Committee Membership and Profiles

On this page

• Tony Dean
• Stan Kucher
• Hassan Yussuff
• Peter Boehm
• Marty Deacon
• Donna Dasko
• Jean-Guy Dagenais
• Rebecca Patterson
• Margaret Dawn Anderson
• Andrew Cardozo
• Claude Carignan
• Victor Oh

Tony Dean

ISG – Ontario (Ontario)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Senate Group: Independent Senators Group (November 10, 2016 – Present)

Committee Membership

• Chair: Standing Committee on National Security and Defence (2021 – Present)
• Member: Committee of Selection (2021– Present); Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations (2016 – 2019; 2021 – Present)
• Former Member: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade (2016 – 2021); Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration (2016 – 2021); Standing Committee on Transport and Communications (2016 – 2019); Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology (2016 – 2019); Standing Committee on National Security and Defence (2016 – 2019); Standing Committee on National Finance (2016 – 2019); Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs (2016 – 2019); Standing Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources (2016 – 2019); Subcommittee on Human Resources of the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration (2019 – 2021); Subcommittee on Diversity of the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration (2019 – 2021)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

Defence Procurement / Infrastructure Projects:

• In a December 2022 SECD meeting – and in a subsequent engagement in March 2023 on the Defence Policy Update – Sen. Dean raised the issue of extended procurement timelines, and sought to confirm whether interim measures were in place to address security threats in the near term.
• At a SECD meeting in December 2022, Sen. Dean asked the Premier of the Yukon to speak to his relationships with the federal government, departments, and agencies, particularly in the “planning of renewed infrastructure.”
• During a SECD meeting in January 2023, Sen. Dean noted that an evident gap exists between the practical impact of military infrastructure spending in the North and the “expectations of potential recipients,” and questioned whether the “misalignment of those expectations” was being considered.

Russia:

• At a meeting of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade (AEFA) in 2019, Sen. Dean asked several questions about Russia's intentions in Eastern Europe, such as “where Russian forces might be poking and probing and continuing insurgent activity” and “if the annexation of the Crimea was the only objective of Russia in Ukraine”

Cyber Security:

• Sen. Dean championed Bill C-59 (An Act respecting national security matters) and supports the establishment of new mechanisms that would allow national security organizations to be nimble and adapt to emerging technologies.

Personnel:

• During a Senate debate in September 2022, Sen. Dean acknowledged that access to healthcare for military families was particularly challenging and suggested that SECD would give the issue further attention in the future.

Back to top

Stan Kucher

ISG – Nova Scotia (Nova Scotia)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Senate Group: Independent Senators Group (2018 – present)

Committee Membership

• Deputy Chair: Standing Senate Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament (2023 – Present)
• Member: Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs (2023 – Present); Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (2021 – Present)
• Former Member: Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources (2022); Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade (2022); Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology (2021 – 2023)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

Ukraine:

• Throughout multiple Question Periods and in many Senators’ Statements, Sen. Kutcher has highlighted the importance of Canada and NATO Allies’ continued support of Ukraine during Russia’s illegal invasion and has inquired as to what Canada is doing to further support Ukraine.
• During a Question Period in April 2022, Sen. Kutcher asked about what measures Canada is taking to prompt NATO allies to provide Ukraine with heavy weapons and air and naval defence systems.
• In February 2024, Sen. Kutcher reposted posts on Twitter outlining the importance of suppling Ukraine with more military equipment.
• During a February 2024 SECD meeting, Sen. Kutcher asked Defence officials what the Government is doing to increase the production of critical ammunition.
  • He also asked Defence officials whether Canada supports the provision of long-range missiles to Ukraine, in order for them to target the Kerch Bridge.

Other Interests

Mental Health:

• Throughout SECD’s study on Bill C-21, An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms), Sen. Kutcher frequently asked questions regarding mental health and suicide prevention.
• During a meeting of SECD in November 2023, Sen. Kutcher asked if gun safety training programs should have suicide prevention training or awareness elements embedded into gun safety training programs.

Back to top

Hassan Yussuff

ISG – Ontario (Ontario)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Senate Group: Independent Senators Group (2021 – Present)

Committee Membership

• Member: Standing Committee on National Security and Defence (2021 – Present); Standing Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce (2022 – Present); Standing Senate Committee on Audit and Oversight (2024 – Present)
• Former Member: Standing Committee on National Finance (2021 – 2023); Standing Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources (2022)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

Arctic Sovereignty:

• During a SECD meeting in March 2022, Sen Yussuff highlighted the perceived new challenge created by the opening of a new shipping corridor in the North. He asked if the military analysis on how Canada protects that corridor, and on how Canada defends the North, have changed due to the conflict in Ukraine.
• During a SECD meeting in December 2022, Sen Yussuff asked what work was being prioritized through NORAD modernization.
• During a meeting of SECD in February 2023, Sen Yussuff questioned the value of maintaining Russia’s membership in the Arctic Council given Russia’s hostility towards NATO allies and the expansion of NATO with Sweden and Finland.
• In a SECD meeting in April 2023, Sen Yussuff inquired as to how the CAF are adapting to the effects of climate change in the context of Arctic security.

