Parliamentary Committee Notes: Member Profiles

John Mckay

LPC – Scarborough—Guildwood (ON)

Election to The House of Commons

• First elected: 1997 (former riding of Scarborough East)
• Re-elected: 2000, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2021

Professional Background

• Law: Former real estate attorney in private practice; former President of the Durham Bar Association; former Real Estate Executive of the Canadian Bar Association
• Community: Former president of CIDO (an organization devoted to community banking in developing nations)

Connection To DND/CAF

• Vice-Chair of NDDN from 2011 – 2013. During this period, NDDN studied topics such as continental defence, CAF readiness, and international defence cooperation
• Co-chair of the Permanent Joint Board of Defence

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Former Parliamentary Secretary: Minister of National Defence (2015 – 2017); Minister of Finance (2003 – 2006)
• Former Critic: Environment (2013 – 2015); National Defence (2011 – 2013); Industry (Tourism) (2008 – 2009); Treasury Board (Crown Corporations) (2006 – 2007)
• Parliamentary Association Vice-Chair: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2022 – Present); Canada- United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (2022 – Present); Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (2020 – Present)
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2007 – Present)

Committee Membership

• Chair: House Standing Committee on National Defence (2021 – Present)
• Member: House Standing Committee on National Defence (2021 – Present); House Liaison Committee (2021 – Present)
• Former Chair: House Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (2017 – 2021); House Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (2010 – 2011)
• Former Vice Chair: House Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development (2013 – 2015); House Standing Committee on National Defence (2011 – 2013); House Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights (2002 – 2003)
• Former Member: House Special Committee on the Economic Relationship between Canada and the United States (2021); Liaison Committee (2010 – 2011; 2017 – 2021); House Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (2017 – 2021); House Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2017); House Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development (2013 – 2015); House Standing Committee on National Defence (2011 – 2013); House Standing Committee on Finance (2004 – 2010); House Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (1997 – 2000); House Standing Committee on Scrutiny of Regulations (1997 – 1998; 2002 – 2003)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

• During a February 2023 NDDN meeting on the high-altitude surveillance balloon, Mr. McKay told Defence witnesses that he “hopes there will be some reflections on the extent of your domain awareness and whether you have to tweak the current radar systems.”
• During MND’s briefing on her mandate and priorities at a meeting of the National Defence Committee (NDDN) in February 2022, Mr. McKay stated that he considers China to be an “existential threat to this country” and that he does not consider Russia to be as existential of a threat. He noted that the military is focused on the Russian threat, which he believes is “coming home to roost in the Arctic.” He further stated that there is a “threat that’s up and an ability to respond that’s down”, and asked the CDS how he intends to “rapidly get the military, in all of its aspects, up to the ever-increasing threat level.”
• Mr. McKay expressed that he would like NDDN to review “Canada’s entire security architecture – from a military, intelligence, cyber perspective – so that [Canada] can face the 21st century” during a December 2021 interview.
• He underscored the importance of renegotiating the NORAD treaty during House Debate on the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement Implementation Act in January 2020.
• Mr. McKay highlighted the challenge of replacing the early warning system, as well as the complexity of having an all domain warning system, as the keynote speaker on “the impact of climate change on Canadian-U.S. Defense” at a 2020 Canada-United States Law Institute conference.
• Mr. McKay travelled on board the HMCS Charlottetown off the coast of Nunavut in 2018. Following this trip, Mr. McKay told The Hill Times that “the Arctic is the next big frontier from a military standpoint” and emphasized the importance of Canada defending its sovereignty in the Arctic.

Defence Spending

• During an NDDN meeting on Main Estimates in June 2022, Mr. McKay mentioned that between the Estimates to date and the Main Estimates for 2023, the defence spending “barely moves” to the 2% goal. He stated that “we are in a war situation”, and asked the Deputy Minister why the “budget presentation barely moves the needle towards 2%.”

NATO

• During a House debate on Public Safety and National Security, Mr. McKay told his different experiences abroad with different representatives of NATO member countries, in order to explain the relevance and role of NATO in ensuring Europe's defence and security against Russia.

Ukraine

• On several occasions in the House, Mr. McKay mentioned the importance for Canada to support Ukraine in a real and material way. During a House debate on Ukraine in June 2022, he stated that “Ukrainians are fighting for us as well as for their nation”.

Defence Policy Update

• At a NDDN meeting on Main Estimates 2022-23 in June 2022, Mr. McKay asked if the updating of the defence policy will be updated in isolation or in partnership with other agencies of Public Safety, such as CSIS.

Procurement

• Mr. McKay stressed the importance of procuring more icebreakers at the 2020 Canada-United States Law Institute conference. He also advocated for a new agency to oversee defence procurement in a 2019 interview. Mr. McKay stated that “the current system is not working,” and that the decision process needs to be “sharper and more timely.”
• During an NDDN meeting on Main Estimates in June 2022, Mr. McKay asked ADM(Mat) for a “working idea of what military inflation will be for this year.”

Russia

• During a debate in the House on May 5, 2022, M. McKay introduced a motion to calls for the immediate release of Vladimir Kara-Murza, and all other Russian prisoners of conscience; the immediate release of Alexei Navalny; the immediate cessation of hostilities in Ukraine, and the unilateral withdrawal of Russian troops.

Cyber

• In March 2023, during a NDDN meeting on Cybersecurity, Mr. McKay asked witnesses for their views on declassification, suggesting the government has “an excessively cautious view of what constitutes classified information.”

James Bezan

CPC – Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman

Election to The House of Commons

• First elected: 2004
• Re-elected: 2006, 2008, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2021

Professional Background

• Agriculture Industry: Graduated from Olds College in Agricultural Production; former cattle producer and manager of the Manitoba Cattle Producers Association

Connection To DND/CAF

• Former Shadow Minister for National Defence (2015 – 2021)
• Former Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence (2013 – 2015)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Critic: Shadow Minister for National Defence (October 2022; 2015 – 2021).
• Former Parliamentary Secretary: Minister of National Defence (2013 – 2015)
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canada-China Legislative Association (1 April 2022 – Present); Canada- Europe Parliamentary Association (1 April 2022 – Present); Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (1 April 2022 – Present)
• Other Parliamentary Roles: Member of the Joint Interparliamentary Council (2021 – 2022); Deputy Whip of the Official Opposition (2021 – 2022)

Committee Membership

• Vice Chair: House Standing Committee on National Defence (2021 – Present)
• Member: Standing Committee on National Defence (18 October 22 – Present); Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics (22 November 2021 – Present); Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics (22 November 2021 – Present)
• Former Chair: Standing Committee on National Defence (2011 – 2013); Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development (2009 – 2011); Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (2007 – 2008)
• Former Member: Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development (2009 – 2011); Liaison Committee (2007; 2009 – 2013) Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (2004 – 2008)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

Sexual Misconduct and Culture Change

• During the MND’s December 2022 update to NDDN on the Arbour Report, Mr. Bezan stated that National Defence’s response was a “very positive step forward.” He asked the MND and Mme Arbour questions related to the timeline for implementing Recommendation 5 (CAF Jurisdiction), and the transfer of sexual offences to the civilian system.
• In April 2022, Mr. Bezan told reporters in a pre-QP scrum that “everybody that serves in uniform in this country should never be discriminated against based upon gender, based upon sexuality, based upon race, based upon ethnicity and religion.” He also stated that “everybody deserves to be treated equally and to be treated with respect.”
• Mr. Bezan was the Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on National Defence (NDDN) during its 2021 study of sexual misconduct issues in the CAF. As part of this study, Mr. Bezan indicated that as a result of sexual misconduct allegations, the CAF faces “a leadership crisis and low morale that must be addressed.”

Military Personnel and Recruitment

• During House debate on the Fall Economic Statement Implementation Act in November 2022, Mr. Bezan referred to recruiting issues in the CAF as a “catastrophe” that needs to be dealt with quickly.
• On October 25, 2022, regarding the Ombudsman’s Office recommendations regarding the treatment of ill and injured reservists and Canadian Rangers, Mr. Bezan tweeted “ZERO recommendations implemented by the Liberal government in FIVE years. Dismal! No wonder we are having a recruitment problem, it's clear the Liberals do not have the backs of our troops.”

