Question Period Note: URGENT OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENT PROCUREMENT

• The Canadian Armed Forces must remain a modern, capable, combat-ready military that can keep Canada secure and contribute to a more peaceful world.
• That is why we are delivering on major procurement projects, including new ships, new aircraft, and new vehicles for the Canadian Armed Forces.
• We also know that we have to be at the ready to respond to a fast-changing global security environment, including through our procurement processes.
• In fact, in Budget 2022, we set aside $1.4 billion for immediate investments in equipment and technology to increase military capabilities.
• This includes urgent operational requirements, for which we are proceeding with three key projects, including Portable Anti-Material Missile, Air Defence, and Counter Uncrewed Air Systems.
• All three are moving well through the procurement system.
• We are committed to meeting 21st century security challenges, including by providing our Armed Forces with the equipment they need, when they need it.

IF PRESSED ON TIMELINES AND EQUIPPING THE CANADIAN ARMED FORCES:
• Defence procurement is a whole-of-government effort, and we are working to improve the speed at which we are delivering capabilities, while also considering more innovative approaches to procurement.
• We will remain transparent as we work with industry to find efficiencies, accelerate project timelines, while generating economic opportunities and benefits for the Canadian economy.

• Budget 2022 proposes to provide $6.1 billion over five years, starting in 2022-23, with $1.3 billion in remaining amortization, and $1.4 billion ongoing to the Department of National Defence in order to meet our defence priorities, including our continental defences, commitments to our allies, and for investments in equipment and technology to immediately increase the capabilities of the Canadian Armed Forces.

None