Language selection

Government of Canada / Gouvernement du Canada

Search

Domestic and Continental Security

On this page

Arctic Surveillance and the North

  • We remain committed to supporting the security of the Arctic and defending Canadian sovereignty.
  • That is why we are making strategic investments, including $6.1 billion over five years announced in Budget 2022 to increase defence capabilities and improve continental defence.
  • National Defence is also making an approximately $38.6 billion investment over 20 years to modernize NORAD.
  • Additionally, we are enhancing our Arctic capabilities by purchasing fighter jets, Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships, and remotely piloted aircraft systems.
  • The Canadian Armed Forces also maintains a vital presence in the region through Operation NANOOK, its signature northern operation, and by working with the Canadian Rangers.
  • As we continue to enhance our capabilities and northern presence we will continue to engage with Indigenous, provincial and territorial partners.

If pressed on delays for the Nanisivik Naval Facility:

  • Infrastructure work in the Arctic poses many challenges, including complex logistics.
  • National Defence continues to advance this project as we navigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • We are working to find solutions that could allow the Naval Facility to begin operations in 2023 while work is ongoing.

If pressed on delays or additional costs for the Inuvik Airport Runway Extension Project:

  • As part of our efforts to enhance capabilities in the North, National Defence committed $150 million for a runway extension at the Inuvik Airport.
  • National Defence supports the project and recognizes its importance for the region and for the local community.
  • While the Government of the Northwest Territories is responsible for all aspects of the project, we will support and facilitate discussions to help keep the project moving forward.
  • We need to allow the parties time to work through costs and assess the impact on the overall budget.
  • At this time, it is too early to determine if additional funding is required.

If pressed on the expired lease contract for the Inuvik Hangar Facilities:

  • National Defence maintains a number of assets in the North that support operational requirements and, where possible, benefit local communities.
  • We are working with Public Services and Procurement Canada to ensure the Canadian Armed Forces have the appropriate facilities to support northern operations.

Key Facts

  • Budget 2022: Allocates $6.1B over five years, with $1.3B in remaining amortization to increase defence capabilities, improve continental defence, and support commitments to our allies.
  • Budget 2021: Allocates an initial $252.2M over five years, with $160M in remaining amortization, starting in 2021-22, to support continental defence and NORAD modernization.
  • Operation NANOOK-NUNAKPUT 2022: Conducted from August 15 to 29, 2022 in and around Cambridge Bay, Nunavut.
  • Canadian Rangers: There are roughly 5,000 Canadian Rangers in 194 remote and isolated communities, including in the Arctic.
  • Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships: HMCS HARRY DEWOLF transited the Northwest Passage in September 2021, making it the first Royal Canadian Navy ship to do so since 1954.

Details

  • International Cooperation:
    • As outlined in Strong, Secure, Engaged, and the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, the Defence Team will work to enhance cooperation with Arctic Allies and partners to strengthen domain awareness and information sharing and will also look to increase participation in multinational exercises in the region.
    • May 16, 2022: Minister Anand convened an Arctic Defence Dialogue to share perspectives on the evolving threat environment with her counterparts from like-minded Arctic nations.
    • Defence Research and Development Canada is an active participant in the International Cooperative Program for Polar Research (ICE-PPR) with several Arctic nations to advance National Defence’s scientific knowledge of the evolving Arctic environment (eg. sea ice, temperature, salinity, ambient noise levels); and to ensure continued effectiveness in defence capabilities, systems and platforms, and their adaptation for future Canadian Armed Forces operations.
  • Cooperation with the United States in the Arctic
    • Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) is a regularly scheduled exercise that focuses on operations in cold weather with the U.S. Army units in Alaska and ran from March 14-23, 2022. JPMRC strengthens the lines of communication between Alaskan units and our forces.
    • Exercise ARCTIC EAGLE-PATRIOT is a regularly scheduled exercise that involves the response to a natural disaster with small task Arctic warfare events and ran from February 23 to March 2, 2022, in Alaska. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is exercising Light Urban Search and Rescue capabilities and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear defence capabilities during this exercise.
    • ICE EXERCISE (ICEX) is a submarine under/through the ice operation this winter in Alaska. ICEX 2022 is the 98th iteration. The Royal Canadian Air Force is assisting the U.S. Navy with the construction of a temporary ice camp by providing two CC-138 Twin Otter to transport supplies and personnel into and out of austere locations on sea ice.
    • Operation NOBLE DEFENDER is a recurring NORAD defensive operation that takes place throughout the year, and has been ongoing since 2019. This winter's Op NOBLE DEFENDER took place from March 14 to 17, 2022, and occurred during a series of Arctic activities demonstrating allied collaboration and integration to defend North America's northern approaches.
    • Exercise ARCTIC EDGE is a joint exercise that fosters interoperability and the sharing of cold weather warfare expertise in the Arctic. The CAF and Defence Research and Development Canada participated in this exercise between February 28 and March 17, 2022.
    • Operation NANOOK is the Canadian Armed Forces’ signature northern operation comprised of a series of comprehensive activities designed to exercise the defence of Canada and to secure our northern regions. Between February 14 and 28, 2022, more than 200 CAF personnel worked together with armed forces members from the US, the UK, and France to conduct activities including joint long range patrols, complex logistical support, and under-ice diving activities.