Personnel:

• In his former role as President of the Canadian Labor Congress, Sen. Yussuff was called upon several times to speak at various Senate committees. During his appearances, he frequently reiterated the importance of the services offered to government employees, particularly with regard to occupational safety and health.
• During Sen. Yussuff’s time on SECD, he has often asked questio
• During a Senate debate on Bill C-3 (An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Canada Labor Code) in 2021, Sen. Yussuff defended the initiative to recognize the fundamental right of workers to be able to “freely, without threats of job security and financial security, take time off from work to look after their health and well-being.”
• During a SECD meeting in May 2023, Sen. Yussuff inquired about the state of construction of new houses for military personnel.
• In a SECD meeting in May 2023, Sen. Yussuff asked what measures the CAF is taking to ensure new recruits have positive experiences while in the military.

Ukraine:

• During a SECD meeting in June 2022, Sen Yussuff asked MGen Prévost if specific objectives had been created for operations in Ukraine and was interested in knowing when Western efforts could be considered successful.
• During a SECD meeting in June 2023, Sen Yussuff asked if there were areas Canada could “step up and do more” in the context of providing military equipment and support to Ukraine.
• During a SECD meeting in February 2024, Sen Yussuff asked Defence and GAC officials to speak to support that Canada has provided Ukraine with regard to demining.
• During a March 2024 SECD meeting, Sen Yussuff asked academic witnesses how best to maintain public support for Ukraine.

Other Interests

Environment and Energy Transition:

• As a member of the Net-Zero Advisory Body since 2021, Sen Yussuff is particularly interested in environmental protection, sustainable development, and energy transition.

Back to top

Peter Boehm

ISG – Ontario (Ontario)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Senate Group: Independent Senators Group (2018 – Present)
• Member: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2018 – Present)

Committee Membership

• Chair: Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade (2020 – Present)
• Member: Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs (2018 –2019; 2020 – Present); Standing Senate Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration (2023 – Present)
• Former Member: Standing Senate Committee on National Finance (2018 – 2023); Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade (2018 – 2020); Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples (2018 – 2019); Standing Senate Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration (2019 – 2020); Committee of Selection (2019 – 2020)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

Arctic Sovereignty:

• At a SECD meeting in March 2022, Sen. Boehm asked if Canada can learn from Sweden and Finland, in terms of preparedness, deterrence, and engagement in the Arctic against Russia. He also referenced the two countries’ planned accession to NATO in an October 2022 Committee meeting, and inquired about the extent of information-exchange with Arctic allies “as NORAD renewal takes shape.”
• During a SECD meeting in May 2022, Sen. Boehm cited Chinese ambitions in the Arctic and their desire to obtain nuclear-powered submarines, while noting his concerns regarding the potential for an arms race in the Arctic.
• Sen. Boehm repeatedly raised the issue of sparse internet infrastructure in the Arctic in an October 2022 SECD meeting, asking Defence officials whether the lack of connectivity constituted a national security concern.
• During a SECD meeting in November 2022, Sen. Boehm asked Defence officials to outline the “consultative and planning machinery” driving NORAD modernization, and inquired about whether there was enough “preparedness in the system” to react to unknown or unanticipated threats.
• In a January 2023 SECD meeting, Sen. Boehm characterized the findings of the Auditor General’s report on the surveillance of Canada’s Arctic waters as “disheartening,” and raised the possibility of allied collaboration on maritime surveillance in the North.
• In an April 2023 SECD meeting, Sen. Boehm asked MND whether Canada would be cooperating more closely with other Arctic nations with Arctic search and rescue (SAR) experience to better facilitate Arctic SAR, given increasing traffic through the region.
• In an April 2023 NFFN meeting, Sen. Boehm inquired as to whether old CAF facilities were polluting the Arctic as they degraded.

CAF Retention:

• In a May 2023 SECD meeting, Sen. Boehm asked multiple questions of LGen Bourgon related to CAF retention efforts and what was being done to attract new recruits to the CAF.

Procurement:

• Sen. Boehm referenced procurement delays and the potential value of friend-shoring in a November 2022 SECD meeting. He subsequently questioned whether Canada should consider outsourcing its defence procurement.

Financing of CAF Missions:

• During meetings of the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance (NFFN), Sen. Boehm regularly asks questions to understand the funding of CAF missions abroad.

Peacekeeping:

• During Senate debate, Question Period, and Committees, Sen. Boehm frequently highlights the importance of United Nations peacekeeping missions. From his perspective, the UN's role is to maintain international peace and security by working to prevent conflicts, and by working proactively to lay the foundations for peace.

Culture Change:

• During a Senate debate on racism in 2020, Sen. Boehm declared that “individual racism, systemic racism and discriminatory measures are not problems unique to other countries, they exist here in Canada, whether we want to admit it or not.”