Support to Ukraine and NATO

• In a committee meeting in May 2023, Mr. Bezan stressed the importance of purchasing ammunition requested by Ukraine, as it was ‘getting burnt pretty quickly in the War of Ukraine’. He also encouraged the idea of purchasing new tanks to replace the eight tanks that Canada donated.
• In April 2023, Mr. Bezan raised concerns regarding misinformation and fake news related to Ukraine and the potential impact on public opinion.
• Mr. Bezan has long advocated for sending more military weapons to Ukraine. For instance, during House Debate on October 3, 2022, Mr. Bezan pressed the Government to send more materiel and defensive weapons to Ukraine.
• On September 20, 2022, Mr. Bezan asked a question on the Order Paper regarding the number of available LAVs in Canada that could be sent to Ukraine, including when National Defence plans to “donate the pledged 40 armoured vehicles to the Government of Ukraine.” On December 18, 2022, Mr. Bezan tweeted at the MND, stating “it’s not too late to do the right thing” and urging her to send decommissioned LAVs to help Ukraine.
• In 2014, Mr. Bezan accompanied the delivery of non-lethal military aid to Ukraine on two occasions.
• Mr. Bezan is very outspoken on the issue of Ukrainian democracy and human rights. As a result, he was one of 13 Canadian officials sanctioned by the Russian Government in 2014. He has also earned numerous awards in Canada and abroad for his work on Ukrainian issues.
• During House Debate on June 1, 2022, Mr. Bezan stated that NATO is “one of the most active political alliances in the world” and “much can be done through deterrence measures because of the military strength that NATO possesses.” He also expressed his support for Finland and Sweden joining NATO.
• During House Debate on October 3, 2022, Mr. Bezan noted that “our role in NATO, our role in supporting Ukraine, can never weaken.” He also asked the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marc Garneau, for his comments on “the path towards [Ukraine] completing its membership within the NATO family.” On December 14, 2022, Mr. Bezan tweeted an article that stated Canada will not send fighter jets to Europe in 2023, noting that “for the first time since Op REASSURANCE started, the RCAF and RCN are absent from NATO operations.”

China

• During an NDDN meeting on the high-altitude surveillance balloon in February 2023, Mr. Bezan sought confirmation that the balloon was launched from China and asked Defence witnesses why China would use a surveillance balloon rather than the “spy satellites they already have.”
• In March 2023, he further asked the Minister of National Defence if Canada would have been able to intercept the flying object with a CF-18, or whether, Canada did not have the right capabilities.
• During an NDDN meeting on Arctic security in October 2022, Mr. Bezan asked the Commander of the RCAF whether he was aware of a U.K. media article, which reported that Canadians may have been hired away from the RCAF to work with the Communist Party of China and train Chinese pilots on how to defeat Western fighter aircraft.
• In December 2022, Mr. Bezan asked a question on the Order Paper in about the Government’s response to foreign governments recruiting retired personnel from the RCAF, including whether National Defence is aware of any former RCAF members accepting contracts or other paid work from the People’s Republic of China.

Arctic Security

• During an NDDN meeting in February 2023 on the high-altitude surveillance balloon, Mr. Bezan asked Defence witnesses about interceptions of Russian military aircraft in Canadian airspace.
• During the same meeting, Mr. Bezan asked how National Defence is going to address the “multiple levels of potential aerial threats” that North America is facing, and asked specifically about over-the-horizon radar systems, updating the North Warning System, RADRSAT, and low-earth orbit satellites.
• On November 17, 2022, Mr. Bezan indicated in an article that he authored for the Hill Times, that “our NORAD North Warning System (NWS) is antiquated and in dire need of replacing with an all-domain awareness system.” Furthermore, Mr. Bezan indicated that the Government “ignores the urgency of upgrading our critical NORAD infrastructure.”
• On October 31, 2022, Mr. Bezan indicated in the House of Commons that the Government “is refusing to invest in our military. It has failed to modernize NORAD and update our North Warning System. The Liberals are still making our forces fly obsolete fighter jets and sail archaic submarines.”
• As a member of NDDN since October 2022, Mr. Bezan has asked questions related to military readiness and training in the Arctic, and its development over the past decade; surveillance land coverage of the North Warning System; NORAD modernization in relation to ballistic missile defence; Arctic defence capabilities that must be prioritized; contracts related to F-35s; NORAD decision-making and collaboration associated with the identification of missiles targeting North America; and the recruitment and training of RCAF fighter pilots.

Defence Policy and Spending

• Mr. Bezan supports increased defence spending. During an April 2023 House debate on the Budget, he expressed concern that Budget 2023 ‘has absolutely nothing in it for Ukraine’ and ‘nothing in it for the Canadian Armed Forces.”
• During House debate on the Fall Economic Statement Implementation Act in November 2022, Mr. Bezan alleged that the Liberals are allowing defence spending to lapse, and have allowed over $6.8B to lapse since they introduced Strong, Secure, Engaged (SSE).
• During the same debate, Mr. Bezan stated that because of “slow investment and inability to invest in the proper procurement”, Canada does not have its surface combatants yet, or “even the design finalized.”
• In a 2018 article for the Hill Times, Mr. Bezan criticized SSE, claiming that the Government failed to deliver critical equipment that the CAF requires to “protect Canadians and meaningfully contribute to NORAD and NATO.”

Afghanistan

• In March 2023, Mr. Bezan asked the Minister of National Defence what was being done to help Afghans “who stood shoulder to shoulder with the CAF” to immigrate to Canada.
• On September 20, 2022, Mr. Bezan asked a question on the Order Paper regarding relocation applications from Afghan nationals who assisted the Canadian Government.
• On January 31, 2022, Mr. Bezan asked a question on the Order Paper relating to Special Immigration Measures for Afghans who assisted the CAF as interpreters or locally engaged staff.

Christine Normandin

BQ – Saint-Jean (QC)

Election to The House of Commons

• First elected: 2019
• Re-elected: 2021

Professional Background

• Science: Received a Bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences after completing a melanoma research internship in India
• Law: Appointed as a lawyer in 2015 and began as a general lawyer in solo practice before joining a firm specializing in international family and child abduction
• Community: Sat on the Board of Directors for Marcellin-Champagnat High School

Connection To DND/CAF

• Garrison Saint-Jean, Royal Military College Saint-Jean and the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School are located in her riding

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Critic: National Defence (2021 – present)
• Former Critic: Citizenship and Immigration (2019 – 2021)
• Deputy House Leader: Bloc Québécois (2019 – present)
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canada-China Legislative Association (2020 – 2022); Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2020 – 2022)

Committee Membership

• Member: House Standing Committee on National Defence (2021 – present)
• Vice Chair: House Standing Committee on National Defence (2021 – present)
• Former Vice Chair: House Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (2020 – 2021)
• Former Member: House Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (2020 – 2021); National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (2020)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

Recruitment and Retention

• During an NDDN meeting on recruitment and retention in April 2022, Mme. Normandin expressed disappointment with the regular departure of members from the CAF, and asked witnesses about the reasons for these departures. She also asked about the methods the CAF uses to promote retention. She acknowledged that culture change is a long-term process, and asked witnesses if there are any short-term strategies to improve recruitment and retention.
• During another NDDN meeting on recruitment and retention in April 2022, Mme. Normandin raised the Report of the Minister of National Defence’s Advisory Panel on Systemic Racism and Discrimination. She noted that over the past 20 years, other recommendations regarding the treatment of minorities, women and LGBTQ2+ have not been implemented, and asked if it would happen again with the recommendations in this report.
• During the same meeting, Mme. Normandin asked the witnesses if there is a recruitment and retention issue for Francophones in the CAF.
• During House Debate on national defence spending in April 2022, Mme. Normandin linked the issue of increased defence spending with recruitment and retention, asking “what is the point of increasing the National Defence procurement budget if it does not have the personnel needed to manage it?”
• During the NDDN study on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in early 2022, Mme. Normandin asked witnesses whether there are enough pilots to fly the new fighter jets.
• During Supplementary Estimates (C) at NDDN in March 2022, Mme. Normandin asked the DM for more information about the policy changes taking place to improve recruitment and retention.
• During a briefing on MND’s mandate and priorities in February 2022, Mme. Normandin asked the CDS what is being done to reduce the number of non-essential deployments and transfers, and about supports for military families.

