THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL SECURITY, DEFENCE AND VETERANS AFFAIRS

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

OTTAWA, Monday, November 17, 2025
(6)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs met this day at 5 p.m., in room C128, Senate of Canada Building, the deputy chair, the Honourable Mohammad Al Zaibak, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Al Zaibak, Cardozo, Carignan, P.C., Dasko, Deacon (Ontario), Ince, Kutcher, McNair, White and Youance (10).

Participating in the meeting: Ariel Shapiro and Anne-Marie Therrien-Tremblay, analysts, Library of Parliament.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, the committee began its study on defence procurement in the context of Canada’s commitment to increase defence spending.

WITNESSES:

Canadian Global Affairs Institute:

David Perry, President.

Conference of Defence Associations Institute:

Gaëlle Rivard Piché, Executive Director.

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami:

Natan Obed, President.

Rideau Institute:

Peggy Mason, President.

As individuals:

Richard Shimooka, Senior Fellow, Macdonald-Laurier Institute (by videoconference).

Steven Staples, Policy Analyst, Author on Canada’s defence policy.

David Perry, Gaëlle Rivard Piché and Richard Shimooka each made a statement and answered questions.

At 6 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 6:10 p.m., the committee resumed.

Peggy Mason and Steven Staples each made a statement and answered questions

At 7:03 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 7:13 p.m., the committee resumed.

Natan Obed made a statement and answered questions.

At 7:59 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Ericka Paajanen

Clerk of the Committee