The House of Commons National Defence committee met to study NORAD modernization and continental defence. Appearing were Jonathan Quinn (Director General, Continental Defence Policy, Department of National Defence), Lieutenant-General Jamie Speiser-Blanchet (Commander, Royal Canadian Air Force), Peter Hammerschmidt (Assistant Deputy Minister, Infrastructure and Environment, Department of National Defence), and Neil O'Rourke (Director General, Fleet and Maritime Services, Canadian Coast Guard).
Jonathan Quinn outlined a multi-year path to enhance continental defence, including the Arctic Over the Horizon Radar system expected to be operational in 2029, the delivery of the first multi-role tanker transport aircraft in 2027, and investments in command and control, space projects, and underwater sensors. He noted that the government removed all restrictions on air and missile defence in July 2025, committed to reaching the NATO 5% GDP defence target by 2035, and that the Canadian Coast Guard moved into the Department of National Defence in September 2025, with Bill C-12 proposed to allow the Coast Guard to contribute to maritime domain awareness. He emphasized that Canada is not focused on a military threat from the southern border and continues constructive collaboration with U.S. allies through NORAD.
Lieutenant-General Jamie Speiser-Blanchet stated that the F-35 is the only fifth-generation fighter available to Canada and is necessary to meet advanced adversary threats from Russia and China, and that cancelling it would create gaps in technology. He confirmed that the first F-35 will be delivered to Canada in 2028, with interim infrastructure ready at Cold Lake, and that forward operating locations in Inuvik, Yellowknife, and Iqaluit will be upgraded in phases. He noted that China and Russia have increased cooperation in the Arctic, and that lessons from the Ukraine war, including the proliferation of drones, are driving analysis of future operations. He confirmed that the remotely piloted aircraft system (SkyGuardian) is on schedule for initial operational capability in 2028, with hardened communications against electromagnetic pulses.
Peter Hammerschmidt reported that infrastructure improvements at Inuvik are underway but delayed due to permafrost issues, and that construction will soon launch at forward operating locations like Inuvik, Yellowknife, Iqaluit, and Goose Bay. He noted that the search for Arctic Over the Horizon Radar sites assessed over 500 locations since 2022, landing on Kawartha Lakes and Clearview townships in Ontario, and that the north warning system remains operational while being reassessed. He confirmed that a significant infusion of investment is needed across all NORAD-supporting bases, with construction for the strategic tanker replacement project at 8 Wing Trenton beginning in the second half of the year.
Neil O'Rourke explained that the Coast Guard's integration into National Defence, combined with Bill C-12, would allow it to legally share safety information for security and defence purposes, enhancing maritime domain awareness. He clarified that the Coast Guard did not shadow a Chinese icebreaker from Japan to the Bering Sea, as reported, and that it currently lacks authority for such operations. He stated that the Coast Guard is assessing sensor upgrades for its vessels, including air search radar, and that new polar icebreakers will provide year-round presence in the Far North, while a planned Dash 8-400 fleet transfer from Transport Canada would enable information collection in the Arctic as early as this summer.
The committee briefly debated a point of order about late notice of the meeting and witness names, but proceeded with the study.
AI-generated summary — may contain errors; verify against the official evidence.