Sexual Misconduct

• During a May 12, 2023 meeting at NDDN, Ms. Normandin asked witnesses if services for sexual misconduct survivors are located in the right areas, or if they are “too present in big cities, rather than being close to military bases, where the victims are.”
• In December 2021, Mme. Normandin tweeted that MND’s apology to victims in the CAF is a “step in the right direction, but to be more meaningful, it must be more than an apology. They must be kept promises.”
• She has also expressed concern about trust in military leadership in the House of Commons. During House Debate on the opposition motion to censure the MND in 2021, Mme. Normandin expressed that the former MND’s perceived lack of actions tarnished the CAF.
• At an NDDN meeting on Main Estimates in June 2022, Mme. Normandin recognized the importance of the Arbour Report recommendations for addressing sexual misconduct issues in the CAF. However, since the College militaire royal de Saint-Jean is in her riding, she remains skeptical about the recommendation calling for a review of the role of the military colleges, and she asked MND if she will determine what improvements can be made instead of outright closing the military colleges.

Health Services for CAF members

• During a May 2023 NDDN meetings on CAF Health and Transition Services, Ms. Normandin asked if any veterans had “ever left the armed forces voluntarily and after their departure, it turns out they had an undiagnosed mental health problem,” which would have led to the release of the member for medical reasons.
• At the same meeting, Ms. Normandin also asked witnesses whether the CAF gives “enough consideration to women’s morphology when acquiring equipment” and women receive adequate health services when they are deployed.

CAF Housing

• During the NDDN meeting on Main Estimates 2023-24, Ms. Normandin asked National Defence witnesses about the new Canadian Forces Housing Differential and whether CAF members would receive less money under the new policy.

Continental Defence

• On several occasions during NDDN’s study on threat analysis and operational readiness in early 2022, Mme. Normandin asked witnesses about collaborating on a missile defence system with the U.S., considering the perceived shortcomings in Canada’s current defence resources.
• During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and operational readiness in March 2022, Mme. Normandin expressed concern with the delay in acquiring future fighters, and asked witnesses from National Defence whether this delay threatens NORAD operations.
• During other NDDN meetings on this study in March 2022, Mme. Normandin asked National Defence witnesses how the use of hypersonic missiles influences NORAD modernization, and about the impact of the conflict in Ukraine on Canadian security issues in the Arctic.

Arctic Sovereignty

• During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in March 2022, Mme. Normandin asked DOS SJS why Canada was sending a small number of CAF members on NATO’s Exercise Cold Response 2022, and wondered whether this could be perceived as Canada “abdicating its Arctic sovereignty.” She also linked the small number of troops to recruitment and retention issues, asking whether this is an indicator of how critical recruitment and retention are.
• During another meeting on this study in March 2022, Mme. Normandin asked National Defence witnesses whether an “increased human presence in the Northern territory” is part of National Defence’s plan to promote Canada’s Arctic sovereignty.

Ukraine

• During an NDDN meeting on Main Estimates in May 2023, Ms. Normandin asked the Minister of National Defence if DND should review its criteria for fulfilling requests from Ukraine for military equipment. She cited the untendered contract awarded to Roshel for 200 light armoured vehicles as an example.
• During Supplementary Estimates (C) at NDDN in March 2022, Mme. Normandin asked MND whether Canada would consider sending now-banned weapons, such as AR-15s, to Ukraine rather than destroying them.
• During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in March 2022, Mme. Normandin asked DOS SJS whether the CAF had considered a scenario in which Ukraine surrenders.
• During House Debate on Russia’s attack on Ukraine in February 2022, Mme. Normandin asked MND to tell the House how the Canadian Armed Forces are playing a humanitarian role in welcoming people leaving Ukraine, in collaboration with other NATO countries and the countries bordering Ukraine.

NATO

• During her visit to Vilnius as part of the NATO Parliamentarians Association meeting in May 2022, Mme. Normandin made several posts on her Twitter account in support of Finland and Sweden's adhesion, as well as Ukraine's future adhesion, to NATO.

Operational Readiness

• During two NDDN meetings on recruitment and retention in April 2022, Mme. Normandin acknowledged the increasing challenges related to natural disasters and COVID-19, and the burden that these events place on the CAF. She asked witnesses whether it would be appropriate to set up a domestic “paramilitary organization or form of militia” that would be specifically assigned to this type of response.
• During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in March 2022, Mme. Normandin expressed concern about the readiness of the CAF, particularly in terms of equipment. She asked Commander CJOC whether Canada has sufficient resources to undertake a conventional war.

Cyber Security

• During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in March 2022, Mme. Normandin referenced a rise in cyber threats and asked if Canada should prioritize resources in this area. During the same meeting, she asked witnesses if Canada is a “lost cause” in what it has to offer in cybersecurity, and whether it can upgrade.
• During another meeting on this topic in March 2022, Mme. Normandin questioned witnesses on the type of cyber- attack that would justify a counterattack or military intervention.

Procurement

• On her Twitter account, Mme. Normandin shared an article from La Presse called "Will Canada get the F-35 in time?" and mentioned that almost two years ago, the Bloc called for a committee study to analyze the various options, but that the Liberals blocked the study.
• At an NDDN meeting on Main Estimates in June 2022, Mme. Normandin explained that year after year procurement problems lead to the budget not being entirely spent, and asked what measures are being taken to improve the defence procurement system.

Marie-France Lalonde

LPC – Orléans

Election to The House of Commons

• First elected: 2019
• Re-elected:2021

Professional Background

• Provincial Politics: Member for Ottawa – Orleans, Minister of Government and Consumer Services (2015 – 2016); Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services (2016 – 2018)
• Social Work: Co-Owner, Portobello Manor Retirement Residence (2008 – Present); Executive Director, Queenswood Villa Retirement Community (2000 – 2008)
• Education: Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, Universite du Quebec a Hull ()

Connection To DND/CAF

• The riding of Orleans has a large military population and is something that the member regularly raises during committees

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Parliamentary Secretary: Minister of National Defence (2023 – Present)
• Former Parliamentary Secretary: Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (2021 – 2023)
• Former Parliamentary Secretary: Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (FedDev Ontario and Official Languages (2021 – 2021)

Committee Membership

• Member: Special Committee on the Canada – People’s Republic of China Relationship (2023 – Present); Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (2021 - Present); Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (2021 – Present)
• Former Member: Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (2020 – 2021); Standing Committee on Official Languages (2020 – 2021); : Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (2020 – 2020); Standing Committee on Official Languages (2020 – 2020); Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020 – 2020)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

Afghanistan

• During an April 2023, CIMM meeting regarding the Committee’s study on Afghanistan, Ms. Lalonde inquired about the administrative challenges and institutional difficulties that National Defence faced during the fall of Kabul.
• During the same meeting, Ms. Lalonde inquired about how changing Canadian law could undermine our ability to combat terrorism.

Francophone

• Ms. Lalonde has regularly referenced herself as being a “proud francophone” and has focused on addressing issues facing francophones.

Gender Equality and Diversity

• While Ms. Lalonde has not raised gender equality in any committee meetings related to DND/CAF, Ms. Lalonde frequently makes comments surrounding the importance of moving towards promoting gender equality.
• During a March 2023 CIMM meeting regarding Committee’s study on Afghanistan, Ms. Lalonde inquired about how Global Affairs Canada is reacting to the restrictions imposed by local authorities concerning women's involvement in humanitarian aid.

