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Global interconnectivity and increasingly complex technologies seem to have seeded the relatively recent concept of Systems Thinking for problem solving. Telfer’s Complex Project Management course graduates learn to embrace complexity for ultimate success.

The recent revelation of a decision by Correctional Service Canada begs the question, how many other murderers are being released to spiritual healing lodges rather than serving their full sentences?

In taking the lead to highlight innovation, we will endeavour to provide publicity to the companies that are making a difference today. In our Fall edition, we will be initiating a special FrontLine Innovation Platform (FLIP) across multiple industries related to Defence and Safety and Security. 

A critically honest and engaged discussion between government and industry on defence procurement issues was held recently at the Telfer School of Management as part of the new Complex Project Leadership Programs.

A former MP is revisiting the "detainee" question, suggesting Canadian soldiers committed war crimes when handing captives over to the local authorities.

At first, I was satisfied that the Canadian Armed Forces had done their due diligence to discipline five members of the CAF who had disrupted a peaceful Mi’kmaq protest. But boasting of a "win" by the Proud Boys clearly indicates little, if anything, was learned.

The first objective in the government’s strategy to improve defence procurement is “delivering the right equipment to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Coast Guard in a timely manner.”

Why does Canada penalize advance investors for losing a defence bid? Why does only one sector benefit from defence offsets when all taxpayers contribute? Good questions, right? 

Five years later, has there been enough improvement in the years since CADSI's 2012 report was published?

According to the Oxford Dictionary, a lie is an intentionally false statement (often involving deception or founded on a mistaken impression). A mistake, on the other hand, is caused by bad judgment or a disregard of rule or principle (for example, it was a mistake to lie ).

Is it surprisingly ironic, or sadly inevitable, that the Liberals have begun to reach too far in a quest for control? On 27 October 2016, in a clarification to previous wording, the Government of Canada forbade any private companies interested in work on the CSC project (primes or subs) from any form of public announcement or promotion without prior consent from Irving Shipbuilding. This dangerous first step must be reversed – entirely.

Safeguarding the Canadian way of life is the prime directive of government. Are politicians taking steps to ensure Canadians understand the issues that can affect their future security?

The Liberal Government has chosen to step back and make real change rather than incremental adjustments that tend to bog down the system with numerous workarounds...

The Liberals have taken an unprecedented step in its draft RFP for the CSC, specifying that companies (and contractors) interested in bidding on CSC must not engage in advertising their qualifications. 

May 20 - The U.S. Navy accepted delivery of the most technically complex and advanced warship the world has ever seen, the future USS Zumwalt.

Based on Prime Minister Trudeau’s clear mandates to his new Cabinet ministers, the government is clearly ready to think outside the box when it comes to Defence Procurement.

Does quality and integrity in journalism matter? Do trade publications do enough to advocate for constructive change with informed commentary? Does the defence and security industry do enough to support the right effort?

The PPF course is for advanced infantry certification on a variety of infantry operations including: airborne, airmobile, rugged terrain and amphibious operations. Trained to rapidly deploy from water, land or air, soldiers with Patrol Pathfinder certification fill a valuable niche in the Canadian Army, including both combat and humanitarian roles.

Getting many new ship builds underway through cooperation with key government departments, ­managing operations with reduced fleets, finding innovative ways to train enough new recruits, and the daunting task of overhauling navy culture, are all key priorities on the Admiral’s plate.

Rona Ambrose has been chosen by her fellow party members as the interim leader of the new Conservative party. Ambrose, a very experienced Minister who held the portfolios of Environment, Public Works, and Health during her time in the Conservative Cabinet, was at times impeded by an Opposition that often opposed for the sake of being combative...

I believe we are indeed willing to fight for our way of life (and clearly, inaction is not even remotely an option), but who are we fighting, and why?

Procurement Reform: The Government of Canada has initiated the first stages transformative policy changes to guide procurement reforms.

Are criticisms of the FWSAR reset fair? Were years of work ''lost'' or somewhat irrelevant?

In this interview of DND's DG Space, Col André Dupuis asserts that Canada recognizes the multi-faceted need for space-based assets to fulfill a range of whole of government requirements.

What is happening at Director General Space these days? A lot, explains the head of DND's Director General Space. read more >>

Advice from a 101 year old Cameron Highlander.