Ukraine:

• Sen. Boehm has repeatedly brought up Russia’s invasion of Ukraine during Senate committee meetings, as well as Russia’s efforts to destabilize countries internationally.
• Sen. Boehm participated in a march in February 2022 to protest Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
• At a SECD meeting in June 2022, Sen. Boehm asked Canada’s former ambassador to NATO whether or not Canada and NATO would have the “wherewithal to stay the course” in regards to their stance against Russian aggression in Eastern Europe.
• Sen. Boehm rose during Senate Debate in March 2023 to criticize Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and its effects on the international community.
• During an AEFA meeting in May 2023, Sen. Boehm asked the Ukrainian Ambassador to Canada whether Canada was doing enough to support Ukraine in its reconstruction efforts.
• During a November 2023 meeting of AEFA, Sen. Boehm highlighted the importance of Ukraine to global food supplies, and how the Russian invasion of Ukraine was affecting food security globally.
• During SECD meetings in February 2024 and March 2024, Sen. Boehm asked witnesses for their assessments of Russia’s capabilities over the long-term.

Indigenous Relations:

• During a Senate debate on Bill C-15 (An Act respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples) in 2021, Sen. Boehm expressed his support for Indigenous Peoples, and the importance of ensuring their meaningful inclusion in Canadian society.
• In an October 2022 SECD meeting, Sen. Boehm asked representatives of the Canadian Coast Guard whether consultations with Indigenous communities are a facet of the Government’s strategy to provide effective search and rescue services as traffic increases in Canada’s Arctic.
• At a SECD meeting in November 2022, Sen. Boehm asked a representative of Gwich’in Council International if her organization has found it difficult to get its “voice heard” in Ottawa on issues related to transboundary governance.

Cluster Munitions:

• At a March 2023 meeting of AEFA, Sen. Boehm asked whether other Canadian NGOs that were working to ban cluster munitions were cooperating with other national level NGOs to work on broader anti-cluster munition and demining efforts.

Back to top

Marty Deacon

ISG – Ontario (Waterloo Region)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Senate Group: Independent Senators Group (February 28, 2018 – Present)

Committee Membership

• Member: Standing Committee on National Security and Defence (2020 – Present); Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade (2020 – Present)
• Former Member: Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology (2018 – 2019); Standing Committee on National Finance (2018 – 2021); Standing Committee on Human Rights (2018 – 2019); Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (2018 – 2019); Standing Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce (2018 – 2019); Standing Committee on Agriculture and Forestry (2018 – 2019); Standing Committee on Aboriginal Peoples (2018 – 2019; 2020 – 2021); Special Senate Committee on the Charitable Sector (2018 – 2019); Special Senate Committee on the Arctic (2018 – 2019); Special Senate Committee on Senate Modernization (2018 – 2019)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

Israel-Gaza:

• During a November 2023 meeting of Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs (AEFA), Sen. Deacon asked witnesses what Gaza would look like after the current conflict concludes.

Women, Peace and Security:

• During a November 2023 meeting of AEFA, Sen. Deacon asked witnesses whether topics such as Women, Peace and Security were falling to the wayside within NATO.

Ukraine:

• During a SECD meeting in June 2022, Sen. Deacon expressed an interest in replicating or contributing to the U.K.’s efforts in training Ukrainian soldiers.
• During a May 2023 meeting of AEFA, Sen. Deacon asked the Ukrainian Ambassador to Canada whether Canada and other allies were reliably delivering committed military aid.
• During a June 2023 meeting of AEFA, Sen. Deacon asked witnesses what conditions would need to exist for NATO to welcome Ukraine as an official member.
• During a meeting of AEFA in November 2023, Sen. Deacon asked the Ukrainian Ambassador to Canada whether Ukraine had sufficient artillery ammunition, and whether the conflict in Israel was disrupting the flow of arms donations.
• During a SECD meeting in March 2024, Sen. Deacon asked how Ukraine’s potential accession to NATO would work in practice, and whether it would result in NATO troops on the ground in Ukraine.

Arctic Security:

• During a SECD meeting in March 2022, Sen. Deacon asked whether Canada should prioritize a “more united, supra-national front” in the Arctic with its allies, even if that means there may be a “sacrifice of some national sovereignty for the sake of a stronger, united defence posture,” to compete against China-Russia cooperation in the region.
• In an October 2022 SECD meeting, Sen. Deacon asked Defence officials to outline the work underway to “detect and deter” threats from Russia and China to communications infrastructure in the Arctic.
• At a November 2022 SECD meeting, Sen. Deacon sought information on the Arctic Council’s operations following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the work and appeal of the Canadian Rangers in Indigenous communities.
• In a February 2023 SECD meeting, Sen. Deacon inquired about Canada’s military cooperation with Finland and Sweden, and the impact that these nations’ accession to NATO would have on Arctic security more broadly.
• In an April 2023 meeting of SECD, Sen. Deacon asked the CDS whether the Rangers should receive naval capabilities.
  • In the same meeting, Sen. Deacon asked the CDS whether the Russian intervention in Ukraine was giving China and Russia reason to cooperate on Arctic issues.
• During MND’s appearance at Senate Question Period in November 2023, Sen. Deacon asked MND what measures National Defence was taking to improve search and rescue capabilities in the Arctic.

Defence Procurement / Infrastructure:

• At a SECD meeting in October 2022, Sen. Deacon asked how the Government was working to ensure that its initiatives in the Arctic are viewed as “authentic” endeavours “that respond to the needs on the ground.”

Afghanistan:

• In 2021, Sen. Deacon was contacted by several athletes, coaches, sports leaders and leaders in the LGBTQ2+ community to help them get out of Afghanistan.
• During Senate Question Period in 2022, Sen. Deacon highlighted the important work of the CAF involved in evacuating Afghans out of Afghanistan.
• During an AEFA meeting in October 2023, Sen. Deacon asked witnesses whether the Taliban were developing into a credible government.

Mental Health:

• During a Question Period session in February 2024 where the Minister of Veterans Affairs was present, Sen. Deacon asked whether long wait times for Canada’s Critical Injury Benefit were impacting PTSD treatments for veterans.
• In the same Question Period session, Sen. Deacon asked what VAC and DND’s response to the Senate Subcommittee on Veteran Affairs’ recommendations regarding the use of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy would be.

Climate Change:

• At an October 2022 SECD meeting, Sen. Deacon asked Defence officials to outline how the impact of climate change was being factored into procurement decisions on key Arctic-faring capabilities, including polar icebreakers.
• During a SECD meeting in February 2023, Sen. Deacon inquired about the challenge climate change poses with respect to the planning and procurement of equipment and infrastructure in the North.

Culture Change:

• During a debate in the Senate on the Government’s role in combating racism in 2020, Sen. Deacon asked what specific work has been done across the government to support black Canadians and Indigenous peoples.

Veterans:

• During a May 2023 meeting of the Senate Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs, Sen. Deacon asked witnesses whether Canada would financially support maintaining First World War monuments in Europe.

Back to top

Donna Dasko

ISG – Ontario (Ontario)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Senate Group: Independent Senators Group (2018 – Present)

Committee Membership

• Member: National Security and Defence (2018 – Present); Social Affairs, Science and Technology (2018 – Present); Transport and Communications (2018 – Present)
• Former Member: Standing Committee on National Finance (2020 – 2021); Special Senate Committee on the Arctic (2018 – 2019); Special Senate Committee on the Charitable Sector (2018 – 2019); Standing Committee on Agriculture and Forestry (2018 – 2019); Legal and Constitutional Affairs (2018 – 2019); Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration (2020 –2023)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

Arctic Sovereignty:

• At a SECD meeting in March 2022, Sen. Dasko asked if NORAD and NATO are ready to respond to a Russian threat in the Arctic.
• During a SECD meeting in April 2022, Sen. Dasko suggested that military build-up was one option towards achieving Arctic security; however, she asked if a “soft power” approach through the Arctic Council might also be feasible. She also asked if Russia had the financing and technology necessary to pursue resource extraction in the Arctic.
• In an October 2022 SECD meeting, Sen. Dasko asked Defence officials to detail Russia’s Arctic military capabilities and outline precisely how the $38.6 billion investment in NORAD modernization would be apportioned.
• At SECD meetings in November 2022 and February 2023, Sen. Dasko asked Defence officials if the invasion of Ukraine has constrained Russian activity in the North. In the latter meeting, she also sought information on the flight path of China’s surveillance balloon, and measures undertaken – beyond NORAD – to bolster Arctic security.

Disinformation:

• In a May 2023 meeting of SECD, Sen. Dasko asked witnesses what threat Russian disinformation posed to Canada and NATO countries, and how Chinese election interference could influence Canadian politics.

Ukraine and Russia:

• During Senate Question Period in 2021, Sen. Dasko reiterated the importance of ensuring the CAF is prepared to assist countries that may be facing challenges to their democratic processes, like Ukraine.
• At a SECD meeting in June 2022, Sen. Dasko voiced concerns over a lack of armaments available to Ukraine and the subsequent risk that Ukraine might lose the war without additional military support.
• At an April 2023 meeting of SECD, Sen. Dasko asked the CDS whether Russia was considerably weaker militarily as a result of the invasion of Ukraine.
• During a SECD meeting in June 2023, Sen. Dasko asked the Ukrainian Ambassador to Canada whether Ukraine could win by the end of 2023.
  • In the same June 2023 SECD Meeting, Sen. Dasko asked witnesses what potential weaknesses were present in NATO with regard to support of Ukraine.
• During a March 2024 SECD meeting, Sen. Dasko pushed back on an academic witness who suggested that post-conflict Ukraine could not be “Western-facing, democratic and independent.” She emphasized the importance of Ukraine making its own sovereign decisions about its future.

Indigenous Engagement:

• During a SECD meeting in November 2022, Sen. Dasko inquired about the extent of Indigenous engagement on matters related to defence and security, specifically within the Arctic Council. She also questioned whether Indigenous communities would truly benefit from Defence investments in the North.

Climate Change:

• During a Senate debate on climate change in 2022, Sen. Dasko highlighted her support for the motion to recognize climate change as an urgent crisis that requires an “immediate and ambitious” response.

Culture Change:

• During a Senate debate in 2020, Sen. Dasko supported the creation of a special committee to study anti-black and anti-Indigenous systemic racism in Canada.

