May 31, 2026 to June 06, 2026

This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning Canada's national defence, cybersecurity, weapons systems, military commitments, and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Once a week, 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 and Foreign Affairs. Also consider subscribing to our Defense - Washington edition covering critical GR news south of the border.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Parliamentary Calendar
• 🇨🇦 Federal Government News
• 🗺️ Provincial Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• House National Defence Committee to Review Defence, National Security and Critical Minerals Report: The National Defence Committee will meet in camera on June 8, 2026, to consider a draft report on the connection between national defence, national security, and Canada's critical minerals sector.
• Industry and Technology Committee Addresses US Tariffs and Cyber Threats: The committee convenes June 8 for discussions on the impact of US tariffs on Canada’s metallurgical and advanced manufacturing sectors, as well as testimony on cybersecurity fraud and threats.
• Public Accounts Committee to Consider Draft Reports on Cyber Security, Federal Office Space, and Other Auditor General Findings: On June 8, the Public Accounts Committee will review draft reports addressing federal government network cybersecurity, federal office usage, and child care system reporting, among other items.
• Natural Resources Committee Examines Energy Security with Defence Sector Input: On June 9, the Natural Resources Committee will hear from military and industry representatives on Canada’s electrification and domestic energy security.
• Government Operations and Estimates Committee Reviews 'Buy Canadian Policy' and Defence Industry Witnesses: Scheduled for June 9, the committee will take testimony on federal procurement policies with participation from defence industry stakeholders including MRE Canada and Wuxly Defence.
• Science and Research Committee Hosts Defence Research Stakeholders: On June 11, Bombardier, Council of Canadian Innovators, Wuxly Defence, and research councils will address committee meetings focused on Canada’s dual-use and defence research needs.
• Senate Committee Reviews Bill C-11: Amendments to the National Defence Act and Related Legislation: On June 8, the Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs examines Bill C-11, with statements from the Minister of National Defence, CAF leadership, and legal advisers.
• Senate Finance Committee Examines Estimates Affecting Defence and Communications Security: On June 9, testimony from senior Department of National Defence, CAF, and Communications Security Establishment officials will inform review of Main and Supplementary Estimates.
• Senate Committee Continues Hearings on Bill C-11 to Update National Defence Act: On June 9, hearings proceed on Bill C-11, with expert and stakeholder perspectives from CAF veterans, police, and academic sectors.
• Senate Committee Plans Continued In Camera Review of National Defence Act Amendments: The Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs schedules a June 10 session for continued analysis of Bill C-11 and related amendments to the National Defence Act.

Federal Government News

Canada Announces $2.6 Billion Acquisition of HIMARS Long-Range Missile System

On June 2, the federal government confirmed it finalized an agreement under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program for the acquisition of 26 HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) launchers, associated long-range munitions, and integrated support. The $2.6 billion CAD package, set for deliveries starting in 2029, will see the systems form a core component of the Canadian Army’s Long Range Precision Strike (Land) project. The HIMARS platform was selected following an assessment that found no Canadian manufacturer could currently meet the advanced technical requirements. The launchers will pair with munitions capable of engagement beyond 300 kilometres, introducing a step change in Canadian Army operational reach and joint force support. The acquisition also provides infrastructure, training, spare parts, and anticipates future integration of land-based anti-ship missile roles, benefiting coastal and Arctic defence. Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control will undertake industrial participation activities in Canada, aiming to involve domestic firms in supply chains, research and development, and the SME base, as required under Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CSIS Issues Joint Five Eyes Warning on Foreign Intelligence Use of Professional Networking Sites

The Canadian Security Intelligence Service, together with its Five Eyes counterparts, issued a June 3 advisory warning that China’s military intelligence services are targeting current and former government and military personnel through professional networking and job platforms. The statement describes an ongoing campaign leveraging fake consultancy and human resources postings to recruit individuals with access to classified or sensitive defence information. Even contributions of non-public, unclassified data regarding military strategy, organizational policy, and installations are being sought and aggregated for foreign intelligence use. The notice details the potential consequences for operational security and national safety, and asks personnel who believe they are being targeted to inform their organization’s security teams. CSIS will continue to monitor and update security guidance as necessary.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CBSA Brings Charges in Significant Firearms and Drug Seizure

The Canada Border Services Agency announced June 5 that, following an investigation assisted by Vancouver Police, 21 charges have been laid against a British Columbia resident relating to illegal possession of firearms and drugs. Firearms seized included two 3D printed Glock-type pistols, frames, a semi-automatic rifle, an air pistol, multiple replica firearms, a suppressor, over-capacity magazines, and assorted ammunition. Substances discovered encompassed cocaine, ketamine, MDA, and MDMA. The defendant faces five counts related to careless firearm storage, eight counts associated with illegal firearm/device possession, four counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, three unlawful loaded firearm counts, and one breach of undertaking. Proceedings are currently pending in Vancouver Provincial Court.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Media Accreditation Announced for 110th Anniversary of Somme and Beaumont-Hamel Commemorations

Veterans Affairs Canada released requirements for media accreditation for the signature ceremony planned in France to mark the 110th anniversary of the Battles of the Somme and Beaumont-Hamel. The ceremonies, running June 30 to July 2, 2026, will feature events at several Newfoundland Memorial sites across France and Belgium. Media registration for the main commemorative events closes June 12. The event is being led by Minister Jill McKnight, General Jennie Carignan, and a government delegation from Newfoundland and Labrador.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Officials to Hold Media Technical Briefing on National Artificial Intelligence Strategy

Government officials from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, along with representatives from other departments, scheduled a technical briefing for June 4 on Canada’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. The virtual session, under embargo protocols, is restricted to accredited members of the parliamentary press gallery. Confidentiality requirements are in place until the official announcement is released.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Engagement Period Extended for Reforms to Federal Regulatory Approval Process

On June 4, the federal government extended public engagement on proposed regulatory process reforms to July 22, 2026. The reforms aim to allow major project approvals to proceed within a one-year timeline after all required information is filed. Stakeholders from industry and Indigenous groups had requested more time to submit input before the government drafts legislation for upcoming parliamentary sittings. The proposals cover project review timelines and suggest responses to supply chain and transportation system planning.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Manitoba Proclaims Annual Canadian Armed Forces Day

Manitoba has designated the first Sunday in June as Canadian Armed Forces Day, recognizing military service and the institution's local economic contributions.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Nova Scotia Opens Funding Applications for Emergency Response Organizations

Nova Scotia is now accepting funding applications from volunteer fire and emergency services units, with individual grants up to $30,000. Regional grant applications open in September.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Canada's on a military spending spree. But who's signing up to join?: A news overview discussing Canadian military spending trends and recruitment challenges.
• Safe Pro Secures U.S. Army Order for AI-Powered Threat Analysis Kit Integrated With Red Cat Black Widow Drones: Details of a US Army procurement advancing AI-powered threat analysis in aerial drones.
• Sunday Scrum | Ottawa looks to procure Swedish surveillance jets, Germany to buy Canadian LNG: A broadcast segment covering Canadian surveillance jet procurement discussions and international energy agreements.

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