Chris Malette

In response to a question from Marianne Dandurand

“We should pass this bill. The current defence agency will keep working while we set up the new corporation, so nothing gets disrupted. A contractor in my riding told me this bill will help private businesses work better with the military.”

“Mr. Speaker, the DIA would be continue to operate under its existing authorities and advance procurements while the new Crown corporation is established. The transition would be managed to maintain continuity and minimize disruption to ongoing procurements, industrial industry partners and client organizations. Earlier today, I met with a defence contractor, for instance, who is interested and already actively working at CFB Trenton in my riding of the Bay of Quinte. They are very keen on Bill C-40 to see that this exact piece of legislation would help them further bring their private expertise to work in collaboration with our defences.”

In response to a question from Marie-Hélène Gaudreau

“This bill creates a new agency focused only on buying and building defence equipment. It will help us get equipment to the military faster. A new associate minister will oversee the agency to keep it accountable.”

“Mr. Speaker, in the new legislation, the shift is about centralizing execution and accountability with what is known as the CCDI. While recognizing that major defence investments will continue to advance broader Government of Canada priorities, the CCDI mandate would be more focused on defence production, procurement and investment. It would also accelerate delivery of defence capabilities. That does not mean there would be less oversight. The CCDI would operate at arm’s length under the national defence portfolio, reporting to a new minister, called the associate minister of national defence for procurement. The Government of Canada is committed to clear accountability and a more integrated approach to—”

In response to a question from Alex Ruff

“This bill will help our military buy the equipment it needs, from socks to airplanes. It will make buying supplies faster while keeping strong oversight.”

“Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, the member for Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound, for his service to Canada as a veteran, especially at this time of year. I listened earlier as the member recited a litany of shortages in sending troops into harm’s way when he was an active serving member, and I would like to remind him that the program we are introducing in this bill would help address the very concerns he expressed earlier. This program is designed to help better procure items such as C-17, but we have also seen that we need everything from socks to submarines, and this legislation would help do that, not only with speed but also with great oversight.”

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“I want the House to pass this bill. It helps our military buy equipment faster, cuts government delays, and supports Canadian jobs.”

