House Standing Committee on National Defence (NDDN), Supplementary Estimates C, Chief, Appearance, March 23, 2022

Table of contents

• Appearance details
  • Minister of National Defence’s opening remarks
• Committee information and potential questions
  • Standing committee on National Defence 44th Parliament, 1st session
  • Backgrounder on the Standing Committee on National Defence (NDDN)
  • Potential questions and answers
  • Media lines
• CSE’s supplementary estimates C 2021-22 specific issue notes
  • Overview note: CSE’s supplementary estimates 2021-22
  • Line item – Extending Canada’s Middle East strategy
  • Line item – Transfer from Shared Services Canada to CSE
  • Line item – Transfer from Department of National Defence to CSE
  • Line item – Transfer from CSE to Treasury Board Secretariat
  • Line item – Transfer from CSE to Global Affairs
• CSE issue notes
  • CSE highlights of Minister of National Defence's mandate letter commitments
  • Foreign interference and cyber threats to democratic processes
  • 5G (Huawei)
  • Ransomware
  • Operation UNIFIER
  • Cyber security and recent cyber incidents
  • The National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICoP) report
• DND issue notes
  • Cyber capabilities
• Additional supporting documents

Appearance details

Date: Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Location: Virtual

Time: 3:30 to 5:30 pm

Appearing:

Hon. Anita Anand, P.C., M.P., Minister of National Defence (first hour only)

Supporting:

• Shelly Bruce, Chief, Communications Security Establishment
• LGen Allen, Vice-Chief of Defence Staff
• Bill Matthews, Deputy Minister of National Defence
• Cheri Crosby, Chief Financial Officer / Assistant Deputy Minister (Finance)
• Troy Crosby, Assistant Deputy Minister (Materiel)
• Shoba Ranganathan, A/Executive Director, Sexual Misconduct Response Centre (SMRC)

Details: The Minister of National Defence will appear before the House Standing Committee on National Defence to discuss Supplementary Estimates C, 2021-2022.

Minister of National Defence’s opening remarks

Speaker: MND
Event: Appearance at NDDN for Supplementary Estimates C (Short Version)
Date: March 23, 2022

Introduction

Mister Chair,

Members of the Standing Committee on National Defence,

Je vous remercie pour cette opportunité de discuter du Budget supplémentaire des dépenses C pour le ministère de la Défense nationale, les Forces armées canadiennes et le Centre de la sécurité des télécommunications.

Le mois dernier, lorsque j'étais ici pour souligner les engagements de ma lettre de mandat, je vous ai parlé de certains de nos efforts en cours au sein de notre organisation pour défendre le Canada, protéger l'Amérique du Nord et renforcer nos contributions à l'OTAN.

The crisis in Ukraine over the past month has underscored the importance of that work, and of upholding Canada’s military presence across the globe. I had the opportunity to reaffirm and further discuss Canada’s commitments just last week, when I joined my counterparts from all 30 NATO countries during the Extraordinary Defence Ministers Meeting in Brussels.

In the face of our biggest challenges, we must remain engaged internationally with our allies and partners in the name of peace, security, freedom, and democracy, while also safeguarding our own borders and people.

And we recognize that the people that serve in the Canadian Armed Forces are the most valuable and most essential element of Canada’s defence.

The strength of our armed forces comes down to the well-being of those who serve in it. All that we do, from procurement to healthcare to culture change, must be focused on the people who put service before self, the members of our armed forces.

These priorities are reflected in the $673.3 million we are requesting in these Estimates, which is what I am here to discuss today.

Grâce à ce financement, nous allons maintenir nos engagements internationaux, faire d'autres investissements dans nos Forces armées canadiennes, accélérer nos efforts de changement de culture et consolider notre empreinte physique et digitale à travers le pays.

J'aimerais vous parler un peu plus de chacun de ces domaines aujourd'hui.

Support for people

Nos efforts sur la scène mondiale ne sont possibles que grâce à notre personnel qualifié et dévoué des Forces armées canadiennes et au personnel civil qui les soutient dans l'accomplissement de leurs tâches essentielles.

Everywhere I go, in Canada and around the world, people say that they want more Canadian Armed Forces. They want more Canada.

This is one of the reasons why we need to invest in our people. We are only as strong as the people who volunteer to wear a military uniform.

We know our people are at their best when we work to ensure their success and their wellbeing.

Where they are well-supported throughout their entire careers…

Where they receive fair compensation for their work…

And where they feel safe, respected, and protected every single day.

Simply put, our armed forces need to know that Canadians and the government have their back.

Comme nous l'avons vu lors de la pandémie de COVID-dix-neuf (COVID-19), et comme nous le voyons régulièrement lors de catastrophes naturelles, nos forces armées sont là quand nous avons besoin d’elles… nous devons être là quand elles ont besoin de nous.

To that end, we are requesting:

• $108.9 million to expand long-term disability and life insurance coverage for CAF members
• $25.6 million towards the CAF’s health care plan
• $8.5 million to increase compensation for certain occupations within the CAF—including pilots, Special Operations Forces, and Search and Rescue Technicians
• $6.7 million towards the Restorative Engagement portion of the DND/CAF Sexual Misconduct Class Action Settlement
• $4.5 million and $3.8 million to address gender—based violence, and expand the reach and service of the Sexual Misconduct Response Centre.

Engaged in the world

To ensure we maintain our much-needed presence in the world, we are requesting funding for several ongoing CAF missions, including:

• $27.4 million for Operation UNIFIER in Ukraine
• $65.5 million for Op REASSURANCE in Eastern and central Europe
• $129.5 million for Op IMPACT in the Middle East
• And $5.6 million for peace support operations in Africa.

Nous demandons également cent-trois (103) millions de dollars pour soutenir l’Initiative pour la disponibilité opérationnelle de l’OTAN.

Face à l'incertitude mondiale, nous devons maintenir nos solides relations avec nos alliés et nos partenaires aux vues similaires.

Additional funding

Bon nombre des éléments inclus dans ce Budget supplémentaire des dépenses C concernent également l'empreinte physique et digitale de notre organisation.

Plus particulièrement, nous demandons quatre-vingt-deux virgule cinq (82,5) millions de dollars pour moderniser et protéger nos plateformes de gestion de l'information et de technologie.

Cela va nous aider à gagner en efficacité de plusieurs façons, notamment en nous permettant de prendre des décisions plus judicieuses et plus rapides lorsque nous planifions l'avenir.

We’re also requesting:

• Funding to purchase or upgrade of defence sites across the country, including in Edmonton and at CFB Valcartier.
• $10 million in un-spent funding carried over for the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security—or IDEaS—program.
• Millions of dollars of transfers to and from other government organizations to fund joint efforts; and,
• An increase of our statutory authorities by $32 million, to sustain legislated items like employee benefit and retirement plans.

Conclusion

Mister Chair, it’s no secret that our organization is facing challenges—within our ranks, and in our efforts to safeguard our country while remaining engaged abroad.

Le financement demandé dans le présent Budget supplémentaire des dépenses C couvre une large gamme de priorités, compte tenu de ces défis.

By approving these requests, we will ensure our people in uniform remain well-positioned, well-supported, and well-equipped in a time of change and uncertainty.

Thank you. Merci. I look forward to your questions.

Committee information and potential questions

Standing committee on National Defence 44th Parliament, 1st session

• Hon. John McKay, Chair, LPC (Scarborough-Guildwood, ON)
• Hon. Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Vice-Chair, CPC (South Surrey-White Rock, BC)
• Christine Normandin, Vice-Chair, BQ (Saint-Jean, QC)
• Todd Doherty, CPC (Cariboo – Prince George, BC)
• Darren Fisher, LPC (Dartmouth – Cole Harbour, NS)
• Cheryl Gallant, CPC (Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke, ON)
• Lindsay Mathyssen, NDP (London-Fanshawe, ON)
• Bryan May, LPC (Cambridge, ON)
• Glen Motz, CPC (Medicine Hat – Cardston – Warner, AB)
• Jennifer O'Connell, LPC (Pickering-Uxbridge, ON)
• Yves Robillard, LPC (Marc-Aurele-Fortin, QC)
• Sven Spengemann, LPC (Mississauga-Lakeshore, ON)

Hon. John Mckay, Chair, LPC (Scarborough-Guildwood, ON)

• NDDN since 2021 (former NDDN member 2011-13)
• Former Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence

Key interests

National defence, human rights

Election to the House of Commons

• First elected in 1997; re-elected in 2015

Professional background

• B.A. in Arts from the University of Toronto Scarborough
• LL.B. from Queen’s University
• Lawyer

Committee membership

• Chair of the Standing Committee on National Defence (2021-)
• Chair of the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on National Defence
• Member of the Standing Committee on Liaison (2021-)
• Chair of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (2017 to 2021)
  • Chair, Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security
• Former Vice-Chair on the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development (2013 to 2015)
• Former member of the Standing Committee on National Defence (2011 to 2013)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Former Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence (2015 to 2017)
• Former Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance (2003 to 2005)
• Former Critic for National Defence (2011-2013), Environment (2013 to 2015), Industry (2008 to 2009), and Treasury Board (2006 to 2007)
• Co-Chair of the Canada-US Interparliamentary Group (2021-)
• Chair of the Canada-UK Interparliamentary Group (2020-)
• Counsellor of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2020-)
• Canadian Branch of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (2021-)

Points of interest to CSE

• One of the few Government-side MPs who voted in favour of the CPC’s Opposition Motion in November 2020, which called on the Government to make a decision on the Huawei Ban
• During SECU’s study of Bill C-59 asked what contributions the Bill would make to address cyber threats to private infrastructure
• Public Safety Committee, December 2020: McKay expressed concern surrounding the lack of clarity for reporting cyber incidents for Canadians

Other interests

• Human rights, trade, unions, law

Hon. Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Vice-Chair, CPC (South Surrey-White Rock, BC)

• NDDN since 2021
• Shadow Minister for National Defence

Key interests

CAF support, small businesses, law

Election to the House of Commons

• First elected in 2011, re-elected in 2019

Professional background

• Studied history, political science and law at the University of British Columbia
• Completed advanced courses at Harvard Law School and Rotman’s School of Management in Toronto
• Established a law practice in Vancouver
• Established her own law firm, KFindlay Law Group, in 2019
• Served as a BC appointee on the Delta Police Board

Committee membership

• Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on National Defence (2021-)
  • Member of Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on National Defence
• Member of the Special Committee on Afghanistan (2021-)
• Vice-Chair of the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying (2021)
• Member of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights (2020 to 2021)
• Vice-Chair and Member of the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development (2020)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Shadow Minister for National Defence (2021-)
• Shadow Minister for Environment and Climate Change (2019 to 2020)
• Minister of National Revenue (2013 to 2015)
• Associate Minister of National Defence (2013)
• Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice (2011 to 2013)
• Member on the: Canada-China Legislative Association (2021), Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (2021), Canada-Ireland Interparliamentary Group (2021), Canada-Israel Interparliamentary Group (2021), Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (2021), Canada-Unites States Interparliamentary Group (2021), Canada-United Kingdom Interparliamentary Association (2021), and others

Points of interest to CSE

• At the Committee of the Whole (Supplementary Estimates B), Dec 2021: Posed a question to Minister Joly showing concern over Canada not being a part of the new Three Eyes Partnership with the US, UK and Australia.
• COVID-19 Pandemic Committee, May 2020: Posed question showing concern over the government partnering with a Chinese company backed by the Chinese military to conduct research into COVID-19. Showed concern that the Chinese military has been accused of trying to hack research data by our own intelligence agencies.

