FEB 2009 - Defense Spending in the Obama Administration - Register today for a 90 minute, timely & interactive webinar on February 18, 2009. Defense spending priorities and the outlook for procurement programs and research & development in the next budget year. Speakers include: Trent Franks, Member House Arms Services Committee; Mackenzie Eaglen, Sr. Policy Analyst with Douglas & Sarah Allison Center for Foreign Policy Studies; Dr. Daniel Goure, Vice President, The Lexington Institute. more>>

12 DEC 2008 - New Search Plane Decision in 2009 - The federal cabinet will be asked early in the new year to give its blessing to spend $3 billion to replace Canada's geriatric fleet of search-and-rescue planes more>>

Dec 2008 - MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL - more>>

15 DEC 2008 - Funeral for WO Robert John Wilson - PETAWAWA - Funeral services will be held Monday, December 15th, for Warrant Officer Robert John Wilson. The funeral will be held at 10:00 a.m. in the Roman Catholic Chapel located at CFB Petawawa. The service will be closed to media, but media may record the event outside the Chapel.
A private interment ceremony will follow the funeral later that day at the Beechwood National Military Cemetery in Ottawa.
Warrant Officer Wilson and two other soldiers, Private Demetrios Diplaros and Corporal Mark Robert McLaren were killed as a result of an improvised explosive device attack on their armoured vehicle during a joint patrol with Afghan National Army soldiers in the Arghandab District. The incident occurred approximately 15 kilometres west of Kandahar City at about 9:00 a.m. Kandahar time on December 5, 2008. more>>

DEC 2008 - Don’t Drink and Drive - Video evidence. more>>

DEC 2008 - Free Christmas Trees to CF Families - Six Ontario Christmas tree farms are participating in the Trees for Canadian Troop Families Program, organized by the Canadian Christmas Tree Growers Association and supported by the Christmas Tree Farmers of Ontario.
They will provide a gift of fresh fir Christmas trees to families of Canadian troops serving in Afghanistan and elsewhere overseas. This gift will show these families that the sacrifices made by members of the military serving overseas, and their families, are truly appreciated. The Canadian Christmas Tree Growers Association began efforts in 2006 to develop a program to send real Christmas trees to Canadian troops stationed in Afghanistan. Unfortunately the Department of National Defence was unable to endorse that project but they did suggest an excellent alternative - supplying real Canadian Christmas trees to their families back in Canada.
In 2007, Christmas tree farmers and supporters from Ontario and across Canada delivered 3,100 trees to military bases for distribution to these families. In 2008, Christmas tree farmers have once again stepped forward to spread Christmas spirit to more than 1000 families of our Canadian troops serving abroad. A real Christmas evergreen is an age-old symbol of peace and hope for all peoples of the world and Canadian Christmas Tree Farmers are proud to be able to present these trees as a way to say, "Thank you" to all our military personnel serving overseas and the families awaiting their return. We are proud of them all and grateful for the work they are doing to make our world a better place. more>>

13 DEC 2008 - Hockey Night in OTTAWA - Team captain Bob Probert will lead an all-star line up of ex-NHL players in a second annual NHL alumni game against military allstars.
Organized by the Police Retirees of Ontario, proceeds will support the military families fund. This exciting hockey game, with an award winning laser light opening ceremony, hilarious on-ice gags and an exciting skills competition will take place at the Peplinski arena at the Jim Durrell Complex (1264 Walkley Rd) on Saturday December 13th, 2008, at 7:00pm.
For more info call Lee Gaddishaw 1-877-431-0685. more>>

24 NOV 2008 - News Media Behind Procurement Woes says Dan Ross - by Dave Pugliese
The Defence Department’s procurement system is operating just fine and it’s the news media who are to blame for the perception there are problems, says Dan Ross, the department’s assistant deputy minister of materiel. Mr. Ross’s claim that the procurement system is functioning very well was, however, met with skepticism by some who attended the conference.
“They used to blame industry and consultants for the problems,” said one aerospace executive who asked not to be named for fear of harming his company’s chances in the future of obtaining government contracts. “Now he’s blaming journalists. Next it will be the politicians. They’re looking to blame everyone but themselves.” more>>