Back to top

Jean-Guy Dagenais

CSG – Quebec (Victoria)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Senate Groups: Conservative Party of Canada (2012 – 2019); Canadian Senators Group (2019 – Present)
• Deputy Opposition Whip in the Senate: (2017 – 2020)

Committee Membership

• Vice-Chair and Member: Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs (2015 – Present)
• Member: Standing Committee on National Finance (2012– Present); Standing Committee on Official Languages (2015 – Present)
• Former Vice-Chair: Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages (2020 – 2021),Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs (2019 – 2020)
• Former Member: Standing Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce (2015 – 2021), Standing Committee on Agriculture and Forestry (2012 – 2019), Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs (2012 – 2021), Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology (2012 – 2021)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

Arctic Sovereignty:

• At a SECD meeting in 2022, Sen. Dagenais expressed concerns that Canada only possessed four submarines to Russia’s 55. He added that none of Canada’s submarines could operate in the Arctic, and asked if diplomacy as opposed to purchasing military equipment might be a better approach for Canada-Russia relations in the Arctic.
• During a SECD meeting in 2022, Sen. Dagenais mentioned reports that Canada had participated in an exercise in the Arctic with its allies and that Canada only sent 10 CAF members, to his “great surprise.”
  • At the same meeting, Sen. Dagenais also asked how many times in the last few months Canada has had to repel Russian air intrusion over Canadian Arctic territory, and sought information on Chinese ambitions in Canada’s Arctic.
• At a SECD meeting in December 2022, Sen. Dagenais questioned Canada’s commitment to its northern infrastructure and citizens, and asked if the Government “waited too long” to develop a strategy to secure its Arctic.
• During a SECD meeting in January 2023, Sen. Dagenais characterized the Auditor General’s report on Arctic Waters Surveillance as “troubling,” and sought to determine what an “appropriate timeline” would be for the Government to address the “disrepair” of defence equipment in the North. He further questioned whether “political will” to address the situation was “lacking,” and if consultants had been employed by the Government on Arctic security matters.
• At a February 2023 SECD meeting Sen. Dagenais questioned Canada’s counter-cyberespionage and independent Arctic surveillance capabilities, with particular reference to China’s surveillance balloon.

Procurement:

• During a SECD meeting in November 2022, Sen. Dagenais sought to determine the “point at which stakeholders and public servants” could be removed from decision-making processes, in order to expedite the procurement process and limit cost overruns. He also highlighted that investments and acquisitions are not planned for “anytime soon.”
• At a SECD meeting in January 2023, Sen. Dagenais questioned the logic underlying the decision to build icebreakers in two different shipyards (Seaspan, in Vancouver, and Davie, in Lévis). At an earlier meeting in November 2022, he stated that decisions made on this front, “including the Davie decision,” have “not been encouraging.”
• In an April 2023 meeting of SECD, Sen.. Dagenais asked MND whether the procurement of the CC-295 was suitable for the CAF and criticized the speed of procurement of military materiel in general.
• During Senate debate in June 2023, Sen. Dagenais alleged that Canada’s military was in an unreliable state that made it irrelevant to international security treaties like AUKUS.
• During Senate debate in June 2023, Sen. Dagenais cited a La Presse article which alleged that CAF members in Latvia had to purchase their own equipment to carry out their duties.
• During a Senate Standing Committee on National Finance (NFFN) meeting in October 2023, Sen. Dagenais asked whether the CAF would be receiving equipment to replace donated equipment to Ukraine.
• During Senate debate in October 2023, Sen. Dagenais questioned the Government Representative as to why Canada did not have a dedicated military procurement department.
• During Senate debate in December 2023, Sen. Dagenais criticized the government for its procurement decisions on the Poseidon and Victoria-class submarines. Sen. Dagenais also accused the PM of being more interested in the Ukrainian Military than the CAF.
• During an NFFN meeting in December 2023, Sen Dagenais asked witnesses questions about why Bombardier wasn’t allowed to bid on the CMMA, and whether Canada would meet the NATO 2% goal.

Recruitment and Retention:

• During committee meetings, Sen. Dagenais frequently raises concerns about the CAF’s ability to recruit and retain members, particularly at the local level with Reserve units. He has also asked about the budget for Reserve training and equipment.
• At a SECD meeting in November 2022, Sen. Dagenais questioned the extent to which CAF “recruitment problems” are affecting “Arctic surveillance plans.”
• In May 2023, during a SECD meeting, Sen. Dagenais acknowledged that the CAF was facing personnel challenges in a discussion on recruiting border officers.

Indigenous Engagement:

• During a SECD meeting in November 2022, Sen. Dagenais asked the Chief of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation to offer her thoughts on the effect of NORAD modernization initiatives in the North – noting that the Government’s apparent failure to notify the community directly was “unfortunate” – and to evaluate the Government’s responsiveness to Indigenous communities’ input on Arctic governance.

UN Peacekeeping:

• During NFFN’s study of Supplementary Estimates (B) in 2021, Sen. Dagenais pressed the VCDS on why Canada was not contributing troops towards UN peacekeeping operations, and whether this was due to limited resources.
• During a Senate debate on the peacekeeping mission in Mali, Sen. Dagenais was critical of the Government, noting that “Trudeau will send our soldiers to be killed in a fake peace mission.”

