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Senate Subcommittee Releases Interim Report
29 Sep 2005 The first in a series of three reports on Canada¹s defence policy and the state of the Canadian Forces was released by the Senate Standing Committee on National Security and Defence. In-depth study on this issue began in July 2001 and included public hearings, fact finding and public consultation. www.parl.gc.ca/38/1/parlbus/commbus/senate/com-e/defe-e/rep-e/repintsep05-e.htm

The executive summary and the report is available at: www.senate-senat.ca/wounded.asp


Claxton Paper #6 ­ National Transformation of Defence Administration
21 Sep 2005 The School of Policy Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, in cooperation with the Conference of Defence Associations Institute (CDAI), announces the publication of the new study, The National Transformation of Defence Administration, in the Claxton Papers series on research in Canada's defence policy.
Canada’s future defence policy and military capabilities were defined, in the spring of 2005, by the Liberal government’s promise of a significant, multi-year funding allocation to national defence. This decision signals an intention to radically transform and rebuild the Canadian Forces. Reaching this goal is greatly dependant on how national policy and the transformation of the Canadian Forces are administered, not only within the Department of National Defence, but also in other government departments and in those central agencies responsible for significant programs related to national defence. Bringing policy intentions and administrative outcomes together is the next great challenge for the Government, especially for the Minister of National Defence.

This Claxton Paper illustrates the deep difficulties in the present system of defence administration and makes these main points:

  • The study illustrates, beyond question, that years of operational over-commitment and under-investment in national defence continue to take the Canadian Forces on a perilous course of no-return where many essential capabilities may fail before they could be rescued.
  • Canada’s national defence is the principal responsibility of government as a whole. But in many cases, defence policy and the needs of the Canadian Forces clash with other departments’ policies, interests, and procedures, thereby delaying defence planning and adding costs to or even upsetting the production of combat capabilities.
  • The fundamental purpose of defence administration is to efficiently and economically create, equip, and sustain the combat capabilities of the Canadian Forces with the resources provided by the federal government. Any other policy interests, such as those which use defence funds to promote regional economies, detract from and may harm Canada’s national defence.
  • A national-level reform of the administrative framework for national defence must bring forward fundamental changes that will streamline and modernize defence administration in Canada and allow it to more effectively support the transformation of defence policy and the Canadian Forces.

The study concludes that in order for the new defence policy to succeed, the government must revamp major aspects of the defence administrative organizations, processes, and methods as an essential first step towards the transformation of the Canadian Forces. The aim should be nothing less then to build, from the ground up if necessary, a modern, proficient, government-wide system of defence administration appropriate to the demands facing the Canadian Forces; a system that is responsive to the needs of the government and Parliament.

Neither vision nor hope can substitute for dollars spent and political will carried forward. If the government expects to halt the loss of defence capabilities and succeed in transforming the Canadian Forces in the next five years, then it must lead the process, direct the bureaucratic system to this end, and do it quickly.

The strong will of the Minister of National Defence, the Chief of the Defence Staff, and the Deputy Minister of National Defence will not suffice to redress this deep national problem, for they do not and cannot control the government-wide processes that produce defence outcomes. The prime minister must lead this national effort and demand from Ministers effective reforms that can be implemented quickly, efficiently, and economically.

This report is available at http://www.queensu.ca/sps/defence/publications/ClaxtonNo6.pdf

Contacts:
Dr. Douglas Bland, Chair in Defence Management Studies, Queen’s University School of Policy Studies, 613-533-6483, db26@post.queensu.ca

Alain Pellerin, Executive Director CDAI, 613-236-1252, director@cda-cdai.ca

Peter Forsberg, Public Affairs Officer CDAI, 613-236-9903, pao@cda-cdai.ca


Microsoft Outsourcing Jobs to China
7 Sep 2005 FORT WORTH, Texas– The first F-35 Joint Strike Fighter came alive with electrical power today, as technicians at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth initiated "power-on" the incremental process of testing the aircraft's circuits, electronic components and wiring. The event was completed on schedule.