2008 - PROCUREMENT - by Louise Mercier
The government must consider the fine line between operational requirements and the need to re-invest in the economic future of Canada. more>>

2008 - PROCUREMENT - by Senator Colin Kenny
Some think accrual accounting will make it easier to buy badly needed military equipment and amortize it over time. I will applaud if it does. more>>

2008 - PROCUREMENT - by LGen (ret) Ken Pennie
The key question is how much will DND be able to truly align itself to the Canada First strategy? more>>

2008 - PROCUREMENT - by Robert Day
Too many interlopers who have inserted themselves into the defence procurement process. Decision-making protocols must be streamlined. more>>

2008 - PROCUREMENT - by Claude Bachand
The lines of responsibility are not clear and there is a lack of stakeholder involvement in defence procurement. more>>

2008 - PROCUREMENT - by Bernie Grover
The bad news is that the procurements are being conducted within a defence industry policy vacuum. more>>

2008 - PROCUREMENT - by Alan Williams
A number of myths continue to pervade defence procurement today. more>>

2008 - PROCUREMENT - Reduce the Impediments
One’s responsibility on the job should be reflected by one’s “authority” to make the corresponding decision. more>>

2008 - PROCUREMENT - by Chris MacLean
Nine stages to achieve final Treasury Board approval to proceed? Give me a break. more>>

2008 - PROCUREMENT - Six Sigma methodology can provide tools to establish real change and efficiencies. more>>

2008 - PROCUREMENT - by Louise Mercier
A whole of government approach is a critical step in ensuring the transparency of large capital procurements. more>>

2008 - PROCUREMENT - The view that the current system of defence procurement is broken and beyond repair is held by many in DND and industry. more>>

2008 - PROCUREMENT - by Janet Thorsteinson
Defence and security industries have serious concerns with regard to the government’s current approach to risk management. more>>

2008 - PROCUREMENT - by Vince DeRose, John M. Green
The obligation to treat bidders fairly and equally includes the duty to avoid conflicts of interest. more>>

21 FEB 2006 - CMC Electronics Inc. has realized a major milestone event on December 9th, 2005, by achieving Prototype Acceptance for the CP-140 Aurora Navigation and Flight Instruments Modernization Project (NFIMP) with Canada’s Department of National Defence (DND). more>>

21 FEB 2006 - CMC Electronics Inc. has been selected by Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. to provide its latest-generation open architecture Aircraft Management System (AMS) for the Canadian Forces CH148 Cyclone to be supplied by Sikorsky for the Canadian Maritime Helicopter Project (MHP). more>>

21 FEB 2006 - CMC Electronics' Integrated Cockpit is on display in Raytheon`s Beechcraft T6-B next generation trainer at this year’s Asian Aerospace show. CMC Electronics was recently awarded a contract by Raytheon Aircraft Company as the prime contractor for the Avionics Systems Integration of the Beechcraft T-6B military trainer aircraft. more>>

21 FEB 2006 - Japan Airlines (JAL) International has selected CMC Electronics’ new, compact Satellite Communications (Satcom) high gain antenna system known as SatLite™ for the long-range B737-800 aircraft. JAL announced earlier this year an order for 30 aircraft from the 737Next Generation series, which will include the B737-800 type. more>>

22 FEB 2006 - NGRAIN, a Vancouver-based developer of 3D training simulation technology, has been chosen by Canada's Department of National Defence to help train Canadian troops on how to identify and disarm landmines. Operating on rugged military-specified PDA (R-PDA) devices, the solution will help the Canadian Forces provide training to troops anywhere in the world. more>>

