The Canadian government, through the Department of National Defence, is set to implement a new defense industrial strategy to meet NATO's 2% GDP spending goal by March. The plan includes acquiring new drones, armored vehicles, aircraft, and underwater sensors to bolster surveillance capabilities in the Arctic, as well as merging the Canadian Coast Guard into the department and raising military pay.

The Department of National Defence, as part of the recent Defence Policy Update 'Our North Strong and Free', is compelled to implement significant budget cuts—$850M in the current year and $900M going forward—amidst mixed messages on funding levels. These measures raise concerns over military readiness, recruitment, and long-term strategic capability.

The Department of National Defence released its 2023-2024 annual report detailing its compliance with the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act. The report describes how DND integrated Public Service and Procurement Canada’s updated general conditions and anti-forced labour contract clauses into its procurement practices to mitigate risks associated with forced and child labour in its supply chains.

The Department of National Defence unveiled a new policy promising billions in defence spending over the next decades. The policy includes investments in advanced surveillance systems, long-range missile capabilities, and other military equipment aimed at modernizing Canada’s armed forces. Critics argue that such enhancements risk augmenting state repression and militarism.

On August 15, 2023, Minister Bill Blair announced significant changes to the Canadian Armed Forces grievance and harassment process. These reforms, which allow CAF members to bypass internal complaint channels and directly file with the Canadian Human Rights Commission, aim to improve accountability and support for individuals experiencing sexual harassment and discrimination.

The article outlines how Budget 2023 reinforces stable and increased funding for the Department of National Defence, including plans to modernize NORAD and bolster Canada’s defence capabilities. This financial commitment supports initiatives to counter foreign interference and uphold democratic values against authoritarian threats.

The article details how the Department of National Defence’s MilStratCom initiative sought to rebrand traditional public affairs into a strategy of 'ethical influence' by employing aggressive propaganda tactics, including tweet storms and efforts to discredit media. These actions, aimed at influencing domestic public opinion, raised serious concerns about undermining transparency, public trust, and democratic accountability.