Other interests

• CAF/military support, small businesses, law

Christine Normandin (vice-chair), BQ (Saint-Jean, QB)

• NDDN since 2021

Key interests

Law, immigration and refugees

Election to the House of Commons

• First elected in 2019

Professional background

• Obtained Bachelor’s of Science in Biomedical Sciences in 2006
• Appointed lawyer in 2015, eventually specializing in international family law and child abduction
• Sat on the Board of Directors of the École secondaire Marcellin-Champagnat and was president of the Bloc Québécois Political Commission
• Named Volunteer of the Year 2018 by the Young Bar Association of Montreal for the hours she devoted to helping citizens prepare for their court hearings

Committee membership

• Vice-Chair for the Standing Committee on National Defence (2021-)
  • Member of Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on National Defence
• Vice-Chair for the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (2020 to 2021)
• Former Member of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) (2020)

Political and parliamentary roles

• National Defence Critic for the Bloc Québécois (2021-)
• Deputy House Leader of the Bloc Québécois (2019-)
• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Critic for the Bloc Québécois (2019 to 2021)

Points of interest to CSE

• Canada-China Relations Committee, May 2021: Concerned over Canada’s “laxed” stance on Huawei in comparison to the other Five Eyes partners
• Business of Supply- Government Orders, February 2021: Concern of China’s mass surveillance regime and the surveillance capacities of Huawei

Other interests

• Law, immigration and refugees, international students

Todd Doherty, CPC (Cariboo – Prince George, BC)

• NDDN since 2021

Key interests

Veterans and CAF issues

Election to the House of Commons

• First elected in 2015

Professional background

• Former aviation executive, serving as a top aviation business development professional
• Promoted regional, provincial and national passenger, cargo and tourism opportunities
• Small business owner

Committee membership

• Member of the Standing Committee on National Defence (2021-)
• Vice-Chair of Standing Committee on Procedural and House Affairs since 2020
  • Member of the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs
• Former Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (2020)
• Former Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (2017 to 2019)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Deputy Shadow Minister for National Defence (2021-)
• Special Advisor on Mental Health and Wellness in Shadow Cabinet (2020-)
• Former Critic for Transport and Former Critic for Fisheries and Oceans
• Member of the Parliamentary Associations of Canada-Europe, Canada-Africa, NATO, ParlAmericas, the Canada Group of Inter-Parliamentary Union, and the Inter-Parliamentary Groups of Canada-United States, Canada-Germany, Canada-Ireland, Canada-Israel, Canada-Italy, Canada-Japan and the Canada-China Legislative Association (2020)

Points of interest to CSE

• CACN, 2020: Spoke on China-Canadian relations with respect to Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig and a request to invite Ambassador Barton to appear before committee

Other interests

• Championed Bill C-211, An Act Respecting a Federal Framework on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• At-risk youth, Crisis intervention, opioid crisis, mental health, veterans, CAF

Darren Fisher, LPC (Dartmouth – Cole Harbour, NS)

• NDDN since 2016
• Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Seniors

Key interests

Economic development, National Pharmacare, CAN-NATO relations

Election to the House of Commons

• First elected in 2015

Professional background

• Former small business owner and community volunteer
• Elected to Halifax Regional Council in 2009 and 2012, and elected as Deputy Mayor in 2014

Committee membership

• Member of the Standing Committee on National Defence (2021-), and (2016 to 2019)
• Member of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (2021-)
• Member of the Standing Committee on Health (2020 to 2021)
• Member of the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on National Defence (2017 to 2019)
• Member of the House Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development (2016 to 2019)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Seniors (2021-)
• Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (2021)
• Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health (2019 to 2021)
• Counsellor for the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2020)
• Member of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association, Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group and the Canada-United Kingdom Interparliamentary Association (2018 to 2019), and others

Points of interest to CSE

• NDDN Committee, Briefing by the Commissioner of CSE, March 2017: Concern over other Five Eyes partners not keeping their promise to protect Canadian data and spy on each other’s citizens
• NDDN Committee, Canada’s Involvement in NATO, January 2018: Concern over if Canadian and NATO infrastructure is safe from data breaches and if there is a quick response to new cyber threats

Other interests

• Pharmacare, environmental issues, mental health, literacy and poverty

Cheryl Gallant, CPC (Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke, ON)

• NDDN since 2001

Key interests

Cyber security, Op IMPACT, BMD, CFB Petawawa is in her riding

Election to the House of Commons

• First elected in 2000

Professional background

• B.SC. in Chemistry from the University of Western Ontario
• Chief Administrative Director for a family-owned small business/professional practice
• Chairperson of the City of Pembroke Downtown Development Commission
• Member of the Economic Advisory Committee for Pembroke
• Former researcher with the University of Toronto on biochemistry

Committee membership

• Member of the Standing Committee on National Defence (2006-)
  • Former Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on National Defence (2016 to 2017)
• Former Member of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology (2014 to 2015)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Former Deputy House Leader of the Official Opposition
• Member of the Canada-China Legislative Association (2021)
• Director of Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (2020-)
• Shadow Cabinet Minister for Veterans Affairs and Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (2019 to 2020)
• Vice-Chair of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2006-)
• Several Parliamentary Associations including Canada-China Legislative Association, Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association, and Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly

Points of interest to CSE

• “E-security” is a popular topic for Gallant. Issues of greatest interest in this area include:
  • Cybersecurity of the electricity grid; NATO and NORAD and cybersecurity, including IoT and AI; recruiting cybersecurity experts into the military; how CSE works with the private sector; information sharing in the Five Eyes; Russian cyberattacks against Georgia

Other interests

• Op IMPACT, CFB Petawawa is in her riding, Ballistic Missile Defence, peacekeeping

Lindsay Mathyssen, NDP (London-Fanshawe, ON)

• NDDN since 2021

Key interests

Racial equality, affordable childcare, gender equality

Election to the House of Commons

• First elected in 2019

Professional background

• Studied English and Political Science at Queens University
• Studied non-profit management at Western University
• Worked in various assistant roles for four MPs over the past 11 years
• Succeeding her mother, Irene Mathyssen, who is retiring after serving on Parliament Hill for 12 years

Committee membership

• Member of the Standing Committee on National Defence (2021-)
  • Member of Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on National Defence
• Member of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women (2020 to 2021)
  • Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women (2020 to 2021)
• Member of the Subcommittee on Private Members’ Business of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (2020 to 2021)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Deputy Critic for Women and Gender Equality (2021-)
• Critic for National Defence for the New Democratic Party (2021-)
• NDP Deputy House Leader (2021-)
• Member of the Executive on the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (2020-)
• Member of the Canada-Israel Interparliamentary Group, Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group (2021-)