Lindsay Mathyssen

NDP – London-Fanshawe (ON)

Election to The House of Commons

• First elected: 2019
• Re-elected:2021

Professional Background

• Political: Worked on 21 Federal, Provincial, and Municipal elections, including 8 campaigns in her current riding; daughter of former London NDP MP Irene Mathyssen
• Union Member: Council of Canadians and Member of the Ontario Health Coalition

Connection to DND/CAF

• General Dynamics Manufacturing Facility located in London (Armoured Combat Support Vehicles manufacturing plant); Member of London Victory Legion

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Critic: National Defence (2021 – present)
• Deputy House Leader (2021 – present)
• Deputy Critic: Women and Gender Equality (2021 – present)
• Former Critic: Women and Gender Equality (2019 – 2021); Diversity and Inclusion and Youth (2019 – 2021)
• Former Deputy Whip (2019 – 2021)
• Former Deputy Critic: Export Promotion and International Trade (2019 – 2021); Small Business (2019 – 2021)
• Former Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2021 – 2022); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2020 – 2021)

Committee Membership

• Member: House Standing Committee on National Defence (2021 – present)
• Former Member: House Standing Committee on the Status of Women (2020 – 2021)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

Sexual Misconduct in the CAF

• Focuses on meaningful implementation of external reports and seeks concrete progress that supports survivors. For example:
  • During the MND’s December 2022 update to the House Standing Committee on National Defence (NDDN) on the Arbour report, Ms. Mathyssen referenced the “inaction of the CAF and the government” to enact the Deschamps report recommendations. Ms. Mathyssen has been critical on several occasions of the alleged lack of movement on the Deschamps recommendations.
  • During the same meeting, Ms. Mathyssen asked the MND when she will bring forward legislation on Recommendation 5 (CAF Jurisdiction).
• Articulated four key criticisms during the House Committee on the Status of Women’s 2021 study on addressing sexual misconduct in the CAF:
  • Lack of independence of Military Police and perceived failure to place victims and survivors at the centre of investigations
  • Erosion of trust between CAF members and senior leadership
  • Need for effective and independent oversight of misconduct investigations and outcomes
  • Barriers for participation of women in the CAF
• Filed a supplementary report to the House Committee on Status of Women report on sexual misconduct in the CAF which focused on:
  • Implementing key recommendations of the Deschamps report and 2018 OAG report
  • Addressing the perception that the trust in senior leadership is broken and must be restored
  • Creating an independent centre for accountability
  • Facilitating access to affordable and flexible childcare for CAF members
  • Developing victim-centric and trauma-informed training for all members, including senior leadership
  • Creating a “special program” to increase diversity, gender representation and inclusion in the CAF as recommended by the OAG in 2016

Recruitment and Retention:

• During Question Period in October 2022, Ms. Mathyssen referenced the “personnel crisis” in the forces, and asked when the government will take “real steps to properly invest in recruitment so Canadians can be supported abroad and at home.”
• During a National Defence Committee (NDDN) meeting on recruitment and retention in April 2022, Ms. Mathyssen noted that there is an impression in the media that there is no accountability or culture change happening in the CAF, and asked witnesses how this can be improved to advance recruitment and retention efforts. Ms. Mathyssen also asked witnesses for examples of military family support systems in other countries.
• During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in February 2022, Ms. Mathyssen observed that domestic pressures will only continue to increase due to climate change, and asked witnesses what they would recommend to improve recruitment and retention rates.
• During MND’s briefing on her mandate and priorities at NDDN in February 2022, Ms. Mathyssen asked MND about s. 98(c), referring to her colleague Randall Garrison’s private member’s bill (Bill C-206) to remove this clause from the National Defence Act. She asked MND about moving this piece of legislation forward, referring to it as “an incredible way for us to address some of those recruitment and retention mental health stigmas and barriers”, and asked MND if she supports the aims of Bill C-206 in eliminating self-harm as a punishable offence.

Health for CAF members

• Throughout NDDN study on Health and Transition services in the CAF, Ms. Mathyssen asked questions related to mental health, operational stress injuries, and support to military families.
• Ms. Mathyssen has regularly raised Section 98 (c) of the National Defence Act and concerns regarding self harm. She questioned National Defence witnesses on whether this clause would be removed from the National Defence Act.

Ukraine and NATO

• During House Debate on national defence spending in April 2022, Ms. Mathyssen expressed that while the NDP agrees that Canada needs to spend more on defence, the 2% defence spending target set by NATO is “arbitrary.”
• During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in February 2022, Ms. Mathyssen asked CAF officials whether our response to the situation in Ukraine has “given China pause or impacted their reaction in any way.” She also asked the Director of Staff, Strategic Joint Staff at a later meeting whether China has provided support to Russia.
• Throughout the NDDN study on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness, Ms. Mathyssen expressed interest in the effectiveness of sanctions and other diplomatic ways of resolving the crisis in Ukraine. She also expressed concern about the provision of lethal weaponry, asking MND during her Supplementary Estimates (C) appearance in March 2022 about the measures in place to guarantee the tracking of these weapons.
• Ms. Mathyssen is also interested in Russian disinformation campaigns and what can be done to counter them.

Continental Defence and the Arctic

• In March 2023, Ms. Mathyssen discussed the dangers of having Russia as a direct neighbor to Canada. She worried that the Arctic is “far more accessible than it ever was before”.
• During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in February 2022, Ms. Mathyssen suggested that the Canadian Arctic is “a bit weak” due to climate change and “our own inability to send in the fighter jets that we need but don’t have.” She asked witnesses whether this should be a major preoccupation of Canada’s.
• During another NDDN meeting on the same study in February 2022, Ms. Mathyssen asked CAF officials about future investments in NORAD. She also asked a similar question at the MND briefing on her mandate and priorities, wondering whether National Defence has conducted any cost analysis on NORAD modernization.
• During this study, Ms. Mathyssen also asked witnesses about partnerships with Indigenous communities on Arctic infrastructure projects, and how Canada can pursue such projects in an “Indigenous-led way.”
• Ms. Mathyssen asked witnesses about the perceived challenges Russia would face in an Arctic invasion during a March 2022 meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness. In the same meeting, Ms. Mathyssen sought witnesses’ views on how the Government can “break down silos” to have a more “coordinated” response in the Arctic.

Procurement and Supply Chains

• In a January 2023 article that suggested a ‘made-in-Canada strategy’ is needed for defence procurements, Ms. Mathyssen is quoted as saying that the government “needs to exhibit more forethought about what will be needed so that Canadian-made products can be purchased.”
• In October 2022, Ms. Mathyssen introduced a private member’s bill to amend the Department of Public Works and Government Services Act, the Defence Production Act, and the Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Act to ensure Canadian-made goods are given preference for federal procurement contracts.
• At a December 2022 NDDN meeting on Arctic security, Ms. Mathyssen asked the Auditor-General for suggestions on streamlining military procurement.
• During an NDDN meeting on continental defence in March 2022, Ms. Mathyssen asked Departmental witnesses how the CAF will ensure the operational ability of C-18s until the future fighters are ready. She also asked how costs on the F-35 project may increase, due to delays in the purchasing of equipment.
• During the same meeting, Ms. Mathyssen expressed interest in Indigenous impact assessments as part of procurement projects, and asked Departmental officials whether these will be conducted on all future procurement.

Canada-ChinaRelations:

• During an NDDN meeting on the high-altitude surveillance balloon in February 2023, Ms. Mathyssen wondered how Canada’s “hostile” reaction to the balloon is affecting the relationship between Canada and the Chinese government.
• Ms. Mathyssen also noted that Canadians with a Chinese background faced racism and discrimination due to the uncertainty surrounding the high-altitude surveillance balloons.
• At a NDDN meeting on Rising Domestic Operational Deployments and Challenges for the CAF in May 2022, Ms. Mathyssen wanted to know what measures the CAF has put in place to reduce its environmental footprint, as well as to adapt to the impact of climate change on its facilities.

Cyber

• In March 2023, Ms. Mathyssen claimed that intelligence agencies – like CSE – were constantly pushing against the legal boundaries and collecting information on citizens.

Emmanuella Lambropoulos

LPC – Saint-Laurent (QC)

Election to The House of Commons

• First elected: 2017 (by-election)
• Re-elected: 2019, 2021

Professional Background

• Education: Former secondary school teacher, teaching History, Geography, Ethics, and Religious Culture; worked as a resource aid for students with learning disabilities and autism
• Community: Long record of volunteer involvement supporting children’s sports and art activities

Connection to DND/CAF

• Former member of the House Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs during studies on topics such as mental health and suicide prevention and barriers to transition.

