QSA's Week in Defence (#14, 2025)

HMCS Ville de Québec departs for Indo-Pacific; China conducts military drills near Taiwan; Arrest made in weapons smuggling case; MPs discuss defense spending and alliances.

QSA's Week in Defence (#14, 2025)

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: 2025-04-06
End Date: 2025-04-12

Top Headlines

Main Stories

HMCS Ville de Québec Embarks on Operation HORIZON

The HMCS Ville de Québec has set sail from Halifax, joining the UK's Carrier Strike Group in a mission that illustrates Canada’s commitment to Indo-Pacific security. Operation HORIZON highlights the Royal Canadian Navy's capability to work with international allies in promoting peace and stability. This deployment aims to strengthen diplomatic and military partnerships amidst complex security challenges in the region.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

G7 Condemns China's Military Drills Near Taiwan

The G7 Foreign Ministers, including Canada, expressed grave concerns over China's recent military activities around Taiwan. These drills are viewed as destabilizing and increase tensions in the Taiwan Strait, prompting calls for peaceful resolution through dialogue. The statement reiterates the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region, which is crucial for global security.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

MP Maninder Sidhu on Defence Spending

MP Maninder Sidhu emphasized the need to reduce reliance on the U.S. for defense procurement, advocating for increased investment in Canada's domestic industry as defense spending targets rise.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Kevin Vuong's Call to Support Ukraine

MP Kevin Vuong highlighted the emerging alliances between Russia and countries like Iran and North Korea, urging continued support for Ukraine amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Parm Bains Announces Funding for Richmond

MP Parm Bains celebrated securing $640 million in funding for Richmond, covering projects from harbor dredging to aerospace investments, aimed at boosting local economic growth and infrastructure.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Stan Kutcher Urges Action for Ukraine

Senator Stan Kutcher called for active measures to support Ukraine, suggesting that democracies need to close skies and supply lines to better counter military assets from Russia.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week