The House of Commons Standing Committee on National Defence met to study the main estimates, supplementary estimates (A), the minister’s mandate, and NATO defence spending. Witnesses included General Jennie Carignan (Chief of the Defence Staff), Natasha Kim (Associate Deputy Minister), Heather Sheehy (Assistant Deputy Minister, Materiel), Mario Pelletier (Commissioner, Canadian Coast Guard), and Caroline Xavier (Chief, Communications Security Establishment).
General Carignan stated that the Canadian Armed Forces are on track to reach full regular force staffing of 71,500 by April 2029, earlier than the original 2032 target, thanks to recruitment process changes and improved pay and benefits. She noted that recruitment hit a 10-year high this year and that retention improved, with the force growing by 2,000 members. She acknowledged the Auditor General’s reports on housing and recruitment and said the CAF is already implementing reforms, including digitizing processes and using headhunters for critical trades, without compromising quality. She recommended the committee receive a written document outlining equipment modernization plans.
Natasha Kim said the department is reviewing its long-term housing needs and that over 800 new residential housing units are planned over five years, alongside barracks revitalization. She confirmed that 155-millimetre shell production capacity has reached 5,000 per month and that a new production line for a different variant is under discussion. She noted that the integration of the Coast Guard into Defence is proceeding via a memorandum of understanding with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, with an orderly transition plan.
Heather Sheehy expressed enthusiasm for the new Defence Investment Agency, saying it will reduce red tape and accelerate equipment delivery while maintaining value for money. She emphasized that her priority is to avoid any slowdown in current procurements as the agency stands up, and she is working with existing partners like PSPC and Defence Construction Canada to keep projects moving.
Commissioner Pelletier clarified that the Coast Guard is joining the Department of National Defence, not the Royal Canadian Navy, and that employee feedback has been positive. He said 100% of the Coast Guard budget will count toward NATO spending, but the Coast Guard currently lacks secure communications, electronic warfare, and self-defence capabilities for security patrols. He stated that the new mandate focuses on information collection and sharing with DND, not on boarding foreign vessels or operating in combat zones.
Caroline Xavier said CSE’s $370.1 million in defence funding will go toward modernizing digital foundations and ensuring interoperability with allies, including through quantum computing preparedness. She noted that CSE works jointly with CAF cyber command on foreign cyber-operations and that sensors have been deployed in northern territories for Arctic monitoring. She acknowledged the Auditor General’s report on cybersecurity and said progress has already been made, including increased adoption of CSE sensors across government systems and the appointment of a senior official for cybersecurity coordination.
The committee briefly discussed scheduling: the deputy commissioners of the Coast Guard are unavailable for the October 23 meeting, so that day will now include one hour of committee business followed by an appearance by the secretary of state. Members were asked to begin considering witnesses for the upcoming study of Bill C-11, and the minister is available to appear on that bill on October 30.
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