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: 2025-05-19
End Date: 2025-05-24

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Procurement Ombud Releases ‘Best Value’ Procurement Study

The Office of the Procurement Ombud released a new research study on May 21, 2025, examining the concept of Best Value in public procurement. Traditionally centered on cost and technical merit, the concept now incorporates full life-cycle costs and non-financial considerations, including various public policy objectives. The report reviews domestic and international practices, providing procurement practitioners and policymakers with a detailed analysis of implementation challenges and mechanisms within Canada’s evolving procurement framework.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Prime Minister Carney Comments on F-35 Contract and Golden Dome Missile Defence System Review

Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed ongoing reviews concerning Canada’s F-35 fighter jet procurement contract and the potential participation in the United States’ Golden Dome missile defence system. The review signals continued government attention on the competitiveness and strategic alignment of key defence acquisitions. Developments in these projects will be closely monitored for potential shifts in Canada’s defence posture.

Sources: Canadian News Outlet: www.ctvnews.ca

Statistics Canada Issues Weekly Aircraft Movements Data

Statistics Canada published updated data on aircraft itinerant movements for the week of May 3 to May 9, 2025. The dataset provides insight into volume and trends in Canadian air operations, informing analysis of military and civilian aviation utilization in the current period.

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

NACCA Promotes Indigenous Participation in Defence Supply Chain

The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association advanced initiatives to increase Indigenous business and community involvement in the Canadian defence supply chain, as reported on May 23, 2025. Efforts focus on building partnerships and facilitating procurement opportunities for Indigenous enterprises within the broader defence industry landscape.

Sources: Canadian News Outlet: www.theglobeandmail.com

Commentary Critiques Canada’s Defence Procurement Processes

A May 20 Globe and Mail commentary critiques current approaches in Canadian defence procurement, raising issues around efficiency and transparency.

Sources: Canadian News Outlet: www.theglobeandmail.com

Provincial Announcements

Ontario Invests $2 Million in Police CCTV Grant Program

Ontario is allocating $2 million under its CCTV Grant Program to assist police services in acquiring technology for combating gun and gang violence.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Supports Next Generation 9-1-1 Transition

Ontario is providing nearly $22 million for the province-wide rollout of Next Generation 9-1-1 emergency communications technology upgrades.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

MP François-Philippe Champagne reported a productive discussion with Italy’s Giancarlo Giorgetti about increasing industrial capacity and strategic partnerships in the defence sector.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Dan Albas asked constituents whether Canada should participate in the US ‘Golden Dome’ missile defence system, noting a shift in policy discourse.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Jill McKnight linked national defence strength to support for veterans, tying it to Prime Minister Carney’s nation-building agenda.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Pierre Paul-Hus visited the French amphibious helicopter carrier Mistral in Québec, highlighting ongoing allied joint military exercises.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Stan Kutcher shared his five priorities for Canadian assistance to Ukraine, including defence coordination and asset strategies.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Stan Kutcher raised concerns about NATO's commitment to Ukraine on social media, referencing US political dynamics.

Sources: Social Media: x.com