Points of interest to CSE

• NIL

Other interests

• Gender equality, affordable childcare, racial equality

Bryan May, LPC (Cambridge, ON)

• NDDN since 2021
• Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence

Key interests

Veterans affairs, community activism

Election to the House of Commons

• First elected in 2015

Professional background

• BA, University of Waterloo
• Senior management of various non-profit organizations
• Executive Treasurer of the Social Planning Council of Cambridge and North Dumfries

Committee membership

• Member of the Standing Committee on National Defence (2021-)
  • Member of Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on National Defence
• Chair of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (2020 to 2021)
  • Chair of the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (2020 to 2021)
• Member of the Standing Committee on Liaison (2020 to 2021)
• Member of the Standing Committee on Natural Resources (2020 to 2021)
• Chair of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (2015 to 2019)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence (2021-)
• Member of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2018 to 19), Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group (2018 to 19), Canada-Ireland Interparliamentary Group (2018 to 19), Canada-China Legislative Association (2016 to 17), and others

Points of interest to CSE

• NIL

Other interests

• Community activism, veterans affairs, Sponsor of Bill C-272, An Act to Amend the Copyright Act: C-272 gives a small amount of control back to the consumer and will allow provinces to create their own right-to-repair legislation. This bill completed its second reading in June 2021

Glen Motz, CPC (Medicine Hat – Cardston – Warner, AB)

• NDDN since 2021

Key interests

• Seniors, gun control, health care, rural crime

Election to the House of Commons

• First elected in 2016 (by-election)

Professional background

• Attended Hillcrest Christian College
• Began a policing career with the Medicine Hat Police Service
• Received several awards including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal

Committee membership

• Member of the Standing Committee on National Defence (2021-)
• Former Member of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) (2020)
• Member of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (2017-)
• Former Member of the Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations (2017)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Shadow Cabinet Minister for Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness (Associate) (2019 to 20)
• Former Member of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association, Member of the Canadian Section of the ParlAmericas, Member of the Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group and several others (2017 to 2018)

Points of interest to CSE

• INDU, May 2020: CSE appearance
  • Interest in levels of fraud and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
  • Asked Scott Jones about front-line health workers being a target of fraud of cyberattacks during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Asked Scott Jones about intellectual property theft through cyberattacks and espionage
  • Interest in Chinese state-sponsored actors and foreign influenced activities

Other interests

• Law enforcement, rural crime, seniors, gun control, health care

Jennifer O’Connell, LPC (Pickering-Uxbridge, ON)

• NDDN since 2021
• Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities

Key interests

Infrastructure investments, climate change, affordable childcare

Election to the House of Commons

• First elected in 2015

Professional background

• Studied Political Science at the University of Toronto
• Worked at a law firm specializing in labour law
• Served as a City Councillor, Regional Councillor and Deputy Mayor in Pickering

Committee membership

• Member of the Standing Committee on National Defence (2021-)
• Member of the Standing Committee on Health (2021)
• Member of the Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2021)
• Member of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (2020 to 21)
• Member of the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Finance (2017 to 18)
• Member of the Standing Committee on Finance (2016 to 2018)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities (2021-)
• Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health (2021)
• Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance (2018 to 19)
• Previously Member on Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association, Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association, Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly, and others

Points of interest to CSE

• Question Period, May 2021: In relation to the two Chinese scientists fired at the Microbiology Laboratory, O’Connell gave assurance that Canada takes threats to research security and intellectual property very seriously
• House Debate, Petitions, October 2020: Concern of Huawei telecommunications in Canada and how it will affect Canada’s relationship with the Five Eyes allies.
  • Also showed concern over Canada’s autonomy and the Chinese government having access to our intelligence through Huawei networks

Other interests

• Affordable childcare, infrastructure investments, climate change

Yves Robillard, LPC (Marc-Aurele-Fortin, QC)

• NDDN since 2017

Key interests

Arctic security, NATO, Russia and Ukraine, veterans affairs

Election to the House of Commons

• First elected in 2015

Professional background

• Former teacher
• Former Chief of Staff to the President of the National Assembly of Quebec
• Former Commander in Squadron 21 of the RCAF Reserve
• Former Chief of Personnel for the Air Cadet Camp of Bagotville Military Base

Committee membership

• Member of the Standing Committee on National Defence (2017-)
• Member of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (2020-)
• Former member of the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs (2018-2019)
• Former member of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (2016 to 2018)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Former member of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2016 to 2019)
• Former Member of the Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group (2017)

Points of interest to CSE

• NDDN February 2019: During Chief Shelly Bruce’s appearance before NDDN asked about what CSE is doing to “protect our elections”
• NDDN, November 2018: During Chief Shelly Bruce’s appearance before asked how CSE “will play a key role in the [Cyber Centre]”
• NDDN March 2017: During OCSEC’s appearance asked about bilingualism at CSE

Other interests

• In NDDN committee, he asked questions about Arctic security, Canada’s role in NATO, hybrid warfare, peacekeeping, and Russia’s actions in Ukraine
• Indigenous affairs, international relations, seniors, veterans

Sven Spengemann, LPC (Mississauga-Lakeshore, ON)

• NDDN since 2016

Key interests

Iraq, CAF. security, public safety, Cyber threat mitigation

Election to the House of Commons

• First elected in 2015

Professional background

• Obtained LL.B. from Osgoode Hall Law School
• Doctorate from Harvard Law School (SJD)
• Worked as a Senior Policy Analyst in the Privy Council Office
• Served as a senior UN official in Baghdad with the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq. In Iraq, he negotiated operational protocols with the US Coalition Forces to ensure operational, security and medical support for the UN Mission
• Led a team of international and Iraqi experts to assist the Iraqi Parliament and Kurdistan Regional government with constitutional and legislative reforms