Sexual Misconduct in the CAF:

• In 2021, Sen. Dagenais criticized former Minister Sajjan’s response to the sexual misconduct crisis during Senate Question Period.

Ukraine & Russia:

• During an April 2023 meeting of SECD, Sen. Dagenais asked National Defence personnel whether National Defence was receiving sufficient funding.
• During a May 2023 meeting of SECD, Sen. Dagenais asked academic witnesses who was controlling paramilitary groups in Russia, and the threat of such organizations to Canada and the USA.
• During a May 2023 meeting of SECD, Sen. Dagenais suggested that Canada might benefit from rebuilding relations with Russia due to threats to the Arctic.
• During a June 2023 meeting of SECD, Sen. Dagenais asked General Trinquand where Russia was sourcing its ballistic missile supply.
• In Senate debate in October 2023, Sen. Dagenais asked the Representative of Government in Senate whether Canada had an unlimited budget for assisting Ukraine.
• During an October 2023 meeting of NFFN, Sen. Dagenais questioned why funds were being cut from National Defence while the government was pledging additional funds to Ukraine.
• During a March 2024 meeting of SECD, Sen. Dagenais asked whether the Canadian government would be “trapped” by its promises to Ukraine should Trump become President again. During the same meeting, Sen. Dagenais also asked academic witnesses how much longer “Zelenskyy could hang on without elections.”

Back to top

Rebecca Patterson

CSG – Ontario (Victoria)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Senate Groups: Canadian Senators Group (2022 – Present)
• Deputy Leader of the Canadian Senators Group (2022 – Present)

Committee Membership

• Member: Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs (2024 – Present)
• Former Member: Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (2023)
• Chair: Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs (2024 – Present)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

Women in the Military:

• WPS is a topic of interest for Sen. Patterson – one that she has raised multiple times in Committee. For example, in an April 2023 SECD meeting, Sen. Patterson asked National Defence officials how CNAP3 was being influenced by Defence, and how it was being shaped by an internationally unstable environment.
• Sen. Patterson rose in Debate in November 2023 to ask MND whether National Defence would work to procure more gender-tailored combat gear for donation to female Ukrainian soldiers, and whether National Defence had any other initiatives to support female Ukrainian soldiers.
  • This same question was reiterated during a SECD meeting in February 2024, when Sen. Patterson asked Defence officials what the CAF is doing to help equip women in the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Ukraine:

• In a June 2023 meeting of SECD, Sen. Patterson asked witnesses for their perspectives on the longevity of Putin’s regime and Russia’s ability to prosecute the current conflict in Ukraine.
  • In the same meeting, Sen. Patterson asked National Defence officials how Canada would participate in post-war health efforts and the lessons learned from Ukraine regarding the integration of WPS.
• In a November 2023 meeting of the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade (AEFA), Sen. Patterson asked the Ukrainian Ambassador to Canada how allied countries could safely share technology and supplies with Ukraine.
• During a March 2024 SECD meeting, Sen. Patterson asked academic witnesses how the Government can better educate Canadians to understand the need to confront aggressors, like Russia, and the need to make significant defence investments.

CAF Readiness:

• Sen. Patterson rose in Debate in October 2023 to ask the Government Representative in the Senate how announced budget cuts would influence CAF readiness.
• During a February 2024 SECD meeting, Sen. Patterson asked Defence officials whether the CAF has the capacity to meet its NATO high-readiness commitments.

CAF Healthcare:

• Sen. Patterson rose in Debate in April 2023 to ask the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities how negotiations regarding CAF healthcare with provinces was progressing.

Child Soldiers:

• In a November 2023 meeting of AEFA, Sen. Patterson asked GAC officials about efforts to address sexual violence and the use of child soldiers in Sudan.

EDI:

• In a May 2023 meeting of SECD, Sen. Patterson asked National Defence officials what efforts were being made to expand representation in the CAF.

Arctic:

• In an April 2023 meeting of SECD, Sen. Patterson asked MND how future Arctic infrastructure would be maintained given the unattractive living conditions.

Veterans:

• Veterans' affairs are of particular interest to Sen. Patterson given her own current status as a veteran, and she rises frequently in Senate Debate and in Committee to talk about supporting and commemorating veterans.

Back to top

Margaret Dawn Anderson

PSG – Northwest Territories (Northwest Territories)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Senate Groups: Non-affiliated (2018 – 2019); Independent Senators Group (2019 – 2021); Progressive Senate Group (2021 – Present)

Committee Membership

• Member: Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs (2019 – Present); Senate Standing Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources (2020 – Present)
• Former Member: Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs (2021 – Present); Senate Standing Committee on Aboriginal Peoples (2018 – 2021); Senate Standing Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce (2020 – 2021); Senate Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (2019 – 2020); Senate Committee on Transport and Communications (2018 – 2019); Special Senate Committee on the Arctic (2018 – 2019)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

Arctic Sovereignty:

