The Department of National Defence released its departmental performance update on Tuesday revealing they are drastically ill-equipped in terms of staffing and equipment readiness — but proudly claimed that diversity hires are at an all time high.
According to their update, less than 50% of the military’s maritime fleets such as warships and frigates were not serviceable in FY 2023 – 2024, despite a 60% target.
Moreover, only 49% of key land fleets (armoured vehicles, tanks, etc.) are serviceable, despite a 80% target for the most recent fiscal year.
As for aerospace fleets, consisting of equipment such as fighter jets, helicopters, and transport aircraft, the numbers are equally dismal: only 49% are ready for service, falling way short of the DND’s minimum target of 85%.
Meanwhile, Minister Blair’s update boasts about the fact that they are ramping up their DEI efforts.
“In FY 2023-24, The Defence Team continued efforts to promote Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) across all initiatives in the Intelligence Enterprise by progressing opportunities to integrate gender and intersectional perspectives into policy and advice provided to government,” their update reads.
The DND further reported that the Canadian Forces Health Services and the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service (RCChS) are actively trying to recruit non-White members and religious minorities.
Defence Minister Bill Blair called the Canadian Military’s staffing shortage a “death spiral” earlier this year, and admitted that since COVID, more members have left the CAF than joined it.
The CAF is currently short about 16,000 members. This December 2024 report now states that the modernization of NORAD and Canada’s Defence Policy will require up to an additional 14,500 personnel.
The federal Conservatives have lambasted the Trudeau Government for their recruitment shortcomings, and placed the blame at the feet of the Prime Minister.
“Recruitment is cratering under this Prime Minister because Canadians know the truth,” said Conservative MP Cheryl Gallant last year.
“How can you have a national defence if the Prime Minister believes we live in a post-nation state?”
