Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question. It’s an important one. Thank you for underlining the historic investment that the government made in 2022 to modernize NORAD capabilities.

I’m not sure that the minister that we had in Question Period would be in an even better position to answer your question, but I will do my best notwithstanding that.

It’s my understanding that the government has already released the timelines for all 19 projects proceeding under this plan. My understanding as well is that the majority of these projects will have reached initial operational capability over the next decade. I have no further information at this juncture, senator.

Senator D. Patterson: Thank you.

Senator Gold, the Auditor General’s 2022 report to Parliament on Arctic water surveillance included a recommendation to address delays in the delivery of equipment to replace and improve the key federal capabilities used for maritime surveillance in the Canadian Arctic and the risk that several types of equipment may cease operating before being replaced.

A March 2023 statement by Public Services and Procurement Canada stated that:

. . . the P-8A Poseidon is the only currently available aircraft that meets all of the CMMA operational requirements . . . .

Hon. Dennis Glen Patterson: Senator Gold, in June of 2022, then defence minister Anita Anand announced $38.6 billion to modernize the North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD. The funding is meant to be spent over 20 years and is focused on modernizing our surveillance systems, the technology we use and our air-weapon systems while also investing in new infrastructure and support capabilities as well as science and technology aimed at future proofing our capabilities to defend North America.

The President of the U.S. and Prime Minister Trudeau released a joint statement on March 24, 2023, stating:

Our highest priority is to protect our citizens and our sovereign territory. We will invest in the modernization of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) . . .

They specifically agreed to accelerate the procurement of the Over-the-Horizon Radar to 2028, and Canadian investment in Arctic infrastructure to support the arrival of the first F-35 aircraft in Canada.

Senator, can you give this chamber an update on the contract for specific investments?