About the CDS - Defence Priorities for 2009-2010

Introduction

The Defence Priorities represent a focused number of areas where Defence will direct additional efforts over a fiscal year in order to address gaps in capability or capacity, or where broader government direction dictates that greater action be taken. They help to translate long and medium-term goals and objectives into short-term direction for action while recognizing the necessity of addressing the requirements of the current operating environment. Priorities do not define the Defence mandate or on-going duties and responsibilities, which are set out in legislation (the “National Defence Act”), and policy (Defence policy statements, Government announcements/Budgets). In addition, the priorities do not preclude the allocation of resources to undertakings necessary for the successful execution of the Defence Services Program.

Defence Priorities, which are linked to specific program activities in the Program Activity Architecture (PAA), are not listed according to their perceived importance. They are intended to assist L1 organizations in identifying within their planning submissions how they will support advancement of the priorities through specific initiatives. Once approved within the business planning process, the planned efforts of L1 organizations are articulated to Parliament as Defence priority activity within the Report on Plans and Priorities (RPP). Furthermore, measures of success articulated within the RPP will permit VCDS/C Prog to track progress in advancing the priorities and facilitate follow-up reporting in the ensuing Departmental Performance Report (DPR).

The Priorities

  1. Achieve Operational and Mission Success in Afghanistan [Related Program Activities: Conduct Operations, Generate and Sustain Integrated Forces, Contribute to Canada and the International Community]
    • Expedite delivery of mission essential equipment. (OPI: VCDS)
    • Support whole-of-government efforts in Afghanistan. (OPI: ADM (Pol))
    • Expedite initiatives for the care of the injured and family support. (OPI: CMP)

  2. Support the 2010 Winter Olympics [Related Program Activities: Conduct Operations, Generate and Sustain Integrated Forces, Contribute to Canada and the International Community]
    • Determine requirements and responsibilities to ensure effective contributions from Defence in support of other federal government departments and agencies. (OPI: ADM(POL))
    • Develop plans, allocate resources and conduct exercises with key stakeholders to enable effective Defence contributions in support of Public Safety Canada and the RCMP. (OPI: Comd Canada COM)

  3. Align Defence Activities with Key Government Priorities [Related Program Activity: Contribute to Canada and the International Community]
    • Implement the Canada First Defence Strategy through the Defence Plan and Strategic Investment Plan, and manage personnel, equipment, readiness and infrastructure resources in a manner that is consistent with Cabinet’s decisions and the funding line. Develop key milestones against which to measure progress on the four CFDS pillars. (OPI: VCDS, ADM (Pol))
      • Ensure that management capacities and capabilities are in place to manage growth. (OPI: VCDS)
      • Develop and implement strategies to support the Government’s Advantage Canada plan, through partnerships with other government departments, the defence industry, and research and development organizations. (OPI: ADM (Mat), ADM (S&T))
    • Implement Defence-related initiatives in support of the Government’s other policy priorities, including the Northern Strategy and Going Green. (OPI: ADM(POL))

  4. Build the Defence Team [Related Program Activities: Generate and Sustain Integrated Forces, Conduct Operations]
    • Complete force structure review. (OPI: VCDS)
    • Implement retention strategies to reduce CF attrition. (OPI: CMP)
    • Implement plans to address shortages in critical military occupations. (OPI: CMP)
    • Demonstrate leadership in Public Service Renewal, including improving human resources and business planning, streamlining staffing processes, and implementing plans to address shortfalls in key skills areas. (OPI: ADM (HR Civ))

  5. Build Excellence in Defence Management [Related Program Activity: Executive and Corporate Services]
    • Finalize preparations for participation in the Federal Government Strategic Review by aligning governance, resource allocation and reporting processes, including leadership accountabilities. (OPI: VCDS)
    • Continue to implement the MRRS with solutions mutually acceptable to Defence and Treasury Board. (OPI: VCDS)
    • Consolidate the departmental approach to IM/IT
    • Continue to strengthen the core Control Framework and develop materiel, infrastructure, and information control frameworks in support of audited departmental financial statements. (OPI: ADM (Fin CS))
    • Undertake measures to address the “Web of Rules” within DND/CF (OPI: ADM(Fin CS))