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.

Want to track GR news in industries related to Defence? Don’t miss this week’s updates in ICT & Cybersecurity.

Dates: 2025-08-10 to 2025-08-16

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Canadian Federal GR News

National Shipbuilding Strategy Celebrates Economic Milestone at Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards

On August 12, Public Services and Procurement Canada marked the 15th anniversary of the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) at Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards. Minister Joël Lightbound and Ernie Klassen joined company representatives to review NSS achievements, noting contracts awarded between 2012 and 2024 contributed close to $38.7 billion to GDP and supported approximately 21,400 jobs annually. A new Memorandum of Understanding was signed in July between Seaspan, Stigterstaal Canada and Algoma Steel to advance domestic steel supply for polar icebreaker construction. The NSS continues to integrate lessons learned and engage industry partners to deliver capable vessels for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) while fostering a resilient shipbuilding sector and stable supply chain.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canadian Armed Forces Launch Multiple Arctic Operations

The Department of National Defence announced deployments of Navy, Army, Air Force and Special Operations personnel and assets across the Arctic for summer and early fall 2025. Western Arctic operations include HMCS Regina, HMCS Max Bernays, MV Asterix, and joint exercises with U.S. forces under Operation LATITUDE. Baffin Island regional activities feature patrols and reconnaissance by Army, Rangers, and RCAF under Operation NANOOK-NUNAKPUT. Operation NANOOK-TAKUNIQ concluded in July with long-range patrols in Ellesmere Island. HMCS William Hall will depart from Halifax for Operation NANOOK-TUUGAALIK, navigating the Northwest Passage and visiting northern communities. These missions are carried out in partnership with Inuit and Northern Indigenous governments and uphold Canada’s presence in Arctic security.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Minister of National Defence Reviews Compensation Enhancements during Western Canada Military Base Visits

Minister David J. McGuinty completed visits to Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Edmonton and Cold Lake on August 13 and 14, accompanied by Minister Eleanor Olszewski. The government has announced a pay and benefits increase for Regular Force, Primary Reserve, Canadian Rangers, and Cadet instructors. The package includes a new allowance for Domestic and Arctic Operations, intended to reflect the demands of northern sovereignty and emergency relief roles. The revised compensation aims to bolster operational readiness and acknowledge frequent relocations and separations that military service entails.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Minister of National Defence Visits CAF Personnel at Borden

On August 11, Minister David J. McGuinty made his first official visit to CFB Borden in Ontario. The trip followed the announcement of pay raises for Regular and Reserve Force members, Canadian Rangers, and Cadet staff. Discussions with base leadership focused on recruitment, retention, housing, infrastructure, and family support. The upcoming compensation and benefits package will expand allowances for instructors and recruits in high-demand CAF occupations, supporting the military’s recruitment and training objectives. The minister also toured the Canadian Forces Health Services Training Centre.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Minister of National Defence Meets with RCAF at Winnipeg Base to Discuss Benefits Reforms

Minister McGuinty visited CFB Winnipeg, home to various RCAF units and squadrons, and met with Commander of 2 Canadian Air Division regarding salary and benefits changes for CAF members. Modifications to posting allowances and Imposed Restrictions benefits aim to establish more equitable compensation frameworks based on the number of relocations, alongside improved support for those maintaining dual households due to operational requirements. The visit included site tours and engagement with members of 402 and 435 Squadrons and the future RCAF Aircrew Training Centre.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada Gazette: CBSA Extends Preliminary Phase for Steel Strapping Antidumping Investigations

The Canada Border Services Agency extended the preliminary investigation period, under the Special Import Measures Act, for alleged dumping and subsidizing of steel strapping from China, Türkiye, Korea, and Vietnam. The deadline for preliminary determinations or terminations is now September 24, 2025, due to the complexities and scope involved. Interested stakeholders may contact the SIMA Registry and Disclosure Unit for additional information.

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

Canada Gazette: Expiry Review Initiated for Hot-Rolled Carbon Steel Plate and High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel Plate

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal has begun an expiry review of its order covering dumping of certain steel plate products from Ukraine. The Canada Border Services Agency will first determine whether ending the order would likely result in continued or resumed dumping. Parties wishing to participate in the expiry review must file notices by August 20, 2025. Hearings are scheduled to begin March 30, 2026.

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

Operation North Pacific Guard Concludes Four-Nation Patrol Targeting Illegal Fishing on Pacific High Seas

Fisheries and Oceans Canada completed Operation North Pacific Guard with Canadian, Japanese, Republic of Korea, and U.S. personnel conducting joint patrols and inspections on the Canadian Coast Guard’s CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier. Monitoring covered 17,773 km and included 41 high-seas inspections, identifying 39 possible violations such as shark finning, dolphin harvest, and destruction of evidence. Aerial surveillance operations from Campbell River to Hokkaido led to 366 vessel inspections and 51 potential violations. The mission featured engagement with the public in Japan during the Osaka World Expo.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Cyber Security Cooperation Program 2025 Announced by Public Safety Canada