Committee membership

• Member of the Standing Committee on National Defence (2021-)
• Chair of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2020-)
  • Chair of the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2021-)
• Member of the Standing Committee on Liaison (2021-)
• Member of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (2016 to 2019)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Co-Chair of the Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (2020-)
• Member of the Executive on the Canadian Group of the Interparliamentary Union (2020-)
• Member of the Canada-China Legislative Association, Canada-Germany Interparliamentary Group, Canada-Israel Interparliamentary Group, Canadian NATO ParliamentaryAssociation, Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group, and others

Points of interest to CSE

• In favour of Bill C-59 and spoke a great deal in April 2018 on clarifying the purpose and importance of the Bill to other members of Parliament
• January 2019: Concern of financial cyber fraud and if there is anything else the government can do to examine more closely
• Speaks multiple times on the importance of small businesses using the CCCS to develop good cyber infrastructure
• September 2018: Asked multiple questions on the state on Russia-China relations and China’s geopolitical interests
• May 2016: Question pertaining to CSE’s powers on gathering information with respect to an individual who holds dual citizenship

Other interests

• Human rights, gender equality, UN missions, institutional design, China-Russia relations

Backgrounder on the Standing Committee on National Defence (NDDN) - 44th Parliament, 1st Session

Mandate

NDDN studies the legislation, activities and expenditures of the Department of National Defence, the Canadian Armed forces. It also examines the domestic, continental, and international security environment.

Appearances

• February 9, 2022: CSE appeared alongside the Minister of National Defence and other senior officials to discuss the Minister’s mandate letter and priorities.
• Fbruary 7, 2022: CSE appeared alongside the Director of CSIS, to brief NDDN members’ situational awareness of the threats they themselves face from foreign interference, as well as a discussion of the threats Canada faces from foreign interference.
• November 2, 2020: CSE appeared alongside the inister of National Defence and other senior officials to speak on Main Estimates, 2020-2021.

Key studies

• Notable activities/meetings:
  • Briefing by the Commissioner of the Communications Security Establishment (March 2017)
  • Briefing on the Ongoing Activities of the Communications Security Establishment (May 2016)
• Studies in recent years:
  • threat analysis affecting Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces’ operational readiness to meet those threats
  • addressing sexual misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces
  • impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canadian Armed Forces operations
  • diversity within the Canadian Armed Forces
  • Canada’s contributions to international peacekeeping

Previous meetings (current session)

Wednesday, February 16, 2022: Threat analysis affecting Canada and the CAF operational readiness (Meeting 3).

• Dr. Fen Osler Hampson, Chancellor’s Professor, Carleton University, President, World Refugee and Migration Council
• Marcus Kolga, Senior Fellow, MacDonald-Laurier Institute
• Richard B. Fadden
• J. Paul de B. Taillon, private academic

Monday, February 14, 2022: Threat analysis affecting Canada and the CAF operational readiness (Meeting 2).

• Andrew Rasiulis, Fellow, Canadian Affairs Institute
• Elbridge A. Colby, Principle and Co-Founder, The Marathon Initiative
• Christian Leuprecht, Professor, Royal Military College and Queen’s University
• Colin Robertson, Senior Advisor and Fellow, Canadian Global Affairs Institute

Wednesday, February 9, 2022: Briefing by the Minister of National Defence on her mandate letter.

• Shelly Bruce, Chief, CSE
• The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence
• Bill Matthews, Deputy Minister of National Defence
• Gen Wayne D. Eyre, Chief of the Defence Staff, Canadian Armed Forces
• Col Robin Holman, Acting Judge Advocate General, Office of the Judge Advocate General

Monday, February 7, 2022: Briefing by CSIS and CSE.

• Dan Rogers, Associate Chief, CSE
• Rajiv Gupta, Associate Head, Canadian Centre for Cyber Security
• David Vigneault, Director, CSIS
• Cherie Henderson, Assistant Director, Requirements, CSIS

Wednesday, February 2, 2022: Threat analysis affecting Canada and the CAF operational readiness.

• Pierre Jolicoeur, Associate Vice-Principal Research, Military College of Canada
• Ihor Michalchyshyn, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer at Ukrainian Canadian Congress
• David Mulroney, Former Ambassador of Canada to the People’s Republic of China
• David Perry, President, Canadian Global Affairs Institute

Monday, January 31, 2022: Committee business

Wednesday, December 15, 2021: Election of Chair

The Honorable John McKay (LPC) was elected Chair. The Honorable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay (CPC) was elected first vice-chair; Christine Normandin (BQ) was elected second vice-chair.

Potential questions and answers

Estimates questions

1. How does the Government evaluate how much we are spending on cyber security and whether it is enough funding?

• The Government of Canada spent $791M on cyber security (based on Budget 2021).
• The global threat landscape is rapidly evolving. Cyber incidents, including significant critical infrastructure incidents, are increasing in number and sophistication.
• This means that Canada must continue to stay ahead of advances in cyber tools and maintain leading-edge technological capabilities.
• In order to respond to this challenge, it is critical that the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) is positioned to lead the national response to these rapidly evolving cyber risks and threats, and that it has the adequate resources to do so.

Foreign interference

2. Are Chinese or Russian state-sponsored actors attempting to disrupt Canadian critical infrastructure?

• CSE has assessed that state-sponsored programs of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea all pose threats to Canada.
• CSE has also assessed that it’s very likely that state-sponsored actors are attempting to develop capabilities that could disrupt critical infrastructure, such as the supply of electricity.
• These actors may also continue to target our critical infrastructure to collect information, position for future activity or intimidate.
• But CSE assess it is unlikely that actors will use cyber activities to disrupt or harm critical infrastructure outside conflict scenarios.
• Adopting cybersecurity best practices goes a long way to offsetting risks of exploitation by any cyber threat actor.

3. There have been allegations of foreign interference targeting Conservative Party of Canada candidates. What is being done to protect members of parliament?

