Good morning! Welcome back to Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news concerning Canada's national defence, cybersecurity, border security, weapons systems, military commitments, and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).

Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Start Date: 2025-03-09
End Date: 2025-03-15

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Canadian Program for Cyber Security Certification Launched

On March 12, 2025, the Government of Canada announced the first phase of the Canadian Program for Cyber Security Certification, laying out new standards for defense contractors handling sensitive unclassified federal information. The initiative aims to bolster the resilience of Canada's defense supply chains against cyber threats. Minister Jean-Yves Duclos stated that this phased approach will provide time for adaptation before certification becomes mandatory post-contract award.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

G7 Foreign Ministers Commit to Maritime Security

On March 14, 2025, the G7 Foreign Ministers issued a declaration reaffirming their commitment to maritime security. Highlighting threats such as strategic contestation and illicit shipping, the declaration emphasizes freedom of navigation and underlines concerns over actions by states like China. It also outlines initiatives to secure undersea cables and combat maritime crime, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Investment in Saint-Jean Garrison Facilities

The Department of National Defence announced a $29.5 million investment on March 13, 2025, for energy performance upgrades at Saint-Jean Garrison, Quebec. The upgrades aim to reduce energy costs by 27% and greenhouse gas emissions by 5,500 tonnes annually. Johnson Controls International is contracted for improvements including electrification and optimization of HVAC systems, commencing in 2026.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Expansion of Automatic Firearms Country Control List

The Government of Canada amended the Automatic Firearms Country Control List on March 12, 2025, adding Brazil and Montenegro. This expands opportunities for Canadian defense exports and strengthens bilateral relations. The decision follows consultations with industry and aligns exports with Canadian foreign policy and international obligations.

Sources: Canada Gazette, Part II: www.gazette.gc.ca

Avalon Holographics Receives Federal Investment

Avalon Holographics was awarded a $1 million federal investment on March 13, 2025, to deploy a revolutionary holographic display for industries like defense and healthcare. The technology promises to enhance decision-making and operational planning, underscoring Canada's commitment to innovation and high-quality job creation in the Atlantic region.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

Weekly Aircraft Movements Data Released

Statistics Canada released weekly data on aircraft itinerant movements for February 22-28, 2025.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Canada Gazette Publishes New Military Judge Rules

Canada Gazette Part II published rules for practice and procedure of the Chief Military Judge under the National Defence Act, addressing inconsistencies in military justice.

Sources: Canada Gazette, Part II: www.gazette.gc.ca

Digital Transformation Investment in Quebec

Quebec announced $1.36 million investment in JRV for digital transformation to enhance supply chain efficiency for strategic sectors.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service Dataset Published

National Defence released a dataset on Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service members from 2003 to 2024.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: open.canada.ca

Provincial Announcements

Saskatchewan Hosts Aerospace and Defence Forum

Saskatchewan highlights contributions to the aerospace and defense sectors at a forum featuring multinational contractors and local manufacturers.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

Parm Bains on National Shipbuilding Strategy

MP Parm Bains tweeted about Canada's National Shipbuilding Strategy, emphasizing fleet modernization to protect national waters.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Kevin Vuong Engages with Baltic Allies

MP Kevin Vuong shared insights from his meeting with Lithuania's defense minister, stressing the importance of listening to Baltic allies.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Hedy Fry Announces Shipbuilding Contract

MP Hedy Fry announced Seaspan's $3.15 billion contract to build a polar icebreaker for the Canadian Coast Guard, enhancing Arctic sovereignty.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

James Bezan Criticizes Arctic Defence Investment Claims

MP James Bezan criticized the government's Arctic defense investments, alleging misleading claims about funding increases.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

James Bezan Comments on Cabinet Continuity

MP James Bezan remarked on the continuity between Carney's and Trudeau's cabinets, expressing concerns over Arctic defense commitments.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Patrick Brazeau Discusses Border Defense

Senator Patrick Brazeau tweeted about the need for Canada and the U.S. to prioritize border defense over tariffs, citing Russian and Chinese interests.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Stan Kutcher on Military Support for Ukraine

Senator Stan Kutcher advocated for Canada to use its resources to support Ukraine's military efforts amid ongoing Russian aggression.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• HII Selected for Pilot Training Contract: Discusses HII's role in supporting military readiness.
• Arctic Defence: An overview of Canada's Arctic defense strategies.
• Kratos Awarded Missile Defense Contract: Contract details for missile defense missions.
• Trump's Budget Impact on Defense Stocks: Analysis on defense stocks following budget plans.
• Military Leaders Warn on Funding Risks: Concerns over temporary funding impacts on readiness.
• VeeMost Technologies Announces Defense Contracts: New vendor partnerships in defense sector.
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Selects Tetra Tech: Tetra Tech secures design contract.
• Ocean Power Technologies AI Deployment: AI-capable PowerBuoy deployment.