Vanguard Magazine

Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan announced at CANSEC 2018 Canada's first and new Defence Investment Plan. The Defence Investment Plan 2018 provides an overview of how the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) will be funded in the coming years to en- sure it is well equipped to execute missions appointed by the govern- ment. The Plan also outlines the policy for funding decisions made by the Defence Team, which is made up of CAF personnel and Department of National Defence (DND) civilian employees. Included in the Plan is an online, searchable tool called the Defence Capabilities Blueprint (DCB). It provides information to help support planning for R&D, strategic partnerships, and over 200 projects and contracts searchable by keyword or in one of Canada's 16 Key Industrial Capabilities. These 16 capabilities resulted from consultations with over 300 industry and academic stakeholders to align with Canada's defence policy, Strong Secure, Engaged (SSE), and the Innovation and Skills Plan. The 16 Key Industrial Capabilities include: Emerging Technologies 1. Advanced Materials 2. Artificial Intelligence 3. Cyber Resilience 4. Remotely-piloted Systems and Autonomous Technologies 5. Space Systems Leading Competencies and Critical Industrial Services 6. Aerospace Systems and Components 7. Armour 8. Defence Systems Integration 9. Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Systems 10. Ground Vehicle Solutions 11. In-Service Support 12. Marine Ship-Borne Mission and Platform Systems 13. Munitions 14. Shipbuilding, Design and Engineering Services 15. Sonar and Acoustic Systems 16. Training and Simulation Minister Sajjan announces Defence Investment Plan 2018 Canadian Army hosts event for Indigenous Awareness Week The DCB, like the previous Defence Acquisition Guide (DAG), provides industry access to planning information such as funding ranges and project timelines and include the following: A. Projects: Capital equipment or infrastructure projects with a value of over $5 million that are planned and funded under SSE B. Support Contracts: In-service support contracts and professional services contracts with an expected value of greater than $20 mil- lion that will be awarded in the coming years to support the capa- bilities being delivered under SSE C. SSE projects: Which are noted and identified "The Defence Investment Plan delivers on our commitment in Strong, Secure, Engaged to provide Canadians with greater transparency on defence spending," said Minister Sajjan. "It will provide industry with more information on our government's defence investments in order to provide the equipment and infrastructure our women and men in uni- form need to do their jobs." The Plan will be updated every year and approved by the Treasury Board every three years. 8 JUNE/JULY 2018 www.vanguardcanada.com sit rep In May, the Canadian Army hosted a commemorative event at National De- fence Headquarters in Ottawa, as part of Indigenous Awareness Week. "Dancing in Unison," the theme of the event, considers the past while looking to the future, where all, whether Indigenous or non-Indigenous, can build a better society and a better Canada. Living in a diverse coun- try gives the opportunity to learn about different cultures and traditions, improving inclusion for everyone. Brigadier-General Jocelyn Paul gave the keynote address, and Lieu- tenant-General Paul Wynnyk, Commander, Canadian Army and Defence Team Champion for Indigenous Peoples also spoke. "Diversity is a source of strength and flexibility, and plays a pivotal role in ensuring that we stand strong, proud, and ready to serve Canadians and meet ever more complex challenges at home and abroad," said LGen Wynnyk. Other activities at the event include Inuit throat singing, drum danc- ing, a display of artifacts, demonstrations of traditional artisanry, and the opportunity to sample Indigenous foods. During the week, members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the Department of National Defence (DND) are hosting similar events at various locations across Canada. The CAF supports many initiatives designed to help the military population reflect the diversity of Canada's population, including Indig- enous youth development programs and outreach efforts in communi- ties across Canada. Indigenous people make up about 2.7 per cent of the military and 3.1 per cent of the civilian Defence Team populations. "I am proud to celebrate the culture and history of the Indigenous peoples and to recognize the great contributions they have made to the CAF and the DND," said LGen Wynnyk.

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