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2018 – 2019)
• Chair: National Liberal Women’s Caucus (2021 – Present)

Committee Membership

• Member: House Standing Committee on National Defence (2021 – Present); House Standing Committee on the Status of Women (2021 – Present; 2017 – 2019)
• Former Member: House Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (2020 – 2021); House Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology (2020 – 2021); House Standing Committee on Official Languages (2020); House Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (2017 – 2018)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

Recruitment and Retention

• In May 2023, Ms. Lambropoulos asked the Deputy Minister if National Defence had any plans to make the CAF more attractive to women and members from diverse communities.
• At an NDDN meeting on Arctic security in October 2022, Ms. Lambropoulos asked the CDS whether there have been additional recruitment efforts by the CAF in the North, specifically in Indigenous communities. She echoed this question to the Deputy Commander of NORAD at another Arctic security NDDN meeting in November 2022.
• At an NDDN meeting on recruitment and retention in April 2022, Ms. Lambropoulos asked witnesses whether it would be relevant to recruit members whose only responsibility is responding to domestic emergencies.
• During the same meeting, Ms. Lambropoulos recognized the importance of military families, and asked witnesses what benefits or supports are offered to military families.
• During another meeting on this study in April 2022, Ms. Lambropoulos asked witnesses what recruiting practices the CAF should continue to use and which practices it should stop, as well as what Canada could learn from other countries in terms of recruiting.
• During another NDDN meeting on recruitment and retention in April 2022, Ms. Lambropoulos asked witnesses if they think the CAF is doing enough to recruit diverse members, and what more could be done.

Sexual Misconduct and Culture Change

• At an NDDN meeting on Main Estimates in June 2022, Ms. Lambropoulos mentioned the Arbour Report's recommendation that sexual offences under the Criminal Code be removed entirely from the jurisdiction of the military justice system (Recommendation 5), and that they be dealt with and prosecuted in civilian criminal court. She asked MND what she will be doing in regard to this recommendation.
• During the MND’s update to NDDN on the Arbour Report in December 2022, Ms. Lambropoulos asked the MND about the potential challenges of implementing Recommendation 5. She also wondered why the MND thinks the shift might take many years when “a policy or a Parliament decision could move us in the right direction quickly.”
• During the same meeting, Ms. Lambropoulos asked the MND what culture-related changes National Defence has implemented so far, and “the direction that we’ll be taking in order to address some of the recommendations related to recruitment.”

CAF Health Services

• Ms. Lambropoulos is particularly interested by mental health support offered to CAF and Veterans and how National Defence can do better in that regard.

Arctic Security

• During a committee meeting in March 2023, Ms. Lambropoulos noted that NORAD investments and investments in infrastructure in the North are in areas controlled by Indigenous communities. She further enquired what National Defence officials are doing to ensure the protection and rights of Indigenous communities.
• During a National Defence Committee (NDDN) meeting on Arctic security in October 2022, Ms. Lambropoulos asked the CDS how investment in NORAD would help support job creation and economic development, which she suggested would in turn directly benefit Indigenous communities.
• During a November 2022 NDDN meeting on Arctic security, Ms. Lambropoulos asked the Deputy Commander of NORAD whether being part of an anti-missile agreement would make Canada safer from missile threats.
• At a November 24, 2022 NDDN meeting on Arctic security, Ms. Lambropoulos asked Commander CJOC how submarine capability influences Canada’s ability to protect its territorial sovereignty in the Arctic. She also asked for an update on the RCN’s submarine replacement program, and how Canada’s submarine capability helps our “military-to-military relationships.”
• At the same meeting, Ms. Lambropoulos inquired about the role of Joint Task Force (North) in search and rescue.

Ukraine and NATO

• During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in March 2022, Ms. Lambropoulos asked National Defence and Global Affairs witnesses how Canada can protect itself and put itself in a “better position with regard to NATO.”
• During the same meeting, Ms. Lambropoulos asked whether Canada is doing enough to be considered an “equal NATO partner” and what more we could be doing.
• During Statements by Members in March 2022, Ms. Lambropoulos stated that she is “very happy” that the Government has shown military, humanitarian and economic leadership regarding the situation in Ukraine.
• At an NDDN meeting on Main Estimates in June 2022, Ms. Lambropoulos recognized the importance of the CAF's efforts to strengthen NATO's deterrence posture in Europe through Op REASSURANCE, and asked MND for an update on the work that the CAF has been doing on NATO's eastern flank.
• During an NDDN meeting on Arctic security in December 2022, Ms. Lambropoulos asked the Auditor-General for her thoughts on “upping our defence spending” to match NATO’s 2% goal.

Russia and China

• During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in February 2022, Ms. Lambropoulos asked witnesses what a military relationship between Russia and China – who she characterized as “two of our biggest threats – would mean for Canada, and what types of warfare Canada should be prepared for.
• During an NDDN meeting on the same study in March 2022, Ms. Lambropoulos observed that a lot of cyber-threats and cyber-attacks against Canada are coming from Russia. She asked how Russia gets to and influences Canadians “to think a certain way.”
• During a briefing on MND’s mandate and priorities at NDDN in February 2022, Ms. Lambropoulos noted that cyber threats have been “increasingly steadily for the last while, mainly by China and Russia.” She asked the Chief of CSE what plans are in place going forward to advance cybersecurity under MND’s mandate.
• During an NDDN meeting on Arctic security in December 2022, Ms. Lambropoulos observed that Russia and China are “quite good” at foreign interference, and that they have cyber capabilities we should be “wary of and defending our country against.” She then asked the Prime Minister’s National Security and Intelligence Advisor (NSIA) to describe some of the ways that our adversaries’ cyber abilities influence the way we prepare ourselves, and about the technological investments Canada has made to counter these kinds of cyber abilities.

Chad Collins

LPC – Hamilton East – Stoney Creek

Election to The House of Commons

• First elected: 2021

Professional Background

• Municipal Work: City Housing Hamilton President (Formerly)
• Education: University of Western Ontario, McMaster University

Connection to DND/CAF

• To be further updated, as Mr. Collins

Committee Membership

• Member: Standing Committee on National Defense (2023 – Present); Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (2021-Present)
• Former Member: Standing Committee on Science and Research (2021 – 2023)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

While there is no immediate Defence nexus, Mr. Collins has shown interest in a number of topics related to settlement services for Ukrainians, housing, scientific research and academia.

Ukraine

• Mr. Collins has previously addressed parliament on his support for displaced Ukrainians (29 March 2023). In his statement, Mr. Collins spoke to the need for “all levels of government to continue to provide settlement services in support of displaced Ukrainians and their families.”
• He further recognised the work of local organisations for their support to Ukrainians arriving in Hamilton and stated that he looked forward to “working with the Minister and IRCC representatives to ensure that settlement agencies and municipalities receive the necessary resources they require to continue to provide this invaluable service.”

Housing

• The topic of housing affordability and the potential for government subsidies and initiatives to mitigate the cost of living is a key interest.
• He is a proponent for providing funds to municipalities for the acquisition and development of affordable housing units.
• The National Housing Strategy is frequently referenced by Mr. Collins.

Scientific Research

• Mr. Collins has frequently discussed streamlining scientific research funding and publishing more research in Canada during his time on the Standing Committee on Science and Research.

Academia

• Mr. Collins frequently discusses the options available to government regarding distributing student bursaries and funding.
• Student housing is a topic of frequent discussion for Mr. Collins.

Darren Fisher

LPC – Dartmouth—Cole Harbour (NS)

Election to The House of Commons

• First elected: 2015
• Re-elected: 2019, 2021

Professional Background

• Politics: Former Deputy Mayor of Halifax; former member of Halifax Regional Council
• Business: Former small business owner
• Community: Active community volunteer

Connection to DND/CAF

• CFB Shearwater in riding
• Member of NDDN during studies on: threat analysis and CAF operational readiness, diversity within the CAF, peacekeeping, Bill C-77, Ukraine, Canada’s involvement in NATO, and continental defence

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Parliamentary Secretary: Minister of Seniors (2021 – Present)
• Former Parliamentary Secretary: Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Official Languages) (2021); Minister of Health (2019 – 2021)
• Counsellor: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2020 – Present) and formerly Vice-Chair from (2019 – 2020)
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2016 – present); Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (2016-17 – 2023 – Present) and several others.

