Question Period Note: Canadian Armed Forces Support to the Whole-of-Government Response to COVID-19

Why is the Canadian Armed Forces not doing more to help Canadians in response to COVID-19?

• The Canadian Armed Forces has been a key part of the Government's whole-of-government response to COVID-19.
• In February, the military supported the repatriation of Canadians by providing medical teams on flights and housing at CFB Trenton.
• In March, the Prime Minister announced the mobilization of up to 24,000 Regular and Reserve members to help Canadians at home. 
• Currently, our women and men in uniform are answering the call to help Canadians. For example:
  • The Canadian Rangers are providing support to First Nations communities and municipalities across the country;
  • Military members are providing assistance to residents in long-term care facilities in Quebec and Ontario; and
  • Personnel are making telephone calls in support to Health Ontario, alongside with Health Canada, to assist with contact tracing.
• Canadian Armed Forces planners and liaison officers are also embedded in federal and provincial organizations to help coordinate requests for assistance.
• National Defence will continue to work with all levels of government to provide the support Canadians need, when they need it.

Responsible Principals: Canadian Joint Operations Command, Strategic Joint Staff, Assistant Deputy Minister (Policy)

QUICK FACTS

Operation LASER preparations include:

• Reserve Force: Approximately 7,000 Reservists are being employed on a full-time basis to supplement the Regular Force.
• Canadian Rangers: Approximately 1,260 Canadian Rangers have been mobilized to support Northern, remote, and Indigenous communities as needed. 
• Royal Canadian Navy: The Royal Canadian Navy have prepared two ships, to assist coastal communities on short-notice.
  • Crews have been in isolation in Halifax, to ensure they are ready to assist as required.

Operation GLOBE activities have included:

• Canadian Armed Forces: A total of 270 personnel were deployed, working alongside The Public Health Agency of Canada, Global Affairs, and other Government partners.
• The Canadian Armed Forces assisted in the repatriation and quarantine of a total of 870 individuals at CFB Trenton, and the NAVCENTRE, Cornwall.
  • Including an additional 42 Canadian Armed Forces members and other Government of Canada personnel.