• We are aware of such coverage, however, SITE and its members cannot disclose the precise nature of any of their investigations due to national security reasons.
• CSE’s Cyber Centre worked closely with Elections Canada to help secure election systems and infrastructure. This included providing advice and guidance to candidates and parties for best cyber security practices during the election period.
• CSE’s Cyber Centre also created a hotline for Canadians to call for any further questions they may have about cyber security. This hotline is 1-833-CYBER-88.
• During the 2021 election, the Government of Canada did not detect state sponsored foreign interference that threatened Canada’s ability to have a free and fair election, and that warranted public communication, as determined by the Panel under the Critical Election Incident Public Protocol.
• The Government of Canada remains vigilant, thoroughly investigates potential matters of foreign interference, and will take proper action to address threats to Canada’s democratic institutions when and if required.

4. Has there been any observable change of cyber intrusions or attempts of intrusions due to the COVID-19 pandemic from foreign state-sponsored actors?

• CSE continues to advise the government on cyber threats and incidents.
• The bulk of malicious threat activity that CSE has observed during the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be criminal in nature, and CSE is working with the appropriate partners to address such activity. For example, CSE has issued alerts and cyber security advice about COVID-related phishing campaigns.
• CSE assesses that foreign intelligence agencies will almost certainly continue to use their cyber capabilities to pursue intelligence related to COVID-19 medical research and intellectual property. Intellectual property, especially related to vaccine development, treatments, COVID-19 testing, and medical devices such as ventilators or personal protective equipment (PPE), would offer public health, economic, and national security benefits.
• Adopting cybersecurity best practices goes a long way to offsetting risks of exploitation by any cyber threat actor.

5. Has there been an increase in commercial espionage against Canadian organizations from state-sponsored actors?

• State-sponsored actors will certainly continue to conduct espionage against Canadian businesses, academic or governments to steal intellectual property or proprietary information.
• Protecting Canadians’ intllectual property remains a huge priority for CSE and its Cyber Centre.
• Adopting cybersecurity best practices goes a lng way to offsetting risks of exploitation by any cyber threat actor.

Cyber security

6. What support has CSE or its Cyber Centre provided to GAC in response to the recent cyber attacks on their network?

• Government of Canada partners are working together in response to this recent cyber incident. CSE is Canada’s technical lead for cyber security, and we worked closely with Global Affairs Canada on the incident.
• At this time, there is no indication that any other government departments have been impacted by this incident. Canada’s cyber resilience remains strong.
• As this investigation is ongoing, I cannot comment further on the incident.
• There are systems and tools in place to monitor, detect, and investigate potential threats, and to take active measures to address and neutralize them when they occur.

7. What support has CSE provided to Newfoundland in response to the cyberattack?

• CSE, and its Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, are working closely with Federal partners and Province of Newfoundland and Labrador authorities to assist with their cyber incident response.
• Cyber Centre officials have been in contact with provincial authorities since the beginning and have provided incident support and mitigation services.

The National Cyber Threat Assessment report

8. What is the National Cyber Threat Assessment report? What information does it include?

• The Cyber Centre produces a report every two years outlining the greatest threats Canada faces.
• On November 18, the Cyber Centre released the National Cyber Threat Assessment Report 2020, an update to its previous 2018 report.
• The NCTA 2020 provides an update to the 2018 National Cyber Threat Assessment with an analysis of the interim years and forecasts looking ahead to 2022.
• The key judgements in this report are based on reporting from multiple sources, including classified and unclassified information. The judgements are based on the Cyber Centre’s knowledge and expertise in cyber security and informed by CSE’s foreign intelligence mandate, which provides us with valuable insights on cyber threat activity around the world.

9. What are the primary concerns and observations made in the report?

• The National Cyber Threat Assessment 2020 highlights 4 key observations:
  • First, cyber-crime is the most likely threat to impact Canadians now and in the years ahead;
  • Second, cybercriminals often succeed in their work because they exploit human and social behaviours;
  • Third, ransomware directed against Canada will almost certainly continue to target large enterprises and critical infrastructure providers.
  • Finally, while cybercrime is the main threat, state-sponsored cyber programs of China, Russia, North Korea and Iran pose a strategic threat to Canada.

Huawei and 5G

10. Our Five Eyes partners have made decisions on Huawei and their 5G networks. When will Canada make a decision on Huawei?

• While we cannot comment on specific companies, the Government has been conducting an examination of emerging 5G technology and the associated security and economic considerations.
• As the Prime Minister noted, there will be a decision on the 5G security review “in due course”.
• We continue to work with partners and other agencies to mitigate risks stemming from designated equipment and services, including Huawei, being used in Canadian 3G, 4G, and LTE telecommunication networks.

11. Does CSE have any concerns about the social media app Tik Tok or WeChat?

• CSE's Cyber Centre is not a regulatory agency and as such does not endorse or ban social media applications.
• It is important for Canadians to adopt good cyber security practices – which CSE shares on the cyber.gc.ca website.

CSE activities and COVID-19

12. What is the Government doing to counter misinformation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic?

• Cyber threat actors are using fake websites, imitating health agencies or government departments, to spread disinformation or to defraud Canadians.
• In response, CSE is helping to identify and take down these kinds of malicious websites.
• In coordinately with industry partners, CSE has contributed to the removal of more than 10,000 fraudulent sites or email addresses, including those pretending to be the Public Health Agency and the Canada Revenue Agency.
• CSE also continues to provide critical foreign intelligence to inform decisions on Canada’s approach to COVID-19.

13. Has CSE dealt with any compromises of our own research organizations?

• CSE is aware of incidents of malicious threat activities directed at Canadian health research organizations and continues to offer cyber security support and sharing of threat related information to limit any potential impacts to targeted organizations.
• CSE recommends that all Canadian health and research organizations remain vigilant and apply best practices in cyber security. Such practices include monitoring network logs, remaining alert to suspicious emails and calls, and keeping servers and critical systems patched for all known security vulnerabilities.
• While CSE cannot speak on any specific incidents, CSE is working with Canadian health care and research sectors, and other partners and industries, as appropriate.
• We encourage all Canadian organizations to adopt strong cyber security practices, which CSE shares on our website: cyber.gc.ca.

14. What has CSE done specifically to reduce the risks that Canadian research and development efforts could be compromised, specific points about what we are doing with Canadian universities, GC science departments, and the private sector?