Committee Membership

• Member: House Standing Committee on National Defence (2021 – Present; 2016 – 2019)
• Former Member: House Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (2021); House Standing Committee on Health (2020 – 2021); House Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development (2016 – 2019)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

Arctic Sovereignty and NORAD Modernization

• During a committee briefing on the Surveillance Balloon from the People's Republic of China in 2023, Mr. Fisher asked National Defence witnesses what procedure NORAD executed and how NORAD would address these types of issues in the future.
• During a NDDN meeting on Arctic security in October 2022, Mr. Fisher asked Defence witnesses to outline the exercises and operations that the CAF conducts in the Arctic, and “how they serve to protect our sovereignty and our security.” He also asked about the limitations that the CAF currently faces with respect to its ability to conduct operations and exercises in the Arctic.
• At the same meeting, Mr. Fisher asked the Commander of the RCN for an update on the Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) and how they will be used in Arctic exercises.
• At another NDDN meeting on Arctic security in November 2022, Mr. Fisher asked Defence witnesses how NORAD modernization and the Future Fighter Capability Project will “work together to improve our ability to patrol Canada’s aerospace.”
• During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in March 2022, Mr. Fisher asked witnesses about the most important investments that Canada should be making in NORAD today.
• During another NDDN meeting on this study, Mr. Fisher asked witnesses about the degree of the threat posed by Russia when it comes to entering North American airspace, and asked how often this happens.
• At an NDDN meeting on Main Estimates in June 2022, Mr. Fisher asked witnesses what types of investments were supported by these Estimates to strengthen the CAF's ability to operate in the North, and how they will benefit Northern communities.

Ukraine and NATO

• During Supplementary Estimates (C) at NDDN in March 2022, Mr. Fisher asked MND to describe Canada’s contribution to Op REASSURANCE, and how this emphasizes Canada’s commitment to NATO.
• During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in February 2022, Mr. Fisher introduced a motion to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and the government of Ukraine, and condemned the Russian attack, the illegal invasion of Ukraine, and President Putin and the Russian government.

• During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in February 2022, Mr. Fisher acknowledged the importance of Canada’s collaboration with NATO and asked witnesses how this relationship advances Canadian defence and foreign policy. He also asked how Canada’s role in NATO is likely to evolve over time.
• During another meeting on this study in March 2022, Mr. Fisher asked about Canada’s contribution to Ukraine and NATO, and asked National Defence witnesses whether Canada’s contributions are comparable to those of our Allies.
• At an NDDN meeting on Main Estimates in June 2022, Mr. Fisher asked MND what has been done to directly support Ukraine and coordinate with our international partners.
• In November 2022, Mr. Fisher re-tweeted a post by the CAF, which stated that the CAF is “working with international partners to detect, correct, and call out the Kremlin’s state-sponsored disinformation about Ukraine.”

Procurement and Defence Spending

• During the Supplementary Estimates (C) appearance at NDDN in March 2022, Mr. Fisher asked MND where she stands on the question of defence spending and resourcing for the CAF.
• At the same meeting, he asked the VCDS about the factors that challenge the ability to “spend on large capital projects as planned.”
• During a speech at the 2017-18 Main Estimates (as part of Committee of the Whole), Mr. Fisher emphasized the challenges related to the procurement process and the need to “continually improve our procurement systems.”
• During the same Committee of the Whole, Mr. Fisher requested an update from the MND and Parliamentary Secretary on the status of the AOPS procurement project, the RCN’s acquisition of ships under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, and aircraft fleets.

Cybersecurity

• Throughout the NDDN study on cybersecurity and cyberwarfare, Mr. Fisher asked witnesses for their views on the biggest cyber threats and on what the government could do to mitigate these risks.
• Mr. Fisher has also expressed interest in partnerships, notably how CAF and CSE work together on cyber, as well as “how Canada can better partner with the private sector to raise the cybersecurity bar” in Canada.

Domestic Operational Deployments

• At an NDDN meeting on Rising Domestic Operational Deployments and Challenges for the CAF in May 2022, Mr. Fisher asked witnesses if it might be appropriate to create a special reservist entity or a private entity to respond to natural disasters in Canada.

Recruitment and Retention

• During an NDDN meeting on Arctic security in October 2022, Mr. Fisher asked Defence witnesses to outline what the “investment in wellness” looks like for CAF members.
• At an NDDN meeting on recruitment and retention in April 2022, Mr. Fisher asked witnesses about Universality of Service. He wondered about the challenges it poses to recruitment and retention, and asked if modernizing this principle influenced recruitment and retention in other countries.
• During the same meeting, Mr. Fisher asked why members of the CAF are leaving service, and wondered what percentage of members leave the CAF due to grievances.
• At an NDDN meeting on Main Estimates in June 2022, Mr. Fisher wanted to know about the methods and programs that the CAF is using to recruit Canadians from diverse backgrounds.

Sexual Misconduct and Culture Change

• During the MND’s update to NDDN on the Arbour Report in December 2022, Mr. Fisher asked for an update on the 17 recommendations the MND had previously announced would begin immediately. At the same meeting, Mr. Fisher also requested that the MND provide an update on the changes that have been made to the Sexual Misconduct Response Centre, as well as any changes underway to “better support complainants, victims and survivors.”

Other interests

Environment

• In June 2022, Mr. Fisher introduced a petition on behalf of his constituents, calling on the Government to enact “just transition legislation” that would continue to reduce emissions while creating more green jobs and strengthening workers' rights.

Cheryl Gallant

CPC – Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke (ON)

Election to The House of Commons

• First elected: 2000
• Re-elected: 2004, 2006, 2008, 2011, 2015, 2019

Professional Background

• Business: Former Chief Administrative Director in a family-owned small business/professional practice; former group insurance executive with a major Canadian life insurance company
• Economy: Chairperson of the City of Pembroke Downtown Development Commission; member of Pembroke’s Economic Advisory Committee

Connection to DND/CAF

• Located in riding: CFB Petawawa, Arnprior Aerospace, and Chalk River Laboratories (a nuclear research facility)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Counsellor: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2022 – Present)
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canada-China Legislative Association (2013– Present); Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2004 – Present); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2017 – Present); Canada-Israel Interparliamentary Group (2014 – Present)
• Former Critic: Veterans Affairs (Associate) (2019 – 2021), Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (2019 – 2021); Small Business; Industry; Science, Research and Development; Canadian Heritage
• Former Deputy House Leader: Official Opposition (2001 – 2002)

Committee Membership

• Member: House Standing Committee on National Defence (2006 – Present)
• Former Vice Chair: House Standing Committee on National Defence (2016 – 2017)
• Former Member: House Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (2011); House Standing Committee on Natural Resources (2010 – 2011); House Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology (2002 – 2004; 2011 – 2015) and several others.

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

Recruitment and Retention

• During a National Defence committee (NDDN) meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in March 2022, Ms. Gallant criticized the fact that CAF recruits in basic training were isolated in their rooms once the pandemic started, which she stated led at least one recruit to commit suicide. She asked witnesses how to avoid a similar situation in the future, and what recommendations they would put forward to improve retention.
• During an April 2022 NDDN meeting on recruitment and retention, Ms. Gallant asked witnesses if it would it be beneficial to have a certain number of seats in medical school set aside for the military.
• During another NDDN meeting on the same study, Ms. Gallant asked National Defence witnesses if the CAF is planning or has future plans to “have a modern submarine capability in terms of the human workforce that’s needed to operate in these conditions.” She also asked when recruitment and training would begin for the F-35s.
• Additionally, Ms. Gallant expressed concern with vaccination mandates in the CAF and the alleged loss of pension and benefits for members who do not wish to be vaccinated. When speaking on this issue during MND’s briefing on her mandate and priorities in February 2022, she noted that “morale is at an all-time low” and the CAF is “short thousands of members.”
• During an October 2022 appearance at NDDN, Ms. Gallant asked the CDS how many people would be “ejected” from the military on the basis of their “refusal to take the vaccine.”
• At the same meeting, Ms. Gallant asked the CDS about the number of new recruits that will be on board the Harry DeWolf if it is “ready to conduct force generation activities after forfeiting its participation in Op NANOOK in 2022.”

Health Services in the CAF

• During NDDN meetings on CAF Health and Transition Services in spring 2023, Ms. Gallant regularly asked questions related to the accessibility of medical services and mental health support, as well as the wait time for these services.
• During an April 2022 NDDN meeting on recruitment and retention, Ms. Gallant asked CAF witnesses how many suicides and sexual assaults occurred at the Royal Military College in 2021.
• In 2020, Ms. Gallant tabled an OPQ related to the number of suicides and attempted suicides in the CAF (both active and former members), as well as the collection and maintenance of data for suicides and attempted suicides.
• Ms. Gallant posed short, direct questions to witnesses during the NDDN study on mental health in 2020, focusing on: weapon removal as a result of mental health issues; communication up a member’s Chain of Command when they may be at risk of suicide; and supports provided to soldiers suffering from PTSD, including after release.