Back to top

Continental Defence and NORAD Modernization

  • Canada is committed to ensuring the safety and contributing to the security of our shared continent.
  • That is why we are investing $3 billion over six years with $1.9 billion in remaining amortization to modernize NORAD, as part of an approximately $38.6 billion investment over 20 years.
  • These investments will protect Canadians from new and emerging aerospace threats.
  • We will also create a fund to enable Indigenous partners to meaningfully engage with National Defence as we deliver these initiatives.
  • We are undertaking these efforts in collaboration with our American Allies so that we adapt to evolving security challenges together.

If pressed on participating in the US Ballistic Missile Defence System:

  • There is no change in the Government’s decision not to participate in the US Ballistic Missile Defence System.

Key Facts

  • On June 20, 2022, National Defence announced $3 billion over six years with $1.9 billion in remaining amortization. This is part of $38.6 billion investment over 20 years for new capabilities on an accrual basis.

Details

  • Funding for NORAD Modernization:
    • “Strong, Secure, Engaged: Canada’s Defence Policy” outlined the vision for Canada’s continued cooperation with the U.S. to meet emerging threats and perils to North America through the modernization of the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) and continental defence efforts.
    • NORAD modernization is a long term project and these funds will support NORAD and the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) ability to protect Canadians against new and emerging military threats to Canada and North America more broadly.
    • Specific investments will include, among other initiatives, new radar stations, command and control upgrades, additional air-to-air refueling aircraft, advanced air-to-air missiles for fighter jets, upgrades to Canadian Armed Forces’ infrastructure in the North, and additional funding to complete and augment key space projects, broken down into 5 inter-related areas of investment:
      1. Bolstering our ability to detect threats earlier and more precisely by modernizing our surveillance systems ($6.96B from fiscal year 22/23 - 41/42)
      2. Improving our ability to understand and communicate threats to decision-makers in a timely manner through investments in modern technology ($4.13B from fiscal year 22/23 - 41/42)
      3. Strengthening our ability to deter and defeat aerospace threats by modernizing our air weapons systems ($6.38B from fiscal year 22/23 - 41/42)
      4. Ensuring our Canadian Armed Forces can launch and sustain a strong military presence across the country, including in Canada’s North, through investments in new infrastructure and support capabilities ($15.68B from fiscal year 22/23 - 41/42)
      5. Future-proofing our capabilities to defend North America through investments in science and technology ($4.23B from fiscal year 22/23 - 41/42)
  • Canadian Armed Forces Contribution to NORAD:
    • Over 1,000 Canadian Armed Forces members support NORAD in fulfilling its missions of aerospace warning, aerospace control, and maritime warning for the defence of North America.
    • Canada also contributes fighter aircraft, bases and Forward Operating Locations across the country. Canada is also responsible for maintaining and operating the Canadian portion of the North Warning System, a chain of radar stations stretching from Yukon to Labrador.
    • 1 Canadian Air Division (1 CAD): Canadian NORAD Region headquarters in Winnipeg, Manitoba, provides operational command and control of assigned assets while the Canadian Air Defence Sector (CADS), located in North Bay, Ontario provides tactical command and control of assigned assets for the Canadian NORAD Region.
  • North Warning System In-Service Support Contract:
    • On January 31, 2022, following an open and transparent competition, Public Services and Procurement Canada, on behalf of National Defence, awarded a contract to Nasittuq Corporation, an Inuit owned company, for the operation and maintenance of the North Warning System.
    • The contract is for an initial period of seven years, and is valued at $592 million ($527 million before taxes). The contract also includes four two-year option periods for a total estimated value of $1.3 billion ($1.1 billion before taxes).
    • This process reflects the Government of Canada’s commitment to renewing and strengthening its economic relationship with Inuit and ensuring that Inuit communities benefit from federal procurement.
  • Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee (ICPC):
    • As a result of engagement in support of continental defence and NORAD modernization proposals, National Defence has recently joined the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee as a way to formalize and improve cooperation and collaboration with Inuit partners on defence, security, and sovereignty in the Arctic.
      • The ICPC mechanism provides an opportunity to include broader discussions on Arctic sovereignty and defence while affirming our commitment to advancing reconciliation.
      • The Committee meets three times a year.
    • Once a year, it is co-chaired by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the President of Inuit, Tapiriit Kanatami.