"Power-on" is a significant milestone in the manufacturing process of any new aircraft. The successful, on-time achievement of this event further demonstrates that the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program is progressing as planned, and confirms the value and effectiveness of its innovative design and build process," said Ralph D. Heath, president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. "Today, we begin making sure that air 'power' is always 'on' when future F-35 pilots take to the skies to defend the freedom of the United States and allied nations," Heath said.

The F-35 is a supersonic, multi-role stealth fighter designed to replace aging AV-8B Harriers, A-10s, F-16s, F/A-18 Hornets and United Kingdom Harrier GR.7s and Sea Harriers.

The aircraft's electrical power system (EPS) consists of two subsystems, the electrical power generating system (EPGS) and the electrical power management system, with overall control of the system supplied by redundant software running in the F-35's vehicle-management computers. Software developed by Lockheed Martin provides overall control of the EPS.

"The ability to put electrical power on the jet indicates that the majority of the structure is assembled, the utility systems have been installed and it's ti t; said Dan Crowley, Lockheed Martin F-35 JSF program manager. Because the F-35 is such a highly integrated aircraft, many systems and functions must be in place to achieve this milestone. The team has developed and verified the procedures in our labs over the past several months, and they've m et a schedule commitment set over 12 months ago."
The F-35 will be the most electronically sophisticated multi-role joint forces fighter aircraft ever built, with capabilities unavailable in current-generation coalition fighters.

Today's event is one more indication of the success of the F-35's di gital 3-D solid design process, in which Lockheed Martin and its F-35 suppliers refer to the same computer model for design and production of F-35 systems and parts. The result is unprecedented accuracy and assembly speed. Hamilton Sundstrand of Rockford, Ill., provides the EPGS. The electrical power management system is provided by Cheltenham, England-based Smiths Aerospace, and batteries are designed and manufactured by Saft America, Inc., of Cockeysville, Md.
The first test aircraft, a conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) F-35A designed principally for the U.S. Air Force, is scheduled to make its inaugural flight in the third quarter of 2006. Component-level assembly is under way for the short-takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) F-35B, the variant that will serve the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.K. Royal Air Force and Royal Navy. The F-35B will be the second aircraft to enter flight testing.

Three versions of the F-35 are planned: a CTOL, a STOVL and a carrier variant (CV). Each is derived from a common design, and will ensure that the F-35 meets the performance needs of the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy, the U.K. Royal Air Force and Royal Navy, and allied defense forces worldwide. Lockheed Martin is developing the F-35 with its principal industrial partners, Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. Two separate, interchangeable F-35 engines are under development: one by Pratt & Whitney and the other by the General Electric Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team.


Microsoft Outsourcing Jobs to China
3 Sep 2005 SEATTLE TIMES / By Brier Dudley ­ Microsoft is on track to outsource more than 1,000 jobs a year to China, according to blistering evidence released yesterday in Microsoft's increasingly nasty spat with Google over an employee who jumped ship in July.

In a revelation that highlights the complexity of China President Hu Jintao's visit to Seattle and Microsoft on Monday, legal filings detailed claims of how Microsoft had offended the Chinese government by not outsourcing as many jobs as promised to Chinese technology vendors.

COMMENTS AT: http://it.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=05/09/04/2256208&tid=109&tid=218


Aerospace industry profits to rise by 77% in 2005
31 Aug 2005 Three consecutive years of double-digit growth in manufacturing shipments, combined with on-going efforts to control cost increases, are expected to translate into a 77 per cent increase in profits for Canada¹s aerospace industry in 2005, according to the Conference Board¹s Industrial Outlook: Canada¹s Aircraft and Aircraft Parts Industry.

The Canadian industry depends on the health of the world¹s major airlines, and there is reason for cautious optimism in the global aviation industry. Despite ongoing turmoil at some U.S. carriers and the high price of oil, restructuring in the air transport industry and strong global economic growth should mean an improved outlook for airlines,² said Louis Thériault, Associate Director, Industrial Outlook.