Services and Transition Benefits for Veterans

• During committee meetings on Health services and Transition for CAF members in April and May 2023, Ms. Gallant asked “what steps need to be taken to have a seamless transfer between DND/CAF to Veterans Affairs, and a seamless interprovincial transfer of documents during service with the CAF versus immediately after discharge.”
• During a February 2020 Veterans Affairs Committee (ACVA) meeting, Ms. Gallant encouraged veterans and CAF members to reach out to her and her team so that they can work together to ensure a “seamless transition” into their civilian lives.
• Ms. Gallant joined a veterans’ protest on Parliament Hill in 2018, stating on her website that Canadian veterans are being “left in the cold” and that “the Prime Minister broke his promise to make it easier for veterans to access services.”

Continental Defence and Arctic Sovereignty

• During a May 2023 NDDN meeting on Main Estimates, Ms. Gallant asked the Minister of National Defence if Canada has made “any concrete progress in increasing its surveillance capabilities.”
• In March 2023, during an NDDN meeting on the Surveillance Balloon from the People's Republic of China, Ms. Gallant asked the CDS “why wasn't the Canadian public notified,” of these flying objects.
• During a November 2022 NDDN meeting on Arctic security, Ms. Gallant asked the Deputy Commander of NORAD whether foreign drones have been detected “in the air or subsurface waters” in the Canadian Arctic.
• At the same meeting, Ms. Gallant asked the Deputy Commander of NORAD when he anticipates that Canada’s North Warning System will be “adequate to detect threats we see emanating from Russia, China, or North Korea.”
• During NDDN meetings on threat analysis and CAF operational security in early 2022, Ms. Gallant asked witnesses if Canada is upholding its NORAD obligations. She also asked about the amount of money that has been allocated toward technology to detect “under-Arctic ice incursions” in Canadian waters.
• In addition, Ms. Gallant asked witnesses about the impact of the conflict in Ukraine on Canada’s defence and security, as well as Russian threats in the Canadian Arctic. She expressed concern about the “naval investment of China and Russia” in the Arctic, and asked witnesses whether Canada should “focus our efforts on the Canadian Arctic, in addition to holding up our NATO commitment.”

Russia and China

• During an NDDN meeting on Arctic security in October 2022, Ms. Gallant introduced a motion for the Committee to call the MND to appear and testify on “credible reports that RCAF-trained fighter pilots have undertaken employment by the People’s Republic of China to train their Air Force.” The motion passed.
• At an NDDN meeting on Arctic security in November 2022, Ms. Gallant asked the Deputy Commander of NORAD about the number of times NORAD has had to “scramble jets” due to Russian or Chinese incursions in the Arctic.
• During an NDDN meeting on threat analysis and CAF operational readiness in February 2022, Ms. Gallant asked witnesses how Canada’s threat environment is affected by Canada’s “indecision on banning Huawei to 5G.”
• During another meeting on this study in March 2022, Ms. Gallant asked witnesses how Canada should defend against the weaponization of data, as well as mass surveillance of Canadians and Chinese citizens.
• At another meeting on this study, Ms. Gallant asked witnesses how Russia carries out disinformation campaigns in Canada, and whether Canadian troops in Latvia have been subject to psychological warfare or cyber warfare by groups attributed to Russia and/or the Russian state.

Procurement and Defence Spending

• In May 2023, during NDDN meeting on Main Estimates, Ms. Gallant asked the Minister what will happen when NATO 2% target “becomes the floor at which we're supposed to be spending on defence.”
• During Question Period in June 2022, Ms. Gallant mentioned that a former official said that there is a $15-billion difference between “what is earmarked for defence and what is actually shown.” She then asked “if the funding is just being shown as defence spending so that our NATO contributions do not look so bad.”
• In November 2022, Ms. Gallant tabled an Order Paper Question (OPQ) about submarines, including – among other things – whether the Government intends to acquire nuclear or conventional submarines; whether the Government will increase the size of the submarine fleet; and the proposed costs of future submarines.
• In 2021, Ms. Gallant tabled an OPQ inquiring about: the full budget for the Canadian Surface Combatants; the total expected cost or value of the Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) policies on each vessel built under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS); and the full costing of the first Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship.
• During an NDDN meeting in March 2018, Ms. Gallant asked the DM to table reports or emails related to audits of Irving and measures taken to ensure competition and lowest prices to taxpayers under the NSS.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for CAF Members

• During an appearance on Main Estimates in June 2022, Ms. Gallant asked Minister Anand if Canadian troops deployed in Eastern Europe have the necessary equipment to protect them from chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats.
• During an appearance on Supplementary Estimates (C) at NDDN in March 2022, Ms. Gallant asked the VCDS about the amount being set aside for CBRN PPE.
• Ms. Gallant also tabled an OPQ related to CBRN PPE in March 2022, which inquired about inventory, storage, expiration dates, inspection, and the amount of PPE currently assigned to CAF personnel deployed in Eastern Europe.
• In 2020, Ms. Gallant tabled an OPQ, and expressed concern on several occasions at NDDN committee meetings, about access to PPE for CAF members, and the quality and type of PPE provided, particularly in relation to Op LASER and the CAF’s support in long-term care facilities.

Shelby Kramp-Neuman

CPC – Hastings–Lennox and Addington

Election to The House of Commons

• First elected: 2021

Professional Background

• Finance: Former Financial Advisor for Sun Life Financial (2009 – 2021)
• Government: Former Deputy Mayor for the municipality of Centre Hastings (2014 – 2018); former Councillor of the municipality of Centre Hastings (2003 – 2014); former employee of Global Affairs Canada, where she was selected to become a Canadian representative in Seattle, WA
• Education: Spent almost six years as a teacher, including time with the Prince Edward District School Board and at Loyalist College

Connection to DND/CAF

• Located near riding: 8-Wing CFB Trenton

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Critic: Associate Shadow Minister for National Defence (Recruitment and Retention) (October 2022 – Present)
• Former Critic: Shadow Minister for Seniors (2021 – 2022)
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canada-China Legislative Association (1 April 2022 – Present); Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (1 April 2022 – Present) and several others.

Committee Membership

• Member: Standing Committee on National Defence (October 2022 – Present); Standing Committee on the Status of Women (November 2021 – October 2022); Standing Committee on Health (November 2021 – February 2022)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

Recruitment and Retention

• During the MND’s appearance in front of the House Standing Committee of National Defence (NDDN) on December 13, 2022, Ms. Kramp-Neuman asked if the MND if she views her report to Parliament on the Arbour report recommendations is a “roadmap to getting more people to serve.”
• At a meeting of the House Standing Committee on National Defence (NDDN) on November 1, 2022, Ms. Kramp- Neuman stated that “without a strong plan for recruitment and retention, Canada will not have the troop numbers we need to achieve our current objectives.”
• On October 31, 2022, Ms. Kramp-Neuman asked a question on the Order Paper regarding the CAF Retention Strategy, including total costs and the number of employees who worked on the document.
• As an NDDN member, Ms. Kramp-Neuman has asked witnesses about changes made to improve the military lifestyle in order to increase recruitment of CAF members; the impact of the personnel crisis on NORAD and NATO commitments; and the recruitment and retention of fighter pilots.
• Throughout NDDN’s study on Arctic security, Ms. Kramp-Neuman has asked questions regarding the way in which the personnel crisis has impacted military operations in the Arctic; military presence in the Western Arctic; and the number of CAF members stationed in the Arctic.
• Ms. Kramp-Neuman also inquired in April 2023 about the danger of possible burnout in the CAF, asking if the CAF had enough capabilities to “maintain its stamina”.

Military Personnel and Culture Change

• On December 14, 2022, Ms. Kramp-Neuman tweeted that a “holistic institutional change of culture” needs to happen in the CAF. She noted that she appreciates and welcomes the Minister’s response to Mme Arbour’s report, but
  criticized the Government for allegedly waiting “seven years, multiple allegations and countless victims before they acted.”
• During MND’s appearance at NDDN on the Arbour report recommendations in December 2022, Ms. Kramp-Neuman pressed MND for a timeline on when she would report back regarding the progress being made, suggesting that “talk is very cheap – we need to actually see action.”
• On October 28, 2022, Ms. Kramp-Neuman indicated in the House of Commons that “according to reports in the National Post, the Canadian Armed Forces were warned that the recent inoculation mandate may have been illegal.”