• Having grown up in a small Arctic community, Sen. Anderson is very familiar with the region and the challenges of climate change. During a meeting of the Special Senate Committee on the Arctic in 2019, Sen. Anderson focused on Russia and China's activities in the Arctic and asked what Canada should do to ensure the region's security.
• During a SECD meeting in March 2022, Sen. Anderson stressed the importance of collaborating with owners, people, and citizens to secure the continental shelf and its role in Arctic defence and security. She also asked CAF witnesses if Canada has enough capital, infrastructure, and appropriately allocated resources to assure its sovereignty in the Arctic.
• In a May 2022 SECD meeting, Sen. Anderson cited climate change as a threat to Arctic security and asked questions about the challenges posed to infrastructure, equipment, training and personnel in the Arctic.
• At a SECD meeting in October 2022, Sen. Anderson asked Defence officials to speak to the “lack of equipment” in the North, and to outline a timeframe within which to address these “deficits” and ensure communities are adequately equipped to “provide a vital service.”

Indigenous Relations:

• During a Senate debate in 2020, Sen. Anderson advocated for Indigenous rights and stated: "Indigenous lives matter, Black lives matter, and systemic racism is alive and well in Canada.”
• During a meeting of the Committee on Aboriginal Peoples in 2021, Sen. Anderson said that Bill C-15 (An Act respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples) “does not go far enough” for First Nations because of the “lack of faith and trust” in Canada to honor historic treaty agreements and commitments with and for First Nations.
• At a SECD meeting in November 2022, Sen. Anderson noted that in her experience as an Inuk, discussions with the Government are “siloed and sometimes cursory.” She asked representatives of the Assembly of First Nations, Gwich’in Council International, and Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in to detail Canada’s responsibilities to rights holders in the North – as they pertain to national security and defence – and questioned whether “instead of waiting on the Government” there are avenues for rights holders to lead discussions regarding engagement on Arctic defence.
• During a SECD meeting in May 2023, Sen. Anderson asked Defence officials about what attempts were being made to increase the CAF’s presence in Northern Canada and to foster linkages with Indigenous communities there.

Environment:

• Climate change and greenhouse gas emissions are a topic of particular concern for Sen. Anderson, having raised it multiple times in committee meetings outside of SECD.
• During a meeting of the Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources Committee in 2021, Sen. Anderson asked what else is needed from the Government of Canada, beyond legislation, to support an approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions for families and communities, especially in the North.

Culture Change:

• During a meeting of the Banking Committee in 2020, Sen. Anderson mentioned that “diversity and inclusion are critical to the success of a central bank serving Canadians.” She also asked a number of questions regarding measures taken to increase diversity within the organization.

Artificial Intelligence:

• During a May 2023 meeting of SECD, Sen. Anderson asked whether there were any plans for the incorporation of AI into CBSA protocols and inquired as to the legal ramifications and regulations regarding AI use.

Back to top

Andrew Cardozo

PSG – Ontario (Ontario)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Senate Groups: Non-affiliated (2018 – 2019); Independent Senators Group (2019 – 2021); Progressive Senate Group (2021 – Present)

Committee Membership

• Member: Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs (2023 – Present), Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications (2023 – Present)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

Russia/China:

• During an April 2023 meeting of SECD, Sen. Cardozo asked National Defence and GAC officials what they believed would be major challenges posed by China and Russia.
• During a meeting of SECD in June 2023, Sen. Cardozo asked the Ukrainian Ambassador to Canada whether Ukraine believed Russia would expand its influence and military operations into different regions of the world.
  • During the same meeting, Sen. Cardozo asked witnesses what they believed China and Russia would seek to do geopolitically.
• During a different panel in the same meeting, Sen. Cardozo asked Defence officials how DND/CAF was preparing for Russia and China’s geopolitical moves. He also asked about Chinese intercepts of Canadian military aircraft in the Taiwan Strait.

Defence Spending:

• During a February 2024 meeting of SECD, Sen. Cardozo asked Defence officials whether Canada was any closer to meeting NATO’s 2% defence expenditure target, thanks to recent military aid announced for Ukraine.
• During a March 2024 meeting of SECD, Sen. Cardozo asked academic experts present at the meeting to articulate why Canada should increase its defence spending.

Cyber:

• During a March 2023 meeting of SECD, Sen. Cardozo asked CSE officials what the proportion of cyber threats originating from within North America were in comparison to those originating from China, Russia, North Korea, and/or Iran.

Culture Change:

• During a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on National Finance (NFFN) in April 2023, Sen. Cardozo expressed to DND and RCMP witnesses that he would like to see more diversity in the senior leadership of both organizations.

Social Media:

• Senator Cardozo has posted once on Twitter memorializing Corporal Nathan Cirillo.