Profit levels are expected to jump from $766 million in 2004 to $1.4 billion in 2005. A rise in production at key companies such as Bombardier, General Electric and Pratt & Whitney will lead to higher profit levels this year and next. Over the medium term, both profit margins and levels are forecast to increase.

Despite difficulties facing some of its customers, Bombardier has received new orders since the beginning of 2005‹and its outlook is brighter for 2006 and over the medium term. Solid corporate profits are expected to increase demand for Bombardier¹s business aircraft, a successful market segment for the company. Bombardier could also gain a strong presence in a potentially lucrative market with its planned CSeries of larger 110-to-130-seat regional jets. www.conferenceboard.ca


Standing Committee on National Security and Defence
30 May 2005 OTTAWA – Colin Kenny, chair of the Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence. The committee heard testimony from the Chief of the Defence Staff, General Rick Hillier, relating to the review of Canadian defence policy. more>>

National Defence Policy Statement released
April 2005 OTTAWA – ­ Canada's National Defence Policy Statement is released. View complete info on the
DND web site or download a pdf version of the DPS document.

PROMOTIONS & APPOINTMENTS
14 Feb 2005 OTTAWA – The following promotions and appointments of Regular Force generals and flag officers have been approved by the Minister of National Defence and will take place in 2005. more>>

New Chair for the Council for Canadian Security in the 21st Century
14 Feb 2005 – A­ Dr Roger Sarty, Professor of History at Wilfrid Laurier University, takes over from Jack Granatstein as Chair of the Council for Canadian Security in the 21st Century (CCS21). more>>

LGen Rick Hillier appointed new Chief of the Defence Staff
14 Jan 2005 OTTAWA – Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Bill Graham, welcomes Lieutenant-General Rick Hillier as the new Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), effective Feb. 4. more>>

Farewell Message from General Ray Henault
14 Jan 2005 OTTAWA – As you are aware, my time remaining as Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) is very short. As announced today by the Prime Minister, LGen Rick Hillier will assume the responsibilities of CDS effective 4 Feb, as I leave to initiate my transition to the position of Chairman of NATO's Military Committee. more>>

CDA welcomes LGen Rick Hillier as new CDS
12 Jan 2005 OTTAWA – The Conference of Defence Associations (CDA) congratulates Lieutenant General Rick Hillier, on his appointment as Canada's next Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS). It is expected that LGen Hillier will be promoted General and take up his appointment following General Raymond Henault's departure to become the Chairman of the Military Committee of NATO later this year. more>>

NGRAIN and CAE partner for modeling and simulation
06 Dec 2004 ORLANDO – CAE and NGRAIN announced a technology partnership that will see NGRAIN's interactive 3D simulation technology and Product Knowledge Management Solution integrated with CAE's STRIVE simulation development framework and CAE Simfinity integrated training solutions. The solutions will provide enhanced procurement management, mission preparation and training capabilities for both the military and homeland security markets. The combination of CAE STRIVE and NGRAIN's 3D software will provide users with a high-fidelity, realistic synthetic environment ideal for testing, evaluation, and prototyping of new systems, thereby ensuring that identified solutions meet the stated requirements long before the system is fielded. http://www.ngrain.com.


Derek Burney joins IDELIX Software Inc
24 Nov 2004 VANCOUVER – IDELIX Software Inc. announced that Derek H.

Burney, former President of CAE Inc. and Prime Ministerial Chief of Staff, has joined the visualization software company's Board of Advisors. Mr. Burney will advise IDELIX as the company gains momentum in new markets such as digital imaging, computer aided design (CAD), modeling and simulation. Pliable Display Technology (PDT) by IDELIX enhances the visualization of analysts, warfighters and first responders through its integration into various defense and intelligence software solutions. "This intuitive user interface will also play an important role in CAD, modeling and simulation applications as the efficiencies gained by its integration can significantly reduce training times and the time required to deploy systems," said Mr. Burney. http://www.idelix.com


Speech from the Throne
05 Oct 2004OTTAWA – The Speech from the Throne sets out the broad goals and directions of the government. The Government committed to releasing in the fall a comprehensive International Policy Statement that will reflect the integration of Canada's defence, diplomacy, development and trade efforts. Parliamentarians and other Canadians will have the opportunity to debate its analyses and proposed directions. The Speech stated that, "Enhancing Canada's security means that we have to invest more in our military as part of defending ourselves at home, in North America and in the world. We have to earn our way in the world. But ours will never be the biggest military force, so it must be smart, strategic and focused." The Government will be increasing our regular forces by some 5,000 troops and our reserves by 3,000 so that they may be better prepared and equipped. The full text of the Speech from the Throne is accessible on the Prime Minister's website: http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/sft-ddt.asp.