Back to top

Cyber Operations and Capabilities

  • Cyberspace is critical for the conduct of modern military operations, and is recognized by Canada and its allies as a domain of military operations.
  • The Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Forces contribute to international peace and security through cyber threat intelligence sharing with Allies and partners and through the conduct of full spectrum cyber operations as authorized by the Government of Canada.
  • Operating within cyberspace includes both challenges and opportunities.
  • As such, the Canadian Armed Forces relies on the force multiplier effects of technology enabled communications, intelligence, and weapon systems, which must be adequately secured and defended from cyber threats.
  • Indeed, potential adversaries are leveraging and developing cyber capabilities to attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in our command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems.
  • That is why the Canadian Armed Forces continues to defend its own networks and information systems against cyber threat actors every minute of every day.
  • Canada, in conjunction with our partners and allies, will continue to advance a stable cyberspace built on the applicability of and respect for international law and the norms of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace.

Key Facts

  • The Canadian Armed Forces, in cooperation with the Communications Security Establishment, has a full spectrum cyber capability that is expanding to meet the threats that are evolving every day.
  • The Canadian Armed Forces is focused on four primary lines of operations:
    1. Defensive Cyber Operations
    2. Offensive Cyber Operations
    3. Cyber Security Cooperation and Capacity Building
    4. Cyber Mission Assurance Program
  • Ukraine:
    • In response to Russian aggression in early 2022, the Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Forces immediately helped Ukraine bolster its cyber defence capabilities through ongoing collaborative efforts.
    • This includes providing Ukraine with cyber-security expertise, cyber threat intelligence, software tools, and technical solutions which allows Ukraine to better defend its networks against malicious cyber activity.
  • Riga, Latvia:
    • To demonstrate Canada’s commitment to NATO Allies, in response to a request for support, Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Forces deployed a specialized Cyber Protection Team (CPT) to Riga, Latvia to conduct a Joint Threat Hunt Operation to assist Latvia in better defending itself from cyber threats.

Details

  • Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Capabilities:
    • The Canadian Armed Forces continues to scale its offensive and defensive cyber operations capabilities, both in close cooperation with the Communications Security Establishment (CSE). This partnership enables Cyber operations and provides the Government of Canada flexibility in achieving strategic objectives.
    • From a defensive cyber operations perspective, the Canadian Armed Forces has the responsibility to safeguard its networks on a continuous basis, and has used its experiences in this domain, in cooperation with CSE, in the protection of our Allies’, NATO and trusted partners’ critical networks, and enabling them to respond to identified threats appropriately.
  • Cyber Mission Assurance Program:
    • Strong, Secure, Engaged, directed the creation of the Cyber Mission Assurance Program. It is part of the cyber capability to protect critical military networks and equipment from cyber threats. Platforms like aircraft, ships, and vehicles are becoming increasingly dependent on cyberspace. The Cyber Mission Assurance Program ensures that cyber resilience is a primary consideration when new equipment is procured.
    • Cyber threats pose unique challenges in projecting and sustaining military power. The changing global environment and the increasing dependence on cyberspace technologies demands a significant change in our culture. The introduction of cyber-resiliency mindset in all our activities is required for the CAF to maintain its competitive advantage. The Cyber Mission Assurance Program focuses on managing the risks associated with cyber threats, to improve resilience. and increase the probability of mission success.
  • Offensive Cyber Operations:
    • Strong, Secure, Engaged committed the Canadian Armed Forces to assuming a more assertive posture in the cyber domain by hardening its defences, and by conducting offensive cyber operations against potential adversaries as part of government-authorized military missions.
  • Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Operator:
    • Strong, Secure, Engaged, directed the creation of the Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Operator occupation. This trade includes both Reserve and Regular Force members who conduct both defensive and offensive cyber operations with the goal of supporting operational objectives and delivering tactical effects.
  • Canadian Armed Forces and the Communications Security Establishment Cooperation:
    • The Canadian Armed Forces and CSE have a long history of partnership in the development of highly technical and specialized capabilities that support Canadian Armed Forces operations. This relationship continues with the emerging cyber capabilities development requirements.
    • Cooperation between Canadian Armed Forces and CSE ensures the best use of tools and capabilities, reduces unnecessary duplication of efforts, leverages each other authorities, and improves the chances of meeting mission objectives.
  • Privacy Protections and Safeguards:
    • The employment of cyber capabilities will be approved by the Government on a mission-by-mission basis consistent with the employment of other military assets, and will be subject to the same rigour as other military uses of force.
    • Cyber operations will be subject to all applicable domestic and international law, and proven checks and balances such as rules of engagement, targeting and collateral damage assessments. 

