Vanguard Magazine

4 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2024 www.vanguardcanada.com E D I T O R' S N O T E There's an old saying parents often use: "The days are long, but the years are short." Raising children can feel like a grind, and it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day list of endless chores. But be- fore we know it, our children are grown, and we're left wondering where the time went. This sentiment came to mind while putting together this issue of Vanguard, which takes a close look at the state of Canada's submarine fleet. It's clear that we are now facing some very important—and suddenly very pressing—decisions that have unfolded slowly over decades. There's perhaps no one better suited to weigh in on these questions than Capt(N) Norman Jolin [Ret'd], who contributes two insightful articles to this issue of Van- guard. In his first article, "Group Up! A Case for Accelerated Canadian Subma- rine Procurement," Jolin highlights the urgent need to replace Canada's aging Victoria-class submarines. Acquired from the British Royal Navy in 1998, these sub- marines are now over 30 years old. While Canada's 2017 defence policy committed to modernizing them, the new 2024 up- date, "Our North, Strong and Free," calls for renewing and expanding the fleet, with an emphasis on under-ice capable, conven- tionally powered submarines. Jolin argues that Canada must act quick- ly to procure new submarines, as main- taining and upgrading the current fleet is becoming increasingly expensive and unsustainable. He proposes accelerating the procurement process by selecting a proven, in-service design through a rapid invitation to qualify process. This, he sug- gests, would ensure timely replacement while alleviating the financial burden of maintaining today's fleet. In his second article, "Feasible but Un- realistic: The Quixotic Quest for a Nuclear Submarine," Jolin critiques the idea of Canada pursuing nuclear-powered sub- marines (SSNs) as a feasible replacement. While on paper SSNs offer undeniable advantages, he argues that the immense costs and logistical challenges associated with acquiring, maintaining, and operat- ing nuclear submarines make this option impractical Instead, Jolin advocates for focusing on modern conventional subma- rines, which would still provide Canada with significant strategic capabilities while avoiding the overwhelming costs and po- litical challenges that come with SSNs. This issue of Vanguard also explores other important aspects of naval policy. Colonel (Retired) Pierre Leblanc contrib- utes an article urging stricter enforcement of the Polar Code in Canada's Arctic wa- ters to reduce the risk of accidents and loss of life. Implemented in 2017, the code sets standards for ship design, crew qualifi- cations, and safety equipment in polar re- gions. As global warming increases mari- time access to the Arctic, shipping traffic is rising—particularly from adventurers, super yachts, and cruise ships—raising concerns about safety. Leblanc emphasizes that it is time for Canada to rigorously enforce the code to prevent avoidable ac- cidents and loss of life in this challenging environment. As I write this, the Vanguard team and I are also busy preparing for the Best De- fence Conference, which will take place October 22-23 in London, Ontario. We're proud to serve as this year's official media partner. On November 14th, we will be host- ing the 5th annual Deep Blue Forum. The theme this year will be on Transi- tion: Preparing for the in-country sup- port of a new submarine, we have a stellar line up of speakers, an event not to miss. For more information visit, https://deepblueforum.ca. Terri Pavelic, Editor-in-Chief EDITORIAL E D I TO R-I N-C H I E F | T E R R I PAV E L I C terri@promotivemedia.ca P U B L I S H E R A N D E X E C U T I V E E D I TO R | J. R I C H A R D J O N E S john@promotivemedia.ca CO N T R I B U T I N G E D I TO R | M I C H A E L MacM I L LA N CONTRIBUTORS N O R M A N J O L I N P I E R R E L E B LA N C I A N M AC K T I M LO U G H E E D J E A N-F RA N ÇO I S S É G U I N EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD LG E N S T U A RT B E A R E (R E T'D) CO L R I C H A R D F AWC E TT (R E T'D) CA PT(N) N O R M J O L I N (R E T'D) CO L P I E R R E L E B LA N C (R E T'D) CA R I N N A L I N S H A N N O N M CC L U R E SALES D I R E CTO R, CO N T E N T & B U S I N E S S D E V E LO P M E N T | DAV I D B LO N D E A U david@promotivemedia.ca ART & PRODUCTION A RT D I R E CTO R | E L E N A PA N KOVA elena@promotivemedia.ca S U B S C R I P T I O N S A N D A D D R E S S C H A N G E S C I RC U LAT I O N S E RV I C E S | circulation@promotivemedia.ca Publisher's Mail Agreement: 40052410 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to circulation dept. 21374, 2nd Concession Rd, East Gwillimbury, ON, L9N 0H7 Vanguard magazine is published 6 times per year by Promotive Communications Inc. All opinions expressed herein are those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or any person or organization associated with the magazine. Letters, submissions, comments and suggested topics are welcome, and should be sent to terri@promotivemedia.ca REPRINT INFORMATION: Reproduction or photocopying is prohibited without the publisher's prior written consent. High quality reprints of articles and additional copies of the magazine are available through circulation@promotivemedia.ca PRIVACY POLICY: We do not sell our mailing list or share any confidential information on our subscribers. VANGUARD OFFICE 21374, 2nd Concession Rd, East Gwillimbury, ON, L9N 0H7 Phone: (905) 727-3875 THE FORUM FOR CANADA'S SECURITY AND DEFENCE COMMUNITY

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