CAF Housing

• Twice in the House of Commons in April and May 2023, and once during the House Standing Committee on National Defence in May 2023, Ms. Kramp-Neuman criticized the new Canadian Forces Housing Differential and the financial consequences it may have on CAF members.
• In April 2023, she also underscored the lack of heat and hot water at CFB Petawawa due to the Public Service strike vote.

Support for Ukraine

• In a February 2022 media article by In Quinte on the airlifting of military equipment to Ukraine, Ms. Kramp-Neuman stated that the Russia’s attack “not only violates Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity but also goes against international law and the Charter of the United Nations.” She also indicated that “Putin's actions should be met with severe consequences”, and noted she supports sanctions against Russia.
• Ms. Kramp-Neuman was listed as one of over 300 politicians and community leaders barred from entering Russia in 2022. In a media statement, she indicated this move was the Russian regime “grasping at anything they can” by banning Canadian lawmakers from the country.

Cybersecurity

• In general, Ms. Kramp-Neuman is interested in CAF cyber capabilities (i.e. gaps, cooperation with the private sector, recruitment of cyber experts in the CAF). She regularly asks questions about how the CAF’s current reconstitution efforts affect the development of its cyber-forces.

Veterans

• During House debate on the Economic and Fiscal Update Implementation Act, 2021 in February 2022, Ms. Kramp- Neuman claimed that “promises made to our veterans, seniors and small businesses have been broken.”

Op LASER

• During House debate on improvements to long-term care in April 2022, Ms. Kramp-Neuman referred to CAF’s provision of logistical support during Op LASER. She referenced the document that the CAF released chronicling “concerning shortcomings further exacerbated by COVID-19” at five long-term care facilities.

Arctic Security

• Ms. Kramp-Neuman was interested in knowing if the RCAF had enough resources to take down flying objects in the Canadian airspace.

Pat Kelly

CPC – Calgary Rocky Ridge

Election to The House of Commons

• First elected: 2015
• Re-elected: 2019, 2021

Professional Background

• Real Estate: Member of the Real Estate Council of Alberta (2013 – 2016); President of the Alberta Mortgage Brokers’ Association (2004 – 2005); Co-owner of The Mortgage Group Inc. (1994 – 2015)

Connection to DND/CAF

• Nil

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Critic: Shadow Minister for Prairie Economic Development (Advisor to the Leader, Economy) (2022 – Present)
• Critic: Shadow Cabinet Minister for Small Business and Western Economic Development (2020 – 2021)
• Critic: Associate Shadow Cabinet Minister for Finance (2019 – 2020)
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2016 – 2020); Canadian- United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (2016 – 2022)
• Other Parliamentary Roles: Treasury Board, Assistant Critic (2015 – 2017)

Committee Membership

• Member: National Defence (18 October 2022 – Present)
• Former Chair: Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics (13 December 2021 – 18 October 2022); Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics (17 December 2021 – 18 October 2022)
• Former Vice Chair: Liaison (2 February 2022 – 18 October 2022); Subcommittee on Committee Budgets of the Liaison Committee (2 February 2022 – 18 October 2022); Finance (16 February 2021 – 15 August 2021)
• Former Member: Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics (2021 – 2022; 2016 – 2017); Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics (2021 – 2022); Subcommittee on Committee Budgets of the Liaison Committee (2022); Liaison (2021 – 2022); Finance (2020 – 2021)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

Arctic Security

• At two NDDN appearances on Arctic security in October 2022, Mr. Kelly expressed concerns about Chinese and Russian activities and capabilities in the Arctic and the possibilities that they may cooperate in the region. He asked academic witnesses about the specific threats these actors pose to Canadian Arctic sovereignty.
• During debate on the Economic and Fiscal Update Implementation Act, 2021, in March 2022, Mr. Kelly indicated that Russia is a threat to Canada’s Arctic, as well as Canada’s territorial waters and aerospace. He highlighted that there is an “urgent need to prepare for our own self-defence and to increase our capacity to provide all forms of aid to our friends and allies.”

NORAD Modernization

• During MND’s appearance at NDDN in March 2023 on High Altitude Objects, Mr. Kelly inquired about NORAD Modernization and its funding.

Support for Ukraine

• In April 2023 during a NDDN meeting, Mr. Kelly asked about the sustainability of the current Canadian deployment to Ukraine. He noted that some Allies were skeptical of Canada’s ability to maintain its commitments to NATO.
• In March 2022, Mr. Kelly released a statement on Canada’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in which he stated that he “supports steps the government has taken so far to support Ukraine”, but noted he “will continue to demand additional immediate support for Ukraine, swift action in strengthening Canada’s ability to defend itself and our allies, and long term action to ensure Canada plays a greater role in international energy security.”
• During debate on the Economic and Fiscal Update Implementation Act, 2021, in March 2022, Mr. Kelly expressed his support for providing Ukraine with financial, humanitarian, logistical, and lethal military aid following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Procurement

• Mr. Kelly stated in April 2023 that Canada had “a very long history of astonishingly slow military procurement.”

Defense Spending

• Mr. Kelly asked a former Canadian ambassador to NATO in April 2023 if not meeting NATO 2% target was undermining Canada’s commitment to the Alliance.

Canadian Armed Forces Personnel

• During the MND’s update to NDDN on the Arbour report recommendations in December 2022, Mr. Kelly suggested that “seven years went by with no action on the Deschamps report”, and called the government’s track record on this issue “abysmal.” He further stated that “consultations don’t protect victims, action will.”
• During the same meeting, Mr. Kelly suggested that the MND should “commit today to an expeditious legislative process to implement” Recommendation 5 of the Arbour report (related to CAF Jurisdiction).
• During an October 2022 NDDN appearance, Mr. Kelly questioned Defence witnesses about the “top positions” in the Canadian Armed Forces that cannot be filled, and where the “critical shortages” lie.

Cybersecurity

• Mr. Kelly noted in March 2023 that “cyber-threats go faster than government decision-making processes.”

Andy Fillmore

LPC – Halifax

Election to The House of Commons

• First elected: 2015

Professional Background

• Private/Public Work: Founder of Interurban Planning & Design, Manager of Urban Design for the City of Halifax (2005), Director of Dalhousie University School of Planning, Vice President of Planning & Development of the Waterfront Development Corporation Ltd
• Education: Bachelor of Architecture, Dalhousie University (1990), Graduate degree in Urban and Rural Planning (1992), Graduate Degree in Design Studies, Harvard Graduate School of Design (1995)

Connection to DND/CAF

• CFB Halifax falls in Mr. Fillmore’s riding.

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Former Parliamentary Secretary: Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry (2021-2023), Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism (2018-2019), Minister of Democratic Institutions(2017 – 2019), Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (2017-2018)
• Former Chairman: Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs (2016 – 2017), Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs (2016-2017)

Committee Membership

• Member: Standing Committee on National Defence (2023-Present)
• Former Member: Standing Committee on Industry and Technology (2021-2023), Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (2020-2021), Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020-2020), Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs (2016 – 2017), Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs (2016-2017), Liaison Committee (2016-2017)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

NATO DIANA

• On hosting NATO DIANA, Mr. Fillmore noted that “This is going to put Halifax on the international map for NATO for peacekeeping, for those interested in peace and averting war. The idea is…to position our local defence network and technology sector in a way that can help position technology for peace in the future”

Foreign Interference

• Mr. Fillmore has sought to clarify the terminology and potential consequences for limiting the ability of the People’s Republic of China to invest or acquire Canadian assets and vice versa.

Green Economy

• As Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, Mr. Fillmore regularly discussed the need for clarity in legislation regarding federal investment in green technologies, particularly regarding the role of the Minister of Industry and the involvement of municipalities

Military Personnel/Bases in Mr. Fillmore’s Riding

• Mr. Fillmore’s riding is home to CFB Halifax & HMC Dockyard Halifax, home of Maritime Forces Atlantic (MARLANT) and Canadian Fleet Atlantic (CANFLTLANT)

Date modified:

2024-03-25