As frustration levels rise among those involved in defence procurement, FrontLine responds by publishing additional rounds of constructive commentaries in this and coming editions.

The Director General of the Health Services Group speaks about the Road to Mental Readiness and other initiatives.

The New Commander of the RCAF shares his vision for the Air Force and speaks candidly about a new priority for thinking outside the box and finding more efficient ways to do business. It is leading to improved training times while saving costs and reducing the environmental footprint.

While informed debate is beneficial to the democratic process, it is absolutely critical to progress and growth. Articles in this ­edition of FrontLine Defence prove once again the complexities of the defence world.

Are you relieved that we are turning the clocks back to the pre-sole-sourcing days of the CF-18 replacement?

Clear policies and strong strategies are the critical links that are repeatedly called for by so many in the defence communities.

We’ve already established that Canada’s defence procurement process is painful, but why is that so?

The Arctic Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) program is already running into heavy weather.

New Years' Resolutions – Let's get the right expertise in the right position, at the right time.

Now that it has a majority, will the federal government relax a bit or tighten its grip on what they like to call “communication” but what is actually “control of information”?

Will the new Associate Minister of Defence (Procurement), Julian Fantino, de-clutter the playing field?

Protecting Canadians at home is ‘Job One’ for Canada Command. This organization is concerned with all aspects of national security – often working under the lead of Public Safety Canada to provide an important asset for emergency management.

Defence requirements never seem to lessen

“We need to start cutting steel,” said General Natynczyk in September. Which shipyard will be chosen for the combat ships and which for non-combat ships?

Are we trading soldier safety for lower cost? That’s a delicate question. Our ‘special trucks’ correspondent, Shaun Connors, takes a look at the Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle (TAPV) program and the companies competing to provide this much needed asset.

So much work had been accomplished by this government, some tough decisions were made, with mostly unwaivering dedication, to build Canada’s military prowess – knowing the international caché that brings.

The stigma of mental health illnesses is a challenging barrier to health care. The key to effective treatment is that people come forward to discuss their concerns.

The Chief of the Land Staff, discusses army training and the challenges he faces in preparing (and protecting) Canada’s soldiers for the many dangerous tasks that are asked of them.

In FrontLine’s continuing focus on the defence procurement system, we bring you the thoughtful response from Janet Thorsteinson to an important question recently posed by Dan Ross, ADM(Mat): “Is too much risk being passed to vendors?”

Careful assessment of the post 9/11 global security environment has uncovered important niche requirements that the navy is perfectly suited to fill.

FrontLine’s "Great Debate" on procurement looks at the situation from many angles... none of them very good.

Many are unaware of the full scope of what goes on in the Health Services - the underappreciated medical and dental services seems to be one of the CF's best kept secrets. The new Commander of the Health Services Group Explains her role and the wide variety of services under her command - from evaluating the health of potential recruiters to lifesaving front-line care of troops.

Canada/U.S. conference promotes integration of North American defence & security industrial base. With a heightened global instability and a shared concern for domestic security, the time is right for Canada and the United States to revitalize the bilateral co-operation that has historically existed between Canadian and U.S. defence and security industries.

Fixing What's Broken: “It’s a great time to be in the CF!” says General Hillier after less than two years as CDS. He is in the enviable position of rebuilding an energized Canadian Forces…

The CF is determined to follow the government’s new Defence Policy Statement. MGen Walt Natynczyk, appointed as Chief of the Canadian Forces Transformation on 1 June 2005, will lead that effort.

Can transparency, efficiency and fairness co-exist in defence procurement?

PSEPC was created with a mandate to build and implement national policies for emergency management, national security, and public safety. Minister McLellan discusses some of the many priorities facing her department.

The new emphasis on Security being recognized and supported by the Canadian Government has had a reinforcing effect on the Navy. After decades of downsizing, the Navy is building and diversifying to cover a wide range of security and policing roles on our coasts.

The revolutionary new way of contracting for the Air Force, Optimized Weapons System Support Management, puts more responsibility on industry, but they also gain in the global market by becoming “best of breed.”

Canada's defence industry is struggling to find ways to mitigate some aspects of the ITAR policy and the way it is administered. The CDIA has some recommendations which may help.