22 FEB 2006 - SAN DIEGO - General Atomics Aeronautical Systems , Inc. (GA-ASI), a leading manufacturer of unmanned aircraft and high-resolution surveillance and radar imaging systems, announced that is has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with General Dynamics Canada , Canada¹s largest defence systems integrator, to offer the Predator® B unmanned aircraft system and integrated communications systems to meet the Canadian government¹s surveillance needs. more>>

22 FEB 2006 - Lockheed Martin Corporation has contracted CAE to design and manufacture three additional C-130J/KC-130J weapon systems trainers for the United States Air Force and United States Marine Corps. more>>

23 FEB 2006 - Meet Canada`s New Defence Minister - At its Annual General Meeting, the Conference of Defence Associations Institute offered Canada's new Minister of Defence, the Honourable Gordon O'Connor, an opportunity to speak before a packed room of defence industry executives, analysts and academia, media, and Canadian Forces officers and generals. more>>

25 FEB 2006 - CMC Electronics has won a contract to supply its Avionics Management System known as the CMA-2082F for the German Air Force’s Tornado midlife improvement program. CMC is currently undertaking design, development, and limited production for the initial phase of this program. more>>

28 FEB 2006 - Lockheed Martin Delivers First C-130J Super Hercul - Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] delivered the first C-130J airlifter of 2006 yesterday. The aircraft was flown to Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., and assigned to the 403rd Wing's 815th Airlift Squadron, Air Force Reserve Command's only C-130J combat delivery squadron. more>>

29 FEB 2006 - Climatronics' TACMET II Targets HazMat/Homeland Security Portable Weather Station Requirements TACMET II is a rapidly deployable, compact, self-contained portable weather station packaged in two rugged cases. Commonly available AC or DC power sources power the system -- minimal power is required. Real time data can be displayed on a laptop or PDA, more>>

24 MAR 2006 - L-3 Communications WESCAM (L-3 WESCAM), a wholly owned subsidiary of L-3 Communications, announced today that it has been awarded a contract by Surveillance Australia Pty Ltd (SAPL) to provide ten MX-15 electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) imaging turrets and associated spares for the Civil Maritime Surveillance Project (CMS04). more>>

30 MAR 2006 - L-3 Communications WESCAM (L-3 WESCAM), a wholly owned subsidiary of L-3 Communications, announced today that it has been selected by Boeing to provide the MX-15 electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) imaging turrets to the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) for the CH-47F (NL) Chinook helicopter fleet. more>>

31 MAR 2006 - Boeing C-17 Globemaster III airlifter in Ottawa fo - A US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III airlifter, manufactured by the Boeing Company will visit Ottawa and be available for viewing between April 5-6 at the CANSEC 2006 Show. Media are invited to participate in a briefing on the C-17¹s airlift capabilities and a visit to the aircraft for a static demonstration. There will also be opportunities to talk to the U.S. Air Force crew about their experience flying and operating the aircraft in peacekeeping, conflict and humanitarian relief operations around the world. Boeing executives involved in the C-17 program will also be available to answer questions. more>>

6 APR 2006 - OTTAWA - Accenture Joins the Canadian Advanced Tec - Focus on international best practices for Global Sourcing and Export Success Accenture, a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company, is adding its expertise in international best practices to the Canadian high-tech community through a new membership in CATA Alliance , Canada's largest advanced-technology community. more>>

10 APR 2006 - Smithsonian`s National Air and Space Museum Receiv - The National Air and Space Museum will receive a donation of $15 million from The Boeing Company in continued support of its education and preservation efforts. It is the single largest corporate gift ever presented to the Smithsonian Institution. more>>

25 APR 2006 - For many years, the Canadian Armed Forces has had difficulty reaching its targeted recruitment levels. This is due to a variety of factors, such as visibility issues, lack of funding by the previous Liberal government, and demographic pressures from baby boomer retirement. more>>

