Tokyo – Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, concluded a successful visit to the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Japan. In the Republic of Korea, Minister Blair visited the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on September 9 and met with Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel serving with the United Nations Command (UNC), including its Deputy Commander, Lieutenant-General Derek Macaulay. Minister Blair …
Canada announces contract award for maintenance of Leopard 2 tanks
Gatineau – As part of Canada’s defence policy, Our North, Strong and Free, the federal government is committed to supporting members of our Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) with the modern equipment they need to complete their missions and keep Canadians safe. Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, and Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, announced that the federal government …
Brampton Transit honours Veterans with free service to the Warriors’ Day Parade
BRAMPTON – On Saturday, August 17, 2024, Brampton Transit is offering free, all-day transit service for Canadian War Veterans (former members of the Canadian Armed Forces) and one companion to travel to and from the Warriors’ Day Parade in Toronto. A Veteran can be identified by producing a Brampton Transit “War Veteran Pass” or any of the following items: Medals …
Minister Sajjan updates on wildfires situation in Alberta
Ottawa – Harjit S. Sajjan, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, issued the following statement: “Wildfires have been extremely active during the past few days in Alberta and the risk to communities continues to be significant due to the number of fires, …
Sexual Misconduct Support, Resource Centre funds 11 new projects
Ottawa – Increasing access to support services across Canada for members of the wider Defence community who have been affected by sexual misconduct is a priority for the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). The Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC) announced that its Community Support for Sexual Misconduct Survivors Grant Program recently began …
Expanded Early Retirement Eligibility under Public Service Pension Plan
Ottawa – The federal public service pension plan, established through the Public Service Superannuation Act, provides employees of the federal public service and more than 60 other participating organizations, including the three territorial governments, with an income payable upon retirement. Benefits are generally based on an employee’s salary, pensionable service, and age. As of March 31, 2023, there were almost 400,000 …
Federal ministers meet with Premiers of Nunavut, Yukon, Northwest Territories
Iqaluit – Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence; Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, met with P.J. Akeeagok, Premier of Nunavut; Ranj Pillai, Premier of Yukon; and R.J. Simpson, Premier of the Northwest Territories. Ministe Blair hosted today’s meeting in Iqaluit to brief the Premiers with an update on Arctic and northern security in advance …
Groundbreaking on new defence facility in Yellowknife
Yellowknife – Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, the Honourable R.J. Simpson, Premier of the Northwest Territories, and Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories broke ground on the new National Defence Multipurpose Facility in Yellowknife. Once completed, this facility will enhance the mobility, reach, and footprint of the Canadian Armed Forces …
Federal investments for wildfire response and recovery
Behchokǫ̀ – The 2023 wildfire season was the worst on record and resulted in the evacuation of more than 95 Indigenous communities. The Northwest Territories were particularly hard hit, and up to 350 Canadian Armed Forces members were deployed to the territory in response to the wildfire situation last year when the territory requested federal assistance. As part of these …
Canada makes significant investments in defence
Ottawa – One of the most important roles of any government is to protect its country and its people. In a rapidly changing world, we are committed to fulfilling this essential responsibility. This is why our government has made significant investments in Defence, more than doubling the budget of the Department of National Defence between 2016-2017 and 2026-2027. But our world has evolved …