Back to top

Claude Carignan

C – Quebec (Mille Isles)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Former Leader of the Opposition in the Senate: (2015 – 2017)
• Former Leader of Government in the Senate: (2013 - 2015)

Committee Membership

• Deputy Chair: Special Joint Committee on the Declaration of Emergency (2022 - Present); Standing Senate Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration (2021; 2022 – Present)
• Member: Standing Senate Committee on Ethics and Conflict of Interest for Senators (2022 – Present); Standing Joint Committee on the Library of Parliament (2023 – Present); Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs (2023 – Present); Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs (2022 – Present)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

Equipping the CAF:

• During Question Period in November 2023, Sen. Carignan asked what National Defence is doing to streamline the procurement process and ensure Canadian Armed Forces soldiers have access to equipment.
• During a February 2024 meeting of SECD, Sen. Carignan asked whether a “fast track” option exists to hasten the defence procurement process. During the same meeting, Sen. Carignan also asked how Canada plans to continue supporting Ukraine when it is struggling to properly equip its own forces.

CMMA Procurement:

• Throughout several Question Periods, Sen. Carignan has emphasised support for allowing Bombardier to bid for the replacement of the CP-140 Aurora and has asked questions regarding why the Government is awarding a direct contract that will “negatively impact a Canadian company.”
• During Question Period in December 2023, Sen. Carignan asked why the Government “refused” to give a Canadian company a chance to bid on the contract.
• During the same Question Period, Sen. Carignan asked to confirm if the Government has changed the delivery date from 2031-32 to 2026-27 for the CMMA replacement.

Defence Budget:

• During Question Period in March 2022, Sen. Carignan inquired if the Government would increase Canada’s defence contributions to meet the NATO commitment of 2% of GDP.
• During Question Period in November 2023, Sen. Carignan asked if the Government would find ways to increase the defence budget along with improving the efficiency of the procurement system.

Other Interests

Gun Control:

• During several SECD meetings, Sen. Carignan has made statements indicating that Canada needs to have stronger control of its border to reduce gun smuggling into Canada.

GC Strategies:

• During Question Period in February 2024, Sen. Carignan inquired about the results of the investigation into GC Strategies contracts since November 2023.

Back to top

Victor Oh

C – Ontario (Mississauga)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Senate Group: Conservative Party of Canada (2013 – Present)

Committee Membership

• Member: Standing Committee on National Security and Defence (2013 – Present); Standing Committee on Agriculture and Forestry (2013 – Present); Standing Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources (2023 – Present)
• Former Vice-Chair: Standing Committee on Agriculture and Forestry (2020 – 2021)
• Former Member: Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration (2021 – 2023); Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade (2013 – 2023); Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology (2013 – 2019); Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade (2011 – 2019); Standing Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce (2013 – 2019 ); Standing Committee on Human Rights (2013 – 2019); Standing Committee on National Finance (2010 –2019); Standing Committee on Transport and Communications (2015 – 2019); Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (2013 – 2013); Standing Committee on Official Languages (2013 – 2019); Standing Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources (2015 – 2019); Standing Committee on Aboriginal Peoples (2015 – 2019), Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs (2021 – 2022), Special Senate Committee on the Charitable Sector (2015 – 2019); Special Senate Committee on the Arctic (2015 - 2019)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

Arctic Security:

• At a SECD meeting in January 2023, Sen. Oh voiced concerns that Government of Canada activities designed to strengthen Arctic security might also have negative consequences for Arctic peoples and asked how such consequences could be avoided in the future. During a SECD meeting in February 2023, Sen. Oh asked if there had been any recent changes in how NATO manages Arctic security given the new threat environment.

Sexual Misconduct:

• At a SECD meeting in May 2021, Sen. Oh raised concerns about survivors of sexual misconduct. He inquired about the resources made available to survivors by Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) if they had previously been members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). He further pressed for how many people VAC had assisted and how much funding was made available to survivors.
  • During the same meeting, Sen. Oh asked if minorities were in any way acutely affected by sexual misconduct, and wanted to ensure that minorities were being treated the same as “everyone else.”

Ukraine:

• During a Foreign Affairs and International Trade Committee (AEFA) meeting in March 2022, Sen. Oh’s chief concern was whether the $100 million in humanitarian assistance committed by Canada would be provided directly to Ukraine or if the funds were being directed to Poland and Romania. He also inquired about the number of displaced Ukrainians in Romania and Poland and if there were any projections for future numbers
• During a June 2023 SECD meeting, Sen. Oh asked the Ukrainian Ambassador to Canada what additional military equipment Canada could provide to Ukraine.
  • During the same meeting, Sen. Oh asked witnesses whether a Ukrainian counteroffensive could change the war, and whether reports of Ukrainian corruption were accurate.

Procurement:

• During a National Finance Committee meeting in April 2019, Sen. Oh questioned Christyn Cianfarani, President and CEO of the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries, on how the Government could support the Canadian defence industry while maintaining its commitments to open and fair competition. Senator Oh was specifically concerned about companies overstating costs, and expressed concern about the involvement of foreign governments in the Canadian defence industry.

CAF Recruiting:

• During a SECD meeting in May 2023, Sen. Oh asked BGen Brodie whether efforts to recruit permanent residents into the CAF were focusing on specific visible minority groups.

Misinformation:

• During a May 2023 SECD meeting, Sen. Oh asked academic witnesses about the threat posed by misinformation online and from Russia.

Sudan:

• During an April 2023 SECD meeting, Sen. Oh asked MND whether RCAF aircraft were going to be used to evacuate individuals out of Sudan, or whether Canada would be using allied aircraft.

Back to top