Good morning! This is 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.

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Start Date: 2025-05-04
End Date: 2025-05-10

Top Headlines

Main Stories

HMCS Margaret Brooke Returns from Operation PROJECTION, Marking First Canadian Naval Visit to Antarctica

On May 9, National Defence announced the return of HMCS Margaret Brooke following Operation PROJECTION, which included the Royal Canadian Navy’s inaugural visit to Antarctica. The deployment, launched January 10, 2025, supported the first all-Canadian scientific research expedition in the region and involved multiple port visits and engagements with partners in South America and the Caribbean. The mission aimed to enhance Canada’s international relationships and facilitate research on polar environmental conditions. The vessel’s activities were coordinated with Global Affairs Canada and contributed to scientific and diplomatic objectives in the Southern Hemisphere.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Surtax Remission Order Enacted for Defence and Security Imports from the United States

The United States Surtax Remission Order (2025), registered April 16 and published May 7, grants remission of surtaxes imposed under recent U.S. Surtax Orders. Eligible imports include goods for use by the Department of National Defence, Canadian Forces, and Canadian Security Intelligence Service, as well as those supporting public health, emergency response, and law enforcement. The order covers goods imported before October 16, 2025, provided specific conditions are met, including claim submission within two years of importation. The measure also extends to manufacturing and processing uses in Canada.

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

Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18s to Conduct Flyby for Canadian Tulip Festival

National Defence confirmed that four CF-18 aircraft from 3 Wing Bagotville performed a flyby over Ottawa on May 10 to mark the opening of the Canadian Tulip Festival. The event coincided with the 80th anniversary commemorations of the liberation of the Netherlands. The flyover was scheduled between 11:00 and 11:30 AM and is subject to weather and flight conditions. The Royal Canadian Air Force’s participation is part of ongoing Second World War remembrance activities in partnership with Veterans Affairs Canada.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Royal Canadian Navy Commemorates 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic

On May 4, the Royal Canadian Navy marked the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic, the longest campaign of the Second World War. The commemoration paid tribute to over 2,100 Canadian sailors, more than 1,700 merchant mariners, and over 900 aviators lost during the conflict. The statement noted the campaign's significance in securing Allied supply routes and referenced the loss of 23 ships in Canadian waters. The Navy affirmed its ongoing role in safeguarding Canadian maritime interests across all coasts.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

Veterans Affairs and National Defence Mark 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands

Veterans Affairs Canada and National Defence issued a joint statement on May 5 recognizing Canadian forces’ critical role in liberating the Netherlands during the Second World War, commemorating over 7,600 Canadian casualties in the campaign.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Weekly Aircraft Movements Data for April 19–25, 2025 Released

Statistics Canada published updated weekly data on aircraft itinerant movements for April 19 to 25, providing operational insights for the aviation and defence sectors.

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

Public Officials' Social Media

François-Philippe Champagne Visits General Dynamics Defence Facility in Valleyfield

MP François-Philippe Champagne visited General Dynamics' Valleyfield site, noting its longstanding role as a major North American defence production facility.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Kevin Vuong Reflects on Battle of the Atlantic Commemoration

MP Kevin Vuong commemorated the Battle of the Atlantic, noting the sacrifices made by Royal Canadian Navy sailors, merchant mariners, and RCAF airmen.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Kevin Vuong Raises Concerns Over Cyber Espionage and Canadian Telecommunications

MP Kevin Vuong commented on the impact of cyber espionage originating from China on Canadian intellectual property and the telecom sector, referencing the Nortel case.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Tony Loffreda Questions Awareness of Canada's Military Contributions

Senator Tony Loffreda asked Veterans Affairs officials about government efforts to promote awareness of Canada's military and peacekeeping history during a Senate National Finance Committee session.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Stan Kutcher Comments on European Defence and Ukraine

Senator Stan Kutcher commented that European self-defence starts in Ukraine, referencing ongoing debates on security policy.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Stan Kutcher Calls for Enhanced Air Defence over Ukraine

Senator Stan Kutcher advocated for the implementation of air defence measures over Ukraine, including the deployment of SkyShield.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• SEALSQ’s Advanced Cybersecurity Solutions for Drone and Satellite Telecommunications, Position It as a Technology Leader in Key Sectors Including Defense, Smart Farming and Logistics: SEALSQ enhances its cybersecurity offerings for drones and satellite communications, with implications for defence and logistics.
• Vision Marine Technologies Files Patent for Advanced Software-Based Overload Protection in Electric Marine Powertrains: Vision Marine Technologies secures a patent for overload protection in electric marine powertrains.
• Liberty Defense Completes Third Party Testing with National Safe Skies Alliance for Aviation Security: Liberty Defense completes third-party aviation security testing with the National Safe Skies Alliance.
• As Canada and Europe look to partner on defence, what could that look like?: Global News explores possible directions for Canada–Europe defence partnerships.
• Liberty Defense Completes Third Party Testing with National Safe Skies Alliance for Aviation Security: A Financial Post article covers Liberty Defense’s aviation security testing milestones.