THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL SECURITY, DEFENCE AND VETERANS AFFAIRS
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
OTTAWA, Monday, April 20, 2026
(17)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs met this day at 4 p.m., in room C128, Senate of Canada Building.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Anderson, Cardozo, Carignan, P.C., Dasko, Deacon (Ontario), Hay, Ince, Kutcher, Osler, White, Youance and Yussuff (12).
Participating in the meeting: Anne-Marie Therrien-Tremblay and Andrés Leon, Analysts, Library of Parliament.
The clerk informed the committee of the unavoidable absences of the chair and deputy chair and presided over the election of an acting chair.
The Honourable Senator Youance moved that the Honourable Carignan, P.C., be the acting chair.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The acting chair took the chair.
Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, the committee continued its study on defence procurement in the context of Canada’s commitment to increase defence spending.
WITNESSES:
Unifor:
Travis Farrell, President, Marine Workers Local 1 (by videoconference);
Adam Slaunwhite, Business Agent, Marine Workers Local 1 (by videoconference).
Union of National Defence Employees:
June Winger, National President.
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers:
Brandon Dyck, International Representative (by videoconference).
Office of the Auditor General of Canada:
Andrew Hayes, Deputy Auditor General;
Isabelle Marsolais, Director.
Office of the Procurement Ombud:
Alexander Jeglic, Procurement Ombud.
FELLFAB Limited:
Michael Clark, Business Development Manager, Government, Defence and Space.
L3Harris Technologies Canada:
Richard Foster, Vice President.
June Winger, Travis Farrell and Brandon Dyck each made a statement and, together with Adam Slaunwhite, answered questions.
At 5:05 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 5:11 p.m., the committee resumed.
At 5:11 p.m., the Honourable Senator Yussuff resumed the chair.
Anthony Jeglic and Andrew Hayes each made a statement and answered questions.
At 6:13 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 6:20 p.m., the committee resumed.
Richard Foster and Michael Clark each made a statement and answered questions.
At 6:50 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.
ATTEST:
Ericka Paajanen
Clerk of the Committee