• CSE, in collaboration with CSIS, continues to engage with all of these entities to provide threat briefings. CSE, through the Cyber Centre, has published practical steps organizations can proactively take to protect themselves. These are all available online. This is in addition to alerts and advisories published regularly to draw attention to security vulnerabilities or issues.
• Further, when CSE sees malign foreign cyber activities it have both alerted the victims and assisted with recovery but also, with its colleagues around government and its allies, publicly attributed this activity as seen this past year.
• More recently we have been working with ISED to assess the cyber security posture for recipients of strategic innovation funds but it is important to note that all of the advice and guidance is publicly available for all Canadian organizations.

Media lines

CSE key messages

• As Canada’s national cyber security and foreign signals intelligence agency, CSE has unique technical and operational capabilities
• The Communications Security Establishment Act (the CSE Act) sets out five aspects of our mandate: cyber security and information assurance; foreign intelligence; defensive cyber operations; active cyber operations; and technical and operation assistance. We use our technical expertise in all five aspects of our mandate. We do so to keep Canadians safe and secure
• CSE’s foreign signals intelligence program provides Canada’s senior decision-makers with insights into the activities, motivations, capabilities, and intentions of foreign adversaries, and the international readiness and foreign reactions to a variety of diverse global events
• CSE’s intelligence reporting also identifies hostile state activities, and the CSE Act authorizes us to assist the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces
• We support Canadian military operations and protect forces deployed abroad through advanced cyber techniques. For example, CSE could protect Canadian forces by disrupting an adversary’s ability to communicate or providing intelligence regarding an imminent threat
• The CSE Act gives CSE the legal authority to conduct cyber operations to disrupt foreign-based threats to Canada. This includes active cyber operations to degrade, disrupt, respond to, or interfere with the capabilities, intentions or activities of foreign individuals, states, and organizations
• If there are reasonable grounds to believe that a foreign state or actor constitutes a threat to the security of Canada and/or Canadian military forces, we are prepared to take appropriate action to address the threat
• We continue to provide the Government of Canada with the most comprehensive information available related to Canada’s intelligence priorities, directly furthering Canadian safety, security, and prosperity

CSE’s support to the Canadian Armed Forces and Operation UNIFIER

• While we can’t speak about specific operations, our increased support will help Ukraine strengthen its security and ability to defend itself against a range of threats

CSE’s messaging on cyber security in response to Ukraine and geopolitical events

• Cyber security is one of the most serious economic and national security challenges countries face
• Canada engages internationally to promote and protect a free, open, and secure cyberspace
• The Government of Canada deals with ongoing and persistent cyber risks and threats every day
• Cyber threats can result from system or application vulnerabilities, or from deliberate, persistent, targeted attacks by outside actors to gain access to information
• CSE and its Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (Cyber Centre) remain committed to working with domestic and international security and intelligence partners to maintain the open, reliable, and secure use of cyberspace
• On Wednesday, January 19, 2022, CSE’s Cyber Centre published a cyber threat bulletin urging Canadian critical infrastructure operators to raise awareness and take mitigations against Russian-backed cyber threat activity
  • CSE’s most recent cyber security bulletin is a proactive advisory for Canadian critical infrastructure operators urging them to adopt a heightened state of awareness and to conduct proactive network monitoring and mitigations
  • It is further intended to raise awareness and draw further attention to known Russian-backed cyber threat activity, including the tactics, techniques and procedures used to target operational and information technology
• The Cyber Centre published an Alert on January 17, 2022, outlining ‘Wiper malware’ being used to target Ukrainian organizations

If pressed on release date of threat bulletin and GAC cyber incident

• Cyber threats are persistent. CSE issues security threat bulletins and cyber alerts on a regular basis. CSE's cyber security bulletin released on January 19th followed similar bulletins released by US and UK partners to understand and mitigate cyber threats to critical infrastructure.

Opposition statements on Canada’s support to Ukraine

• The Conservative Party of Canada continues to criticize Canada’s response to Ukraine’s call for aid. They argue that the government should be providing lethal weapons, and the contribution to date is inadequate. Opposition Leader Erin O’Toole has asked if Canada is a friend and ally of Ukraine and said the country is missing in action
• New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh opposed sending weapons to Ukraine, and focused on the humanitarian toll of Russia’s actions to date. Singh told the House of Commons that Canada should focus its efforts on diplomacy and “non-lethal assistance. Bloodshed must be avoided through international pressure and stronger sanctions.”
• The Bloc Quebecois said Canada is doing nothing but “crying wolf” and not trying to directly engage with Russian President Vladirmir Putin

Cyber incident involving Global Affairs Canada

• On January 24th, the Treasury Board Secretariat – Office of the Chief Information Officer (TBS-CIO), and Shared Services Canada (SSC), confirmed they are working with Government of Canada partners, including the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) and its Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, in response to a recent cyber incident involving Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
• The cyber incident was detected on January 19, after which mitigation actions were taken
• There are systems and tools in place to monitor, detect, and investigate potential threats, and to take active measures to address and neutralize them when they occur
• This investigation is ongoing. We are unable to comment further on any specific details for operational reasons
• Our cyber defence and incident response teams work 24/7 to identify compromises and alert potential victims within the federal government and Canadian critical infrastructure. In the wake of a cyber incident, the incident response team offers advice and support to contain the threat and mitigate any potential harm
• We are constantly reviewing measures to protect Canadians and our critical infrastructure from electronic threats, hacking, and cyber espionage. We encourage all government and non-government partners to use cyber security best practices

Draft Statement - Update on GAC cyber incident

The Treasury Board Secretariat – Office of the Chief Information Officer (TBS-CIO), and Shared Services Canada (SSC), can confirm they continue to work with Government of Canada partners, including the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) and its Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, in response to a recent cyber incident involving Global Affairs Canada (GAC).

Equally important to note, there continues to be no indication that any other government departments have been impacted by this incident.

The Government of Canada deals with ongoing and persistent cyber risks and threats every day.