LGen Rick Hillier addresses the RCMI
01 Oct 2004TORONTO – Proving himself once again as an engaging speaker, LGen Rick Hillier spoke to the Defence Studies Committee at the Royal Canadian Military Institute regarding his time in Kabul. His deep respect for the country, its citizens, and the incredible hardships they have endured - and are prepared to continue to endure for the sake of a better life for their children and grandchildren, was made evident through his numerous personal reminiscences brought to mind during his presentation. LGen Hillier spoke eloquently of the beauty of the countryside and the people themselves. He spoke of the strong desire and commitment of the Afghani people to have their voices heard, and to make great personal sacrifices to ensure their children will have the freedom to make choices for themselves in the future. Underlying this was his belief in the global responsibility to help this country get back on it's feet after decades of war and bitter conflict. LGen Hillier's Powerpoint Presentation


CF Supports Transition of Mission in Bosnia

01 Oct 2004OTTAWA – Task Force Banja Luka , the most recent Canadian Forces (CF) contingent to serve with the NATO Stabilization Force (SFOR), was declared operationally ready in Banja Luka, Bosnia - Herzegovina. Deployed under Operation BRONZE, Task Force Banja-Luka is commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel David Laderoute and comprises about 80 CF members. The mandate of Operation BRONZE is to maintain support to SFOR during the transition of the Bosnia-Herzegovina mission from NATO to the European Union, which is expected to be complete by the end of 2004. Operation BRONZE includes a Liaison and Observation Team and various positions at Multi-National Task Force North-West Headquarters in Banja Luka and SFOR HQ in Sarajevo . On June 28, 2004, NATO announced that its operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina would be turned over to a European Union Force (EUFOR) by the end of 2004. As part of this transition, and in concert with our NATO and European allies, the Canadian contingent to SFOR has also been reduced.

Minister of Defence addresses the RCMI
22 Sept 2004 – TORONTO – The Royal Canadian Military Institute held a Joint Research Conference on Roles for Canada and NATO (presented in conjunction with the Atlantic Council of Canada and the Canadian Institute of Strategic Studies). Organized by Col (ret) Brian MacDonald, RCMI’s Chair of Defence Studies, this dynamic conference offered thought-provoking dialogue on many key aspects facing the defence and security world today. Addressing the group at the end of the day's presentations, the Honourable William Graham, Minster of National Defence, expressed a desire to “listen to the ideas that have come out of your discussions around today’s timely topics. Read the Minister's Speech.

First Responders – Homeland Security
22 Sept 2004 – The US DoD recently amended a contract to allow O'Dell Engineering Ltd. to provide RSDL to First Responders in the United States. DoD Chemical Biological Medical Systems and the Joint Program Executive Office for CB Decontamination deserve an enormous credit for making this change and approval happen. Without their confidence in RSDL, O'Dell would not be in the position to support US First Responders with a vital, potentially life saving product like RSDL. O'Dell will continue to support fielding RSDL as planned once it meets the Army's unique requirements. These revised Army requirements do not change or compromise the effectiveness of the product nor do they apply to First Responders at a civilian emergency scene. Because of this difference in needs, the Army has taken steps to provide the product to First Responders under the Army FDA Approval starting immediately. It is hoped that efforts with the Department of Homeland Security will see RSDL being fielded where it is needed very soon. Contact: Philip C. O'Dell, P.Eng., President, O'Dell Engineering Ltd. Tel.: 1 519 740 8620 Email: phil@odel.on.ca

 
 
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