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.

Dates: 2025-07-06 to 2025-07-12

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 📱 Public Officials' Social Media
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Canadian Federal GR News

Canada Awards $169M for Counter-Uncrewed Aircraft Systems as Part of Operation REASSURANCE

On July 7, 2025, the Government of Canada announced the awarding of two contracts totaling $169,187,671.90 to CACI, Inc. - FEDERAL, as part of Phase 2 of the Canadian Armed Forces’ Counter Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (CUAS) Urgent Operational Requirement. The contracts cover CUAS integration and mounting onto a new light armoured tactical vehicle platform, with up to 10 years of in-service support. The capability aims to enhance detection, identification, tracking, and neutralization of small hostile UAS threats, supporting CAF personnel deployed on Operation REASSURANCE in Europe. The contract represents a step in equipping military personnel with resilient protection against the increasing use of drones in modern conflict environments.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Looking to elevate and streamline your approach to government relations with more data-driven solutions? Queen Street Analytics is here to help you achieve your goals faster, smarter, and more effectively. Let's start the conversation. Reach out at contact@queenstreetanalytics.com to learn how we can support you.

Groundbreaking at CFB Trenton for Strategic Tanker Transport Capability Project

Minister of National Defence David McGuinty led a groundbreaking ceremony at Canadian Forces Base Trenton on July 7, 2025 to launch a major infrastructure build for the Strategic Tanker Transport Capability project. The initiative involves an $850 million investment to upgrade facilities for up to seven CC-330 Husky aircraft at the Main Operating Base East in Trenton, with a second base in Edmonton in development. The first construction phase, extending into 2026, covers resurfacing runways, aprons and taxiways. Plans also include a new hangar, training facility, fuel depot, ramp extension, and comprehensive support infrastructure. All construction is set for completion by 2033, with projections of up to 1,000 new jobs created within the region.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

CAF to Deploy 600 Personnel to Australia’s Largest-Ever Exercise TALISMAN SABRE 25

The Canadian Armed Forces will send approximately 600 personnel to Exercise TALISMAN SABRE 25 from July 13 to August 4, 2025, marking the country’s largest single deployment to the Indo-Pacific under Operation HORIZON. The biennial, multinational exercise—hosted by Australia and, for the first time, Papua New Guinea—will assemble more than 30,000 troops from 19 countries for advanced integrated training. Canadian contributions include participation from the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Air Force, Canadian Forces Cyber Command, 3 Canadian Space Division, and Canadian Special Operations Forces Command. Activities involve live-fire naval drills, sustainment rehearsals, joint air-sea-land-space-cyber operations, and both tactical and strategic airlift. The presence of HMCS Ville de Québec and RCAF assets signals Canada’s continued engagement with Indo-Pacific regional partnerships and collective security arrangements.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Two Kingston-Class Ships Depart for NATO Mine Countermeasures Mission in Europe

HMCS Edmonton and HMCS Yellowknife departed Halifax on July 7, 2025 to join NATO’s Standing Mine Countermeasures Group One (SNMCMG1) as part of Operation REASSURANCE. The deployment, spanning July to October, positions the vessels for engagements in European waters to enhance alliance-led maritime security and mine detection operations. Both ships are equipped with advanced REMUS 100 Autonomous Underwater Vehicles and clearance diving teams, targeting the disarming of historic sea mines and safeguarding undersea infrastructure. The mission is a further demonstration of Canada’s commitment to NATO security and Euro-Atlantic maritime readiness.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

External Monitor’s Fifth IECR Status Report: 36 of 48 Recommendations Addressed

Minister of National Defence David McGuinty released the fifth biannual report from the External Monitor, Madame Jocelyne Therrien, on July 8, 2025. The findings confirm that 36 of 48 recommendations from the Independent External Comprehensive Review (IECR) have been addressed, with full compliance anticipated by the end of the year. Actions taken include elimination of the 'sexual misconduct' definition from policy, adoption of Canada Labour Code language for harassment and violence, and unified approaches to victim support. Further, the CAF introduced a probationary period for recruits and revised advancement processes to factor in conduct and leadership criteria. The report recognizes progress but notes that some changes, particularly data integration on misconduct, will require extended timelines.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Procurement Ombud Outlines Five Solutions to Federal Procurement Issues

On July 8, 2025, the Office of the Procurement Ombud released a report proposing five foundational solutions to long-standing federal procurement inefficiencies, including the complexity of solicitation, unclear accountabilities, and fragmented regulatory frameworks. The report draws from consultations with procurement experts, Parliamentarians, and businesses, and presents targeted changes intended to uphold fairness and transparency for federal contracting. The findings may influence future procurement management and oversight relevant to defence acquisitions and supply chains.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Ministerial Meetings in Alberta Focused on Trade, Technology, and Defence Manufacturing

Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu met with Alberta’s Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration, aerospace sector representatives, and business leaders during a three-day visit to Calgary (July 3–5, 2025). The meetings covered enhanced cooperation on trade diversification, Team Canada trade missions, and market access for Canadian technologies. Visits included De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited’s manufacturing facilities, with production destined for EU and Colombian export markets. A round-table with aerospace and defence industry participants addressed export prospects, trade barriers, and innovation. The visit aligned with federal objectives for international defence trade and economic resilience.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Minister Anand Completes Indo-Pacific Diplomacy and Security Mission to Japan and Malaysia

Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand concluded an official visit to Japan and Malaysia on July 11, 2025, centering on the Canada-Japan Security of Information Agreement and participation in the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference Plus Canada and the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum. Meetings in Tokyo and Kuala Lumpur focused on Indo-Pacific security arrangements, regional conflict management, and advancing Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, including discussions on the ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership and moving forward on an ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement. Topics included maritime security, supply-chain resilience, and multilateral cooperation with a broad range of Indo-Pacific partners. The trip underscored Canada’s ongoing engagement with key defence and security stakeholders in the region.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Backs Indigenous Aerospace Expansion

Minister Sean Fraser attended a milestone event in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, on July 8, 2025, marking expansion plans by Mil-Aero Electronics, an Indigenous, woman-owned business operating in the aerospace and defence sector. The event signifies ongoing federal investment and support for domestically owned defence technology enterprises in Atlantic Canada.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Weekly Aircraft Movements Data Released for June 21–27, 2025

Statistics Canada published weekly aircraft movements data encompassing itinerant flights for June 21 to 27, 2025. This dataset provides an updated quantitative reference for air operations, relevant to both civilian and defence aviation sectors.

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

US Federal GR News

U.S. Updates to International Traffic in Arms Regulations: Proscribed Countries and List Adjustments

The U.S. State Department published amendments to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) effective July 7, 2025, revising arms export controls for several countries in line with recent United Nations Security Council resolutions. Updates affect the Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Libya, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan, including new licensing requirements, exceptions, and interaction with UN embargo frameworks. The rule also modifies NATO membership lists (now including Finland and Sweden), adjusts non-NATO ally designations (adding Colombia, Kenya, and Qatar), and corrects administrative references for clarity.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

President Trump's Legislative Package Includes $9 Billion for Arctic Maritime Infrastructure

President Donald J. Trump signed the "One Big Beautiful Bill" on July 4, 2025, which consolidates extensive tax cuts, investments, and appropriations across sectors including national security. Defence-related highlights include a $9 billion commitment for new icebreakers in what is described as the largest Arctic maritime package in U.S. history.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

Pentagon Requests Input on Executive Order to Modernize Defence Acquisition and Foster Industrial Innovation

On July 9, 2025, the Department of Defense published a Federal Register notice inviting public comment on Executive Order 14265, which targets modernization of defence acquisition processes and revitalizes the defence industrial base.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Canadian Provincial GR News

Quebec Announces Financial Support for Technology Incubators and Accelerators

The Quebec Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy issued a call for proposals on July 9, 2025, offering up to $1 million in financial assistance to non-profit organizations delivering incubation and acceleration services to high-growth technology startups. Submissions are due by October 17, 2025.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

Senator Tony Loffreda posted on July 9, 2025, about his interventions in the Senate National Finance Committee, where he raised concerns regarding the absence of performance indicators for culture change at DND and asked about opportunities to improve coordination in Canada’s fighter jet procurement.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

On July 8, 2025, Senator Tony Loffreda highlighted a drop in the proportion of federal contract value awarded to SMEs, expressing concerns and seeking explanations from Public Services and Procurement Canada during committee deliberations.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator David Wells shared his experience at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly, describing interparliamentary collaboration on defence issues including maritime security and global conflict.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Yuen Woo posted on July 10, 2025, about his views regarding BC Ferries procurement, calling for value-driven decisions and minimal political interference in the acquisition of new ferries.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• A major defence contract is set to favour U.S. supplier, despite Carney's promise to diversify: CBC covers the expected outcome of a large military night-vision contract where a U.S. supplier outpaces domestic competitors.
• National Defence considering purchase of fighter drones that could fly with F-35: CTV News reports on discussions within National Defence regarding potential acquisition of advanced fighter-capable drones.
• Opinion: Canada’s age-old stigma against defence spending will cost us dearly: The Globe and Mail presents an editorial examining the long-term costs of underinvestment in Canada’s defence sector.
• Ex-fighter jet pilot Stephen Fuhr is on a mission to change how we arm the military: CTV News profiles a former RCAF pilot engaging in advocacy for reforming procurement practices.
• Carney's cabinet on the hunt for spending cuts as defence bill grows: Financial Post discusses Cabinet-driven efforts to manage growing defence expenditures.