S11E2 Buying Bombs: Defence Procurement in Canada

What is it called when the Canadian Armed Forces go about purchasing something? It’s called procurement. While most Canadians probably understand that the CAF goes through some process to buy new equipment very few truly understand how deeply complex the process actually is. Defence procurement involves several federal agencies and several different stages. Recently, the Canadian government has announced a new initiative called the Defence Investment Agency which is an agency designed to streamline the procurement process. Effectively, making it easier, and quicker, to buy the things we need. This is a major step forward in Prime Minister Carney’s vision of a modern and responsive CAF supported by significant government funding and part of the long-term plan to make the CAF a 21st century leading middle power military. In order to break down this complex process we’ve brought on Philippe Lagassé. Philippe is an Associate Professor and the Barton Chair at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs. Lagassé’s research focuses on defence policy and procurement, executive power, and the Westminster system, notably in the areas of foreign and military affairs. In addition to his academic work, Lagassé has served as an advisor and consultant to the Canadian government. Between 2012-2014 he was a member of the Independent Review Panel overseeing the evaluation of options to replace Canada’s CF-18 fighter aircraft, and was a member of the Independent Review Panel for Defence Acquisition within the Department of National Defence from 2015 to 2022. In 2025, Lagassé was awarded the Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service for his “exceptional contribution to Canadian defence policy” by the Chief of the Defence Staff. Lagassé is the co-author of a new book, Overseen or Overlooked: Legislators, Armed Forces, and Democratic Accountability, published with Stanford University Press. The book compares parliamentary oversight of military and defence affairs in fifteen counties.