Good morning! Welcome back to Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup 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.

Start Date: 2025-03-23
End Date: 2025-03-29

Top Headlines

Main Stories

HMCS Ottawa Completes Operations HORIZON and NEON

HMCS Ottawa returned to Esquimalt following a five-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific under Operations HORIZON and NEON. The crew engaged in multinational exercises with allies including Japan and the U.S., contributing to regional stability and security. They identified vessels contravening UNSC sanctions against North Korea, reflecting Canada's commitment to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

G7 National Security Advisors Convene for Ukraine Peace Talks

Canada hosted a meeting of G7 National Security Advisors and Ukraine to discuss peace talks aimed at ending Russia's aggression. The meeting highlighted efforts by the U.S. and Ukraine to advance a ceasefire. Canada reinforced support for Ukraine, stressing the importance of sanctions against Russia and security arrangements to deter future aggression.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canadian Aviation Regulations Updated for Drone Operations

Transport Canada amended regulations for RPAS operations, allowing more routine complex drone operations beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS). The changes follow industry feedback and consultations, aiming to support sector growth while ensuring safety. New fee structures align with a user-pays principle, fostering innovation within a predictable regulatory framework.

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

Amendments to Export Control List for Sensitive Technologies

Canada amended its Export Control List to regulate emerging sensitive technologies with military applications. New regulations target quantum computers and advanced manufacturing equipment to prevent security breaches. Coordinated international controls are deemed essential, aligning Canada with countries like the U.S. and UK in regulating these technologies.

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

Canada Expands Sanctions Against Iran

Canada has amended the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations in response to Iran's military support for Russia and regional destabilization. The amendments include sanctions against Iranian entities linked to UAV and missile industries. Canada joins international efforts to pressure Iran, emphasizing accountability for human rights violations and terrorism.

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

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

Standing Committee on National Defence Briefing Materials Released

Public Services and Procurement Canada released briefing materials prepared for the Minister's appearance before the Standing Committee on National Defence, focusing on shipbuilding and defence procurement.

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

Export Permits for Cryptographic Items Dataset Updated

Global Affairs Canada updated its dataset on export permits for cryptographic items, detailing destination and end-use templates for security products.

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

Wildlife Control Services Procurement Inquiry

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal is conducting an inquiry into a complaint by West Coast Wildlife Control Services Ltd., alleging unfair technical evaluation in a Department of National Defence procurement.

Sources: Gazette, Part I: www.gazette.gc.ca

Bombardier Defense Announces Aircraft Order for Australia

Bombardier Defense announced an order of two Challenger 650 aircraft for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions in Australia.

Sources: Canadian News Outlet: www.theglobeandmail.com

Aeromart Montréal Strengthens Global Aeronautics Position

Aeromart Montréal, held at the Palais des congrès, is a key event for aeronautics industry growth, showcasing innovation and fostering international partnerships.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

Senator McPhedran Moderates UN Panel on Disarmament

Senator Marilou McPhedran moderated a UN panel on small arms control and nuclear disarmament, emphasizing women's roles in these areas.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Vice Admiral Mark Norman Honored with Coronation Medal

Senator David Wells highlighted Vice Admiral Mark Norman's contributions to Canada's naval modernization, awarding him the King Charles III Coronation Medal.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Salma Zahid Advocates for CAF Recruitment and Procurement Improvements

MP Salma Zahid emphasized plans to modernize CAF recruitment and improve procurement processes to align with NATO's 2% GDP defense spending target by 2030.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Chrystia Freeland Pushes for Increased Defense Spending

MP Chrystia Freeland expressed commitment to invest 2% of GDP in defense by 2030, focusing on submarines, icebreakers, drones, and CAF pay raises.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Julie Dzerowicz Highlights Defense Investments

MP Julie Dzerowicz reiterated the commitment to reach 2% GDP in defense spending by 2030, including investments in submarines, icebreakers, and drones.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Hedy Fry Supports Military Investments for Canada

MP Hedy Fry announced plans for new submarines, drones, and icebreakers to strengthen Canada's military, ensuring pay raises for CAF members.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Taleeb Noormohamed Promotes Defense Spending Increase

MP Taleeb Noormohamed advocates for increased funding for NORAD and armed forces, aiming to meet the 2% GDP defense spending target before 2030.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• CTV News: Mark Carney unveils a defense spending plan focusing on submarines and icebreakers.
• Financial Post: Liberty Defense scales partnerships for HEXWAVE in US aviation and security markets.
• CBC News: Military spending discussions could benefit London, Ontario.
• National Post: Mark Carney announces plans to bolster the military with new submarines and icebreakers.
• Globe and Mail: Mark Carney promises new submarines, icebreakers, and pay raises for Canadian Armed Forces.