ms. Thompson declared that the Liberal Government will continue to support seniors, veterans, and persons with disabilities who have mental health or addiction problems during a House debate in 2021.