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Commissionaires Canada celebrates its 100th anniversary on July 25, 2025. Founded in 1925 to provide meaningful employment to veterans, it has grown into Canada’s largest veteran employer and trusted security provider. Centennial events nationwide honour its legacy, evolution, and continued commitment to those who’ve served and Canadian communities.
The Canadian Tank Museum will unveil Project Uplift on July 25, 2025—the world’s first wheelchair-accessible lift system for armoured personnel carriers. This Canadian innovation, driven by community support and inclusivity, ensures that people with physical disabilities can fully experience military history and tank rides with dignity, safety, and joy.
As part of Canada’s $38.6B NORAD modernization, DND has selected initial sites for the Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar project in Kawartha Lakes and Clearview Township. These mark key steps toward Arctic security. Public engagement begins soon, with initial construction expected in winter 2026 and operations by late 2029.
On July 15, Defence Minister David McGuinty visited NORAD headquarters in Colorado for the Deputy Commander Transfer of Appointment Ceremony. He reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to NORAD modernization, Arctic security, and missile defence. McGuinty announced the removal of restrictions on Canada’s air and missile defence, enhancing national sovereignty and defence capabilities.
Canada is deploying 600 troops to Exercise TALISMAN SABRE 25 in Australia and Papua New Guinea, its largest Indo-Pacific deployment since Operation HORIZON. Involving 30,000 personnel from 19 nations, the exercise enhances multinational readiness across domains, showcasing Canada’s integrated military capabilities and commitment to regional security and international cooperation.
The Canadian Corps of Commissionaires celebrates its 100th anniversary on July 25, 2025, honoring a century of service, veteran support, and community safety. Events nationwide will highlight its mission and legacy, including ceremonies by Commissionaires Great Lakes at Sunnybrook Veterans Centre and the Toronto Stock Exchange.
Lieutenant-General Jamie Speiser-Blanchet became the first woman to command the Royal Canadian Air Force, succeeding Lieutenant-General Eric Kenny. The ceremony, led by Chief of the Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan, celebrated leadership transition, RCAF modernization efforts, and its centennial. Speiser-Blanchet pledges to prioritize personnel, modernization, and partnerships.
On July 7, 2025, Canada awarded CACI, Inc. - FEDERAL $169 million for the next phase of its Counter Uncrewed Aircraft System (CUAS) program. The contract supports CAF’s Operation REASSURANCE, integrating CUAS on armoured vehicles and providing 10 years of support to enhance protection against small hostile drones.
The fifth report by External Monitