QUESTION PERIOD — Public Safety
Canadian Armed Forces
December 12, 2024
In late November 2023, Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, released a video in which he pointed to many serious problems facing the navy. Leader, you may remember that I asked you about this video at that time.
Among other things, he stated that the navy had not met any of its recruiting targets in 10 years, and as a result, they were short by as much as 20% or higher in key naval trades. He also said that similar recruiting problems plagued both the air force and the army.
Earlier this year, Minister Blair described recruitment across the forces as being in a death spiral.
Leader, did the navy meet its recruiting targets over the last year?
Thank you for your question, and here I am, perhaps, echoing Minister Blair. The Canadian Armed Forces, or CAF — including the navy and, indeed, other important institutions like the RCMP — are facing serious recruitment and retention challenges. That is something that is preoccupying to this government and has led the government to take measures to enhance and — we hope — improve the recruitment and retention.
The government has released the Directive for Canadian Armed Forces Reconstitution and the Canadian Armed Forces Retention Strategy, and it shared that permanent residents, for example, are now welcome to apply to join the Canadian Armed Forces.
I have also been informed that the government is expediting suitability screening and security screening and implementing new enrolment medical standards along with a suite of other things in order to boost enrolment. It will continue to examine ways to improve.
In his video, Vice-Admiral Topshee said that a marine technician was leaving the navy every two days. One year later, is that still the case, leader?
As well, do you commit to finding out how many of the various navy trades currently have personnel shortages of 20% or higher, as well as which specific trades?
I will certainly raise these issues with the minister, and I hope the efforts that the government has put in place and any additional measures that would improve the recruitment and retention of our much-needed and valued personnel are put into place as quickly as possible.
