Question Period Note: National Defence VIP Flights

Why is this Government using scarce Canadian Armed Forces resources to fly senior officials?

• National Defence operates fleets of aircraft that fulfill critical roles for the Government of Canada.

• These aircraft provide safe and secure travel to locations in Canada and abroad for Government officials.

• As with any flights, costs are incurred related to catering, airport fees, local taxes and disposal of waste.

• Final catering costs are determined by the selection of the flight menu, which is approved by Global Affairs Canada in concert with the trip requestor as required.

• We continue to ensure that flight costs are minimized while ensuring that flight and food safety standards, as well as operational mission requirements are met.

If pressed on the size of National Defence’s delegations

• National Defence takes its responsibility as a steward of public funds seriously.

• As part of its mandate to protect Canada and Canadians, it is critical that Government officials foster and maintain close ties with Allies.

• This includes face-to-face meetings at NATO and other conferences with Allies and partners.

• This work is all the more important in the current security environment and the crisis in Ukraine.

Quick Facts

Other use of the aircraft: The Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft fulfill critical roles for the Department of National Defence, the Canadian Armed Forces, and the Government of Canada, including:

• Rapidly deployable medical and military transport to theatres of operation;

• Secure and reliable transport for Government officials.

Use of VIP transport

• DND provides secure VIP transport at the request of the Government.

• Global Affairs Canada provides DND with passenger lists and destinations for trips

  • As the owners of aircraft assets, DND organizes the air travel logistics for reaching the requested destination.

Selection of flight menu

• The RCAF flight steward will coordinate with Global Affairs Canada Protocol Office which then coordinates with the respective VIP office.

• Once the final menu has been approved by the GAC Protocol Office, the Squadron then places the order with the appropriate caterers.

Catering costs include:

• The cost of food, non-alcoholic beverages, and associated fees, including catering handling and delivery, storage, cleaning and disposal of international waste, airport taxes, administrative fees, security charges, and local taxes.

• Catering costs are driven by available catering options at airports globally

Responsible Principals: Royal Canadian Air Force, Assistant Deputy Minister (Policy)