27 APR 2006 - Veterans Affairs Minister Announces Canada-wide Recruitment Process for Veterans Review and Appeal Board Members: The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, announced today that another round of applications would be accepted for the position of full-time Member of the Veterans Review and Appeal Board (VRAB). more>>

27 APR 2006 - MP Laurie Hawn introduces bill to expedite citizenship for permanent residents who serve in Canada¹s armed forces: Two to three thousand extra troops possible - Ottawa ­ Member of Parliament Laurie Hawn (Edmonton Centre) today introduced a private member¹s bill in the House of Commons that would expedite citizenship for permanent residents who choose to serve in Canada¹s armed forces. more>>

02 MAY 2006 - CADSI Welcomes Federal Budget Investments in Canada's Military and Security Forces Tim Page, President of the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI) comments on The federal budget tabled today by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty. more>>

03 May 2006 - Conference of Defence Associations - Colonel (Ret'd) Brian MacDonald, CDA's Senior Defence Analyst, provides his analysis on "Budget 06." more>>

5 MAY 2006 - Lieutenant General David Richards assumes British command of the NATO peacekeeping force in Afghanistan from departing Italian Commander. more>>

08 MAY 2006 - Trade Americas Security Exhibition ­ Keynote address by U.S. Ambassador to Canada, David H. Wilkins, on business implications of the North American Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP). more>>

08 MAY 2006 - OTTAWA - Flyers Showing Sky-High Confidence in Canadian Air Transport Security Four and a half years after the September 11th 2001 terrorist attacks, 94 per cent of passengers (up from 88 per cent in 2005) said they felt confident. more>>

15 MAY 2006 - Australia spends on capital equipment to prepare Australian military forces to co-operate with US forces. more>>

15 JUNE 2006 - the CDAI will host a luncheon on honouring the Secretary General of NATO, His Excellency Jaap de Hoop Scheffer in the Barney Danson Theater of the Canadian War Museum. more>>

26 JUN 2006 - JSS DEFENCE PROCUREMENT - Announced today, the $2.9 billion Joint Support Ship project for Canada's Navy. This project includes a base cost of $2.1 billion, plus an estimated $800 million in contracted in-service support over 20 years. more>>

27 Jun 2006 - NEW DEFENCE LOGISTICS TRUCKS - Government of Canada announcement outlined a $1.2 billion acquisition of 2,300 new medium-sized logistics trucks and associated equipment. more>>

28 JUNE 2006 - HELICOPTERS - DEFENCE PROCUREMENT - $4.7 billion project to acquire a fleet of 16 medium-to heavy-lift helicopters announced today. This purchase reinstates a vital capability that aircrews and soldiers have done without for over a decade. more>>

28 JUNE 2006 - Lieutenant-General Walter Natynczyk assumes the Duties of Vice Chief of the Defence Staff for the Canadian Forces. more>>

29 Jun 2006 - NEW STRATEGIC & TACTICAL AIRLIFT Announced today: government plans to acquire four new strategic lift aircraft and 17 new tactical lift aircraft, at an estimated total cost of $8.3 billion. This investment is the most significant military investment in over a decade. more>>

4 JULY 2006 - The Canadian Defence Association (CDA) believes that the acquisition of new defence equipment is an important step for addressing mobility shortfalls within the Canadian Forces. more>>

11 NOVEMBER 2006 - Lest we forget. In memory of our hometown hero, Cpl David Braun, of Raymore, Saskatchewan. more>>

11 NOVEMBER 2006 - Lest we forget. A Pittance in Time, song by Terry Kelly. more>>

14 JULY 2006 - OTTAWA - The Honourable Charles D. Gonthier, Q.C., appointed as the new Commissioner of the Communications Security Establishment (CSE). more>>

7 JULY 2006 - Canadians Take Lead Roles. Over the next two years, two Canadian Forces reserve officers will hold high-profile leadership roles representing reservists within the NATO Alliance. more>>