Minister Gary Anandasangaree, on August 14, announced a call for proposals under the Cyber Security Cooperation Program 2025, offering up to $10.3 million over five years. The initiative supports cyber innovation, knowledge sharing, and capacity building, and is part of the National Cyber Security Strategy. Applications are now open for organizations seeking funding for programs that strengthen Canadian cyberspace across its priority areas.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Commemoration of Creation of Canada’s Permanent Military Force (1871–1883) as a National Historic Event

Parks Canada, along with the Historic Sites and Monuments Board, commemorated the creation of Canada’s permanent military force (1871–1883) at Fort Henry National Historic Site. The event recognized milestones in Canada’s military professionalization, following the British withdrawal and the passage of the Militia Act of 1883.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Ministers of Veterans Affairs and National Defence Mark Victory in Asia and the Pacific

On August 15, Ministers Jill McKnight and David J. McGuinty issued a statement observing the 80th anniversary of Victory in Asia and the Pacific, which ended the Second World War. The statement detailed Canada’s military contributions in the Pacific theatre, highlighting roles of Canadian forces and individuals who were recognized for their service.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

US Federal GR News

White House Announces Major Update to Federal Acquisition Regulation

The Office of Federal Procurement Policy released a sweeping reform to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) on August 15, simplifying commercial acquisitions by removing one-third of non-essential requirements and eliminating outdated procedures such as paper-based pricing lists. The overhaul introduces implementation guides for contract officers, encourages government-wide use of "Best in Class" contracts, and retires FAR Parts 38 and 51. Future updates intend to address emerging technology, pricing transparency, and accountability in federal procurement, impacting U.S. defence contractors and small businesses engaged in government contracts.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

U.S. Approves $138 Million Arms Sale to Ukraine for HAWK Missile System Sustainment

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a $138 million arms sale for sustainment services and upgrades to the HAWK Phase III missile system requested by the Government of Ukraine. The package includes refurbishment, technical documentation, spare parts, training and contractor support. The emergency sale waives typical congressional review requirements. Principal contractors include RTX Corporation and PROJECTXYZ, with field office support provided in Europe. The sale does not involve major defence equipment or alter regional military balances.

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

Maritime Administration Seeks Comment on Strategic Seaport Facilities Reporting

MARAD requested public comments for the renewal of its quarterly readiness reporting collection (OMB 2133-0548). The process validates the readiness of 17 designated commercial strategic seaports supporting military deployment and national emergencies for the Department of Defense. Facilities identified in the Port Readiness Plan are reviewed for operational status within defined timelines. Respondents are commercial operators of strategic seaports, with a 30-day period for public comment upon notice publication.

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

Final Environmental Impact Statement Published for Real Property Master Plan at Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point

The Army released its Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for planned infrastructure, maintenance, and safety upgrades at Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point, North Carolina—one of DoD’s major strategic ammunition ports. Proposed actions address explosive safety, waterfront and security enhancements, and compliance with federal, state, and defense standards, with projects scheduled through fiscal years 2026 to 2031. The FEIS analyzes floodplain and wetland impacts and includes the required Final Finding of No Practicable Alternative. Public review is open for 30 days before the Record of Decision is published.

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

Presidential Determination Waives Child Soldiers Prevention Act Prohibition for Turkey

On August 4, President Trump issued a memorandum waiving the application of Section 404(a) of the Child Soldiers Prevention Act for Turkey, certifying the government is taking effective steps to address the issue. The determination has been submitted to Congress and published in the Federal Register.

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

Canadian Provincial GR News

Nova Scotia Announces Inaugural Maritime Heritage Festival for September

Nova Scotia's Maritime Heritage Festival will take place September 12–14 on Halifax’s waterfront. The event features programming related to the province’s ocean sector, including ship tours of CSS Acadia and HMCS Sackville, and activities supported by the Canadian Naval Memorial Trust.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Saskatchewan Reports Mid-Year Results from Specialized Policing Teams

The Government of Saskatchewan released mid-year results highlighting seizures of illegal drugs and firearms by specialized policing teams, while ministries work to reduce postal service disruptions and expand French-language content accessibility.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• CTV QP: The Scrum on defence spending: Panelists discuss current and projected defence expenditures in Canada.
• THEON announces new strategic US and European investments: THEON rolls out cross-border partnerships for defence optronics technology.
• Opinion: Ottawa must prioritize climate tech in Canada’s new defence strategy: Column discusses the role of climate technology in future defence planning.
• Ontario Shipyards partners with province and Italy’s builder for navy corvettes bid: Ontario Shipyards enters alliance to bid on upcoming navy corvettes contract.
• The controversy over Canada’s rules on military exports to Israel, explained: News outlet reviews export control rules and public reactions.
• The controversy over Canada’s rules on military exports to Israel, explained: CTV explores the legal and diplomatic context of recent export policy.
• Why has Canada’s rules on military exports to Israel sparked controversy?: Globe and Mail covers the ongoing debate on Canada’s export controls.
• Opinion | Deterrence must be the priority of Canada’s expanded Armed Forces spending: Contributor examines deterrence strategy in the context of increased defence spending.
• Canada’s shooting at a moving target on defence spending, say military watchers: National Post reviews defence spending challenges and expert commentary.
• Weekly aircraft movements, July 19 to August 1, 2025: Statistics Canada releases new data on weekly aircraft movements.

.