“Mr. Speaker, in my riding, the beautiful Bay of Quinte, we are proudly home to the Royal Canadian Air Force’s primary and largest air mobility hub, 8 Wing at CFB Trenton. While CFB Trenton is a fascinating and awesome place to celebrate in its sheer enormity and scope of operations, we are here today to discuss important legislation to accelerate defence procurement, strengthen Canadian industry and reinforce Canadian sovereignty. We do so to benefit and bolster the work of the 5,000 military and civilian personnel who keep CFB Trenton operational 24-7, 365 days a year. Bill C-40, the strengthening Canada’s defence sector act, represents a major step in modernizing how Canada equips its military. Above all, the legislation is about building a stronger, more capable Canada, a Canada that can continue to defend itself against emerging threats, protect its interests and keep Canadians safe. The bill comes at a defining moment in our country’s history. Our government is making a generational investment to rebuild, rearm and reinvest in the Canadian Armed Forces, but our investments are only part of the equation. We must also ensure that they translate into effective military capabilities delivered to our Canadian Armed Forces quickly and efficiently, as well as that they deliver real economic benefits for Canadians from coast to coast to coast. To meet these important commitments, in October 2025, we established the Defence Investment Agency, or the DIA, as a special operating agency within Public Services and Procurement Canada. In just one year, the DIA has helped accelerate and advance a number of major defence projects. The legislation we are proposing builds on this momentum, giving the DIA the additional tools and authorities it needs to keep doing this work even more quickly and efficiently. It is important to know that we are not starting from zero. With that in mind, I would like to take a few minutes to highlight some of the important projects the DIA has been able to advance over the past year, as well as to discuss how Bill C-40 would ensure that we can keep delivering at the pace that our military needs and that Canadians expect. Let me begin with air and space. Canada is a vast country. Protecting our airspace, particularly in the Arctic, requires modern aircraft, advanced surveillance systems and reliable communications. We are making significant progress on all three fronts. In May, Canada selected Saab as the preferred supplier for our future airborne early warning and control capability. Negotiations are now advancing toward the acquisition of the GlobalEye system. This system would provide long-range surveillance and early warning capabilities, helping our forces detect and track potential threats. Because GlobalEye uses Canadian-made Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft, this project also offers important opportunities for Canada’s aerospace industry. As we strengthen Canada’s air and space capabilities, we are also investing in emerging technologies. In just months, the defence drone initiative, made possible because of DIA involvement, has helped lay the foundations for a sovereign national defence drone ecosystem. Another important initiative is the enhanced satellite communications project, polar. This project will provide our military with reliable, secure communications in the Arctic, where conventional communications can often be limited. Working with Canadian industry leaders such as Telesat and MDA, the Defence Investment Agency has helped advance an innovative procurement approach. Rather than developing a technical solution in isolation, we engaged Canadian industry earlier, drawing on its expertise to help identify the best way forward. In August, the agency awarded Telesat a $2.3-billion contract for the first major component of this capability. This is an excellent example of how we can move faster while strengthening Canadian technological expertise and industrial capacity. Let me turn then to land capabilities. Our soldiers need modern equipment they can depend on. Earlier this year, our government awarded Colt Canada a contract for up to 65,402 new Canadian modular assault rifle systems. These rifles will replace equipment that has served our military for decades. Through the contract negotiated by the DIA, Colt Canada is committed to incorporating at least 80% Canadian content into these rifles, on top of their being built domestically. This project is a great example of how the DIA is already improving readiness for our soldiers while supporting Canadian manufacturing, skilled workers and our domestic defence industrial base. Likewise, the DIA is helping Canada move forward on the capabilities the Royal Canadian Navy needs to defend our vast waters, done most notably through the Canadian patrol submarine project. In July, Canada selected Germany-based TKMS, with the support of Germany and Norway, as its preferred supplier. Negotiations are under way to acquire up to 12 modern, conventionally powered submarines with long range, long endurance and Arctic capabilities. These submarines would strengthen our ability to detect, track and deter potential adversaries in the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic oceans. We are planning to sustain these submarines right here in Canada. These are just a few examples of the major defence acquisitions under way. We have been able to make significant progress on these projects since the creation of the DIA. They also highlight something important. The DIA’s goal is not simply to acquire equipment faster. It is about fundamentally transforming how we approach defence procurement. Historically, major acquisitions have involved several federal departments, each with important responsibilities: National Defence identified military requirements; Public Services and Procurement Canada managed procurement and contracting; and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada oversaw industrial and economic considerations. While this arrangement brought valuable expertise across government, it could also create duplication, delays and uncertainty as projects move between organizations. The DIA is helping to change that. By bringing together military, technical, commercial and procurement specialists from across government, the agency is building integrated teams that can work collaboratively from the earliest stages of a project. The DIA is also introducing more flexible approaches to procurement. That includes engaging industry earlier, streamlining decision-making and considering existing commercial or military solutions where appropriate. This work is closely connected to Canada’s defence industrial strategy, which is helping ensure our defence investments also build the industrial capacity, skilled workforce and secure supply chains needed to produce and sustain critical capabilities here at home. At its heart is a straightforward approach: build, partner, buy. That means to build in Canada where we have the capacity or where developing that capacity is strategically important; partner with trusted allies when collaboration provides access to better capabilities, technologies or production opportunities; and buy existing capabilities from trusted partners. It would all strengthen our capability to maintain and sustain essential military equipment in Canada. That is important because every critical component we can produce domestically, every system we can maintain and repair ourselves, makes our country more resilient. The DIA would have a clear responsibility for translating these requirements into results, all while maintaining strong governance, financial oversight and accountability to Parliament through a minister. Ultimately, our success will not be measured by the number of contracts we sign. It will be measured by the opportunities we create for Canadian workers and businesses, and it will be measured by the capabilities we deliver to our military. That is what Bill C-40 is designed to achieve: a stronger military; a stronger defence industry; and a stronger, more sovereign Canada. That is why I urge all members of the House to support the legislation.”

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“I apologize if I said the wrong thing. People have reported abuse, and I did not mean to question their claims.”

“Mr. Speaker, if I misspoke, I sincerely apologize. There are men and women who have reported cases of abuse. I did not in any way mean to impugn anyone in that regard.”

In response to a question from Charles Sousa

“The opposition says women in the military should choose between civilian and military courts for sexual assault cases. Committee evidence showed that having this choice actually makes it harder for women to report crimes. Since 2021, all these cases have gone to civilian courts.”

“Mr. Speaker, yes, we did hear quite a bit of discussion on choice at committee. One thing I would like to acknowledge at this point is that it warms my heart to see members opposite embracing a woman’s right to choose in all manners. It is heartening. It was a little misleading in the fact that a woman’s right to choose was somehow seen as an ideal situation. Since 2021, all cases have gone to the civilian system. The right to choose, as we have heard, is, in fact, an obstacle to a woman reporting in some of the testimony that we heard. While it may have been an option that some had seen as a very responsible position, we heard much evidence of the opposite.”

In response to a question from Cathay Wagantall

“Recruitment numbers for the military look good. We need this bill to make sure the Canadian Armed Forces are safe and welcoming for people of all genders who join.”

“Mr. Speaker, we were indeed encouraged this week by the news of the recruitment numbers. Although we heard reports that the numbers leaving are outstripping the numbers coming in, and I do not have the exact numbers at my fingertips, I have been assured that they, in fact, were a bit misleading. That is why it is important for this legislation to be at report stage. Bill C-11 would help us ensure that those people coming in are welcomed into a safe and responsible environment for all genders enrolling in the Canadian Armed Forces.”

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“I support this bill to update the military justice system. It moves sexual assault cases committed in Canada out of the military system and into civilian courts. It also makes military justice officials more independent and gives more support to victims.”

“Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today for the report stage of Bill C-11. I would first like to note that in rising for this, my first full speech on a bill in the people’s House, I do so with the pride of having been sent here with the overwhelming support of the people of the Bay of Quinte and the incredible men and women of 8 Wing CFB Trenton to represent them in addressing important issues like the environment and duty to them in their service to the Canadian Armed Forces, and that duty for me, which brings me here today. I would also like to thank the members of the Standing Committee on National Defence and acknowledge the witnesses, including the brave victims and survivors of sexual assault and misconduct, for their work on this important piece of legislation. Bill C-11 and cultural change at the heart of the Canadian Armed Forces come at a significant time for our military. The norms and rules that once ensured Canada’s peace and prosperity are being rewritten. The Canadian Armed Forces is operating in a volatile and unpredictable global security environment. As Canada’s new government makes a generational investment into our military, including meeting NATO’s 2% target, we cannot forget that the women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces are the driving force behind our security and safety. The members of the Canadian Armed Forces must be ready for the threats of today and those of tomorrow. A critical component to that readiness is ensuring that members have a work environment where they feel safe, protected and empowered to serve. This is essential to operational effectiveness, productivity and morale, as well as recruitment and retention. Part of these efforts is ensuring that the military justice system evolves alongside the culture of the Canadian Armed Forces and that it is aligned with the aims of Canada’s civilian criminal justice system, continuing to ensure fairness and accountability for all involved. Bill C-11, first tabled as Bill C-66 in March 2024, as we heard earlier, was reintroduced as Bill C-11 last fall to amend the National Defence Act. This was to help build trust in the military for our currently serving members and for those who are looking to the CAF as a future career. Bill C-11 proposes a suite of changes to ensure the continued effectiveness, accountability and alignment of the military justice system with the operational needs of the CAF. The legislation is critical to ensuring the continued safety and well-being of our people in uniform. Bill C-11 was introduced to address key recommendations brought forward by former Supreme Court justices Louise Arbour and Morris Fish. This included addressing recommendation 5 of Justice Arbour’s independent external comprehensive review report to the Minister of National Defence, delivered in May 2022. This recommendation aimed to remove the Canadian Armed Forces’ jurisdiction over Criminal Code sexual assault offences committed in Canada in the majority of cases, from investigation to prosecution and trial of offences. Of all of Justice Arbour’s 48 recommendations, recommendation 5 is the only one that must be implemented through a legislative amendment to the National Defence Act, which brings us here today. The legislation also sought to address eight recommendations made by Justice Fish. The recommendations he proposed relate to the way in which we appoint key military justice actors like the Canadian Forces provost marshal, the director of military prosecutions and the director of defence counsel services, by making them Governor in Council appointments. Justice Fish’s report recognized the important role of these military justice actors in ensuring a fair and transparent process for victims and survivors. The legislation would also expand eligibility criteria for military judge appointments to include non-commissioned officers, which would diversify the applicant pool further. In response to another of Justice Fish’s recommendations, the proposed legislation would change the title of the Canadian Forces provost marshal to the provost marshal general. This way, the title aligns more closely with the titles of other senior designations in the CAF, such as surgeon general, chaplain general, judge advocate general, and so on. Bill C-11 would also expand the class of people who could make an interference complaint to be addressed by the Military Police Complaints Commission. Further, it would require military police or others carrying out policing duties or functions under the responsibility of the provost marshal general to make such a complaint in certain circumstances. Beyond addressing key recommendations from former justices Arbour and Fish, Bill C-11 would exclude military judges from being subjected to the summary hearing system. This is to reinforce judicial independence. Members of the national defence committee heard time and again about the need to reinforce judicial independence to build trust in the system for all involved. Speaking of trust, Bill C-11 would expand access to the victims’ liaison officers under the Declaration of Victims Rights. That way, an individual acting on behalf of a victim could request that a victim’s liaison officer be appointed to assist them. Through Bill C-11, we have brought forward these proposed amendments to ensure that the military justice system grows in tandem with the evolving culture of the Canadian Armed Forces. The military justice system must continue to function in alignment with our civilian criminal justice system and better respond to the needs of victims and survivors. Canadians expect Canada’s military justice system to reflect their values at all times. Bill C-11 is an important piece of legislation that does just that. It advances the culture of respect and accountability across all ranks of the defence team, regardless of role, position or rank. This legislation makes clear our commitment to modernize Canada’s military justice system. It makes clear our commitment to address the recommendations from independent external review reports, namely Justice Fish’s third independent review and Justice Arbour’s independent external comprehensive review. As well, it makes clear our commitment to the brave and skilled members of our Canadian Armed Forces and their civilian colleagues who serve this country every day. At its core, the Canadian Armed Forces is defined by the people who serve in uniform. They are central to our defence and to our national security. We will continue building a workplace free from harassment, discrimination and violence for all who serve and defend this country. Bill C-11 will pave the way for future statutory, regulatory and policy amendments that will further evolve military culture and continue to modernize the military justice system. The legislation before us today represents their commitments to modernizing the military justice system and evolving Canada’s military culture. We must also continue to strengthen the policies and programs that make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by harmful conduct. We are seeing encouraging signs of that today, but our work will not stop with this legislation. This week alone, we saw recruitment of the Canadian Armed Forces hit a 30-year high. This is remarkable progress, but we cannot stop here. We must ensure that we are doing our part to protect our military and civilian members of the defence team who work hard every day to keep us safe. We are sincerely grateful for everything they do.”

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  “The director of military prosecutions and the director of defence counsel services.”

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