Members of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (the committee) are undertaking a study on federal defence procurement to ensure the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) have the adequate infrastructure, equipment and technology to successfully fulfill their role. For the last several years, the committee has followed some of the most significant defence procurement projects through its studies on the main and supplementary estimates and during meetings with government officials. In addition, in 2020, it asked the Parliamentary Budget Officer to complete costing analyses of some of the large vessels being constructed under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS).

On 15 February 2022, the committee commenced two studies on major defence procurement projects: one on air defence procurement projects and one on the NSS. Both are initiatives used to make long-term investments to enhance the CAF and CCG capabilities as outlined in Canada’s defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged. The focus of the studies was two-fold: first, to obtain comprehensive status updates on the NSS and the bidding process for the replacement of the CF-18 aircraft fleet, and second, to study the main challenges impacting air defence procurement projects and the vessel construction and delivery under the NSS.

The committee is presenting an interim report summarizing the testimony of witnesses who described the procurement process and various defence procurement projects while identifying potential solutions to address the most significant challenges. Members will consider all testimony and briefs they receive as part of these studies to prepare their final report and formulate recommendations to the federal government. They plan to present a comprehensive report with recommendations to the federal government in Fall 2022.

This interim report provides background information on the defence procurement process, air defence procurement projects and the NSS. It also discusses the most important challenges identified by witnesses.