Back to top

Operation LENTUS (Canada)

  • The Canadian Armed Forces is ready to support and serve alongside our federal, provincial, territorial, municipal and Indigenous partners who work diligently to serve Canadians in need.
  • That is why the Canadian Armed Forces has members ready to deploy across Canada on short notice when called upon for Operation LENTUS.
  • For example, in August 2022, our military responded the same day when Newfoundland asked for assistance in combatting wildfires.
  • Additionally, this May, teams of Canadian Rangers assisted flood evacuations in Northwestern Ontario.
  • National Defence continuously monitors domestic response operations, and is prepared to provide emergency assistance at the request of civilian authorities.

Key Facts

  • Provincial and territorial authorities are the first to respond when a major natural disaster occurs in Canada. If they become overwhelmed, they may request assistance from the Canadian Armed Forces, which is a force of last resort.

  • 2022 Deployments:
    • The Canadian Armed Forces deployed six Liaison Officers to assist Newfoundland with planning and coordinating air transportation in response to wildfires from August 06 until August 15, 2022.
    • The Canadian Armed Forces deployed two CC-130 Hercules aircraft to support evacuations due to wildfires in Manitoba on July 16, 2022.
    • The Canadian Armed Forces deployed teams of Canadian Rangers to support evacuations due to flooding in Northwestern Ontario from May 12 until May 20, 2022.
  • 2021 Deployments:
    • The Canadian Armed Forces deployed over 700 members and 10 aircraft to British Columbia in November 2021 to support relief efforts in response to record-setting floods.
    • From July 5 until September 5, 2021, over 300 members also deployed to British Columbia to help fight wildfires.
    • The Canadian Armed Forces deployed over 100 members to the Manitoba Wildfire Service from July 20 to August 24, 2021.

Details

  • Operation LENTUS:
    • As per the Federal Emergency Response Plan, the Canadian Armed Forces provide assistance when a province or territory requests federal support to deal with an emergency.
    • Canadian Armed Forces assistance complements and enhances provincial, territorial and local resources with unique capabilities, including military personnel and equipment.
      • Based on the request for assistance, the CAF determines how many people to send, and what kinds of assets to send with them. In recent years, this has been anywhere from 60 to 2,600 members.
    • The objectives of Operation LENTUS are:
      • To help provincial and territorial authorities;
      • To respond quickly and effectively to the crisis; and,
      • To stabilize the natural disaster situation.
    • The tasks for each iteration of Operation LENTUS depend on the type of natural disaster. Common tasks include:
      • Filling, distributing, and placing sandbags;
      • Mopping up fires;
      • Evacuating people;
      • Transporting people;
      • Delivering aid to remote communities;
      • Helping law enforcement and provincial authorities to get information to the public;
      • Checking on residents; and,
      • Assessing infrastructure.
  • Past Deployments:
    • Throughout 2021, the Canadian Armed Forces received Requests for Assistance for floods in Yukon, British-Columbia, and Newfoundland; for wildfires in Ontario, Manitoba, and British-Columbia; and for tainted water in Iqaluit.
    • From January 19 to 28, 2020, approximately 380 members of the Canadian Armed Forces supported the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador after a major snowstorm led to states of emergency in several communities.

