Category: Defence Minister

Canadian Military Recruitment Fell by 35% in 2022: Document

Military recruitment in the Canadian Armed Forces dropped by 35 percent in 2022, with only 5,242 volunteers signing up compared to 8,069 in 2021, according to a federal briefing note by the Department of National Defence. “The Canadian Armed Forces serves Canada by defending our values, interests and sovereignty at home and abroad. However, the…


EXCLUSIVE: Canadian Military 2021 Memo Stated COVID Vaccine Mandate Would Not Be ‘Informed Consent’

Canada’s top soldier received a memo from his advisory body in August 2021 telling him that imposing a vaccination mandate under threat of discipline would “not constitute informed consent.” “Medical ethical restrictions prevent CAF [Canadian Armed Forces] Health Services personnel from administering vaccines without the informed consent of the recipients. Coercion of CAF members to…


Canada Faces ‘Rapidly Changing’ Threats in Arctic Region From Russia and China, Says Defence Minister

Canada faces growing competition in the Arctic region from Russia and China and must do “whatever is necessary” to defend the region, Defence Minister Anita Anand told a Senate committee on April 24. “Our analysis of the threat is going to proceed on the basis that we need to do whatever is necessary—in terms of…


Anand Announces Public Consultations for Defence Policy Review, Microsatellite Project to Monitor Space

OTTAWA—Canada’s Minister of National Defence Anita Anand announced the opening of Defence Policy Update (DPU) consultations to all Canadians and the awarding of a $15.8 million contract for the building of a microsatellite project at the Ottawa Conference on Security and Defence on March 9. Anand provided the opening keynote address to defence industry partners,…


Canadian Army Waiting for Air-Defence Systems as Ottawa Buys Equipment for Ukraine

The federal Liberal government’s plan to buy anti-aircraft missiles for Ukraine is prompting questions about why such equipment isn’t being bought for the Canadian Army. The Army has been without weapons to defend Canadian troops from enemy aircraft, rockets and drones since the last of its anti-air weapons were retired in 2012, and efforts to…


Defence Minister Talks With NATO Allies About Strengthening Latvian Battlegroup

Defence Minister Anita Anand met with allies on Wednesday to discuss reinforcing a Canadian-led battlegroup in Latvia with thousands more soldiers, even as uncertainty swirled around what this country can—and will—provide. Anand revealed the discussions while attending a NATO defence ministers’ meeting in Brussels, where she announced another $47-million worth of military aid for Ukraine,…


Canada Can Do More for Military Members Struggling to Find Housing: Defence Minister

Canada’s defence minister says the federal government has more to do to support military members who are struggling to find housing. A recent email encouraging Canadian Armed Forces members to consider contacting Habitat for Humanity for affordable housing is shedding light on how rising home and rental prices are affecting military personnel. Defence Minister Anita…


Canadian Military Looking at Capacity to Reinforce NATO in Eastern Europe: Minister

OTTAWA—Defence Minister Anita Anand says the Canadian military is weighing its capacity to send reinforcements to bolster NATO’s eastern flank given its numerous other commitments at home and around the world. But the minister isn’t saying when such an assessment could be finished, or when the Liberal government will decide if or how Canada will…


Minister Apologies to Victims of Military Sex Misconduct, Says Ottawa Failed Them

OTTAWA—Defence Minister Anita Anand apologized to victims of military sexual misconduct on behalf of the federal government Monday, saying Ottawa has long failed to protect those who willingly signed up to protect Canada. “I apologize to the thousands of Canadians who were harmed because your government did not protect you, nor did we ensure that…


Minister Apologizes to Victims of Military Sex Misconduct, Says Ottawa Failed Them

OTTAWA—Defence Minister Anita Anand apologized to victims of military sexual misconduct on behalf of the federal government Monday, saying Ottawa has long failed to protect those who willingly signed up to protect Canada. “I apologize to the thousands of Canadians who were harmed because your government did not protect you, nor did we ensure that…