Cyber threats can result from system or application vulnerabilities, or from deliberate, persistent, targeted attacks by outside actors to gain access to information.

We urge Canadians and Canadian organizations to remain vigilant and to visit Cyber.gc.ca and getcybersafe.gc.ca for tips on how to stay secure online.

Media articles

CSE's supplementary estimates C 2021-22 specific issue notes

Overview note: CSE's supplementary estimates 2021-22

Speaking notes

Details

Details: Funding included in CSE's 2021-22 SEC

Extending Canada's Middle East strategy: $4.8M

CSE will use this funding to contribute to Canada’s Middle East Strategy which supports security and stabilization efforts, development assistance and diplomatic engagement for Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. CSE provides foreign intelligence support to the CAF mission.

Transfer from Shared Services Canada to CSE: $9.7M

This funding will be used for CSE’s cyber security contributions to the following projects:

• $3.6M for National Capital Region Regional Communication Hub upgrades
• $3.5M for the Security Information and Event Management Project (SIEM
• $2.6M for the Secure Communications for National Leadership project (SCNL)

Transfer from Department of National Defence to CSE: $2.3M

This funding includes information management and information technology support services to the Canadian Forces Information Operations Group (CFIOG).

Transfer from CSE to Treasury Board Secretariat: ($13.3K)

This funding includes:

• $5.0K to support the Capacity Accelerator Project at the Office of the Comptroller General to support the public service audit community
• $8.3K for Financial Community Developmental Programs and the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility initiative

Transfer from CSE to Department of Foreign Afairs, Trade and Development: ($384.9K)

This funding includes fees for GAC to administer CSE personnel overseas.

GAC is a common service provider for Government of Canada operations abroad and receives compensation for the increased cost of operations resulting from staff being posted at Canadian missions and liaison offices by other government departments.

Line item: Extending Canada's Middle East strategy

Line item: Transfer from Shared Services Canada (SSC) to CSE

Details

National Capital Region regional communication hub

• To support federal government employees working from home, SSC is making upgrades to its infrastructure and services, including through the establishment of Regional Communication Hubs
  • Regional Communication Hubs are meant to decentralise Internet and cloud access for the GC and to be geographically distributed across the country
  • Rather than routing all GC network traffic through the National Capital Region, the Regional Communication Hubs will bring cloud and Internet services closer to the user high-quality user experience is ensured through a high-performance direct path to applications and services
• Efforts are underway to add more Regional Communication Hubs which will improve GC accessibility to the Internet and cloud services

The Security Information and Event Management project (SIEM)

The Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) provides a single view of IT security incidents across Government of Canada systems. This project will renew the existing SIEM infrastructure, and expand and customize the processing of security logs from the Enterprise Data Centres (EDCs). Once implemented, the improved functionalities will enable the Government of Canada to predict, detect and respond to cyber threats and risks to IT systems and infrastructure.

The Secure Communications for National Leadership project (SCNL)

The Secure Communications for National Leadership (SCNL) Project is a joint PCO, CSE and SSC initiative that enables a modern, mobile and secure means of communications for Ministers and senior officials classified up to SECRET.

Line item: Transfer from DND to CSE

Line item: Transfer from CSE to Treasury Board Secretariat

Line item: Transfer from CSE to Global Affairs Canada for staff posted at Canadian missions abroad

CSE issue notes

CSE highlights of Minister of National Defence's mandate letter commitments

Details

Specific cyber mentions in MND's mandate letter

• Oversee the Communications Security Establishment to ensure that they are in a position to lead Canada’s response to rapidly evolving cyber risks and threats, including through adequate resources and close cooperation with our allies.
• Work with the Minister of Public Safety, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and in collaboration with implicated ministers, to develop and implement a renewed National Cyber Security Strategy, which will articulate Canada's long-term strategy to protect our national security and economy, deter cyber threat actors, and promote norms-based international behavior in cyberspace.
• Working with the Minister of Public Safety, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and with the support of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, continue to advance the National Cyber Security Action Plan, ensuring Canada is well positioned to adapt to and combat cyber risks, and ensure the security and integrity of Canada’s critical systems.

Foreign interference and the democratic process

5G (Huawei)

Ransomware

Operation UNIFIER

Cyber security and recent cyber incidents

The National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICoP) report

Details

Special Report on the Government of Canada’s Framework and Activities to Defend its Systems and Networks from Cyber Attack

• The Special Report on the Government of Canada’s Framework and Activities to Defend its Systems and Networks from Cyber Attack was tabled in Parliament on February 14th, 2022.
• The Special Report includes four findings and two recommendations to strengthen the government’s framework for defending government networks from cyber attacks and to extend that framework over federal government organizations as broadly as possible.
• The Honourable David McGuinty, Chair of NSICoP, stated that “The report is the first of its kind in Canada. It aims to help the government strengthen its cyber defence framework and ensure that the government is well-protected against cyber threats in the future”.
• The Special Report also commends the Government for:
  • Providing strategic direction: National Security Policy (2004); Cyber Security Strategy (2010); National Cyber Security Strategy (2018)
  • Making changes to the machinery of government as it relates to cyber security with the creation of Shared Services Canada (2011) and the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (2018).
  • Investing more than $6 billion in defending government networks from cyber attack between 2010 and 2021.

CSE specific mentions in recomendation two of Special Report

• Recommendation two in this NSICOP report states: To the greatest extent possible, the government will extend advanced cyber defence services, notably Enterprise Internet Service of SSC and the cyber defence sensors of the CSE, to all federal organizations.
• CSE is working with the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) and SSC to extend its cyber defence sensors to all federal organizations.
• As Canada’s technical authority on cyber security, and the GC’s Computer Incident Response Team (CIRT), CSE and its Cyber Centre work closely with government partners that do not fall under SSC’s purview.
  • CSE regularly shares cyber security advice and guidance, mitigation, and operational updates with these government partners.

DND issue notes

Cyber capabilities

Key facts

Additional supporting documents

2021-2022 Supplementary Estimates C page proofs - English (PDF, 329 KB)

2021-2022 Supplementary Estimates C page proofs - French (PDF, 319 KB)