Back to top

Impact of Climate Change on CAF Operations

For Arctic issues, please see Tab 4 on Arctic Surveillance and the North

  • Climate change is affecting the frequency, duration, and intensity of Canadian Armed Forces operations, both at home and abroad, placing unprecedented demands on our resources.
  • That is why we are increasingly integrating climate considerations into our equipment, infrastructure, and operational planning.
  • For example, infrastructure requirements now include considerations for greenhouse gas reduction towards net-zero and adaptation to climate change.
  • In Canada and around the world, climate change effects are also transforming the physical and security landscape, and bringing about an evolving set of challenges.
  • That is why we are working with our Allies to establish a NATO Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence in Montréal to better understand climate change security challenges.
  • We will continue to evaluate how climate change impacts our resources and priorities to ensure we remain ready to protect Canadians at home and abroad.

Key Facts

  • Strong, Secure, Engaged: Recognizes the security implications of climate change both at home and abroad, including:
    • Threats to the Arctic;
    • An increasing demand for CAF assets to respond to natural disasters in Canada and abroad; and,
    • Climate change’s role in exacerbating the drivers of conflict in fragile states.
  • NATO Summit: At the June 2022 NATO Summit in Madrid, it was announced that Montréal would be the host city for the NATO Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence. This Centre will help NATO, Allies, and other global partners better understand, adapt to, and mitigate the impacts of climate change on our security.
  • Operation LENTUS: Provides support to provincial and territorial authorities to respond quickly and effectively to natural disasters in Canada.
    • 1990-2010: Eight operations, averaging one operation every other year.
    • 2010-2020: 26 operations, averaging about 2.5 operations each year.
    • 2021: Eight operations.

Details

  • Other Operations:
    • Operation RENAISSANCE provides support to international humanitarian and disaster response operations.
    • Climate impacts are disruptive to military training schedules, as this coincides with increased deployments due to a more active natural disaster hazard season.
  • National Defence Funding:
    • The increase in domestic operations in support of climate disasters has resulted in increased pressure on National Defence’s operating budget.
    • Deployments contribute to higher carbon emissions, which can drive up the cost for deployments due to costs required for carbon offset.
    • The Operational Funding Account (OFA) is projecting an average annual pressure on the OFA budget of approximately $5.9 M for the next two years, and likely to increase as climate disasters continue to drive the operational tempo.
  • NATO Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence:
    • At the June 2022 NATO Summit, Canada announced that Montréal, Québec would be the host city for the NATO Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence.
    • NATO officially accepted Canada’s formal offer of a Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence (COE) in May 2022. The establishment of a Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence is an ongoing initiative led jointly by Global Affairs Canada and National Defence.
    • This Centre of Excellence will be a platform for both military and civilians to develop, enhance, and share knowledge on climate change security impacts. It will also allow them to work together to build required capabilities, develop best practices, and contribute to NATO’s goal of reducing the climate impact of military activities.
    • In addition to hosting the centre and supporting its operation, Canada will bring its unique knowledge and abilities in a range of relevant sectors to the functioning of the centre. Through the cooperative efforts of its participants, the work of this centre will enhance the security of Canada, NATO, and people around the globe.
  • Greening the Federal Fleet:
    • In 2020-21, 85% of the commercial light-duty vehicles procured were hybrid or electric, bolstering our efforts to transition 100% of this fleet from fossil fuels.
    • In 2020/21, thirty-four percent of our light-duty vehicle fleet now runs on hybrid, plug-in hybrid and/or electric technology.
    • Dedicated “energy managers” are assigned to bases/wings. They will lead initiatives to increase energy efficiency and reduce emissions at National Defence infrastructure across Canada.
    • The Royal Canadian Air Force and Royal Canadian Navy are developing fleet decarbonisation plans that will be regularly updated to support a net-zero emissions National Safety and Security fleet. These plans are expected in 2023/24, and will consider availability, affordability, and operational feasibility.
  • Royal Military College Saint-Jean:
    • At Royal Military College Saint-Jean, a new Bachelor’s degree program in Geopolitics and Climate Science is being developed that will position Officer and Naval Cadets and the Canadian Armed Forces to address the key issues at the heart of climate change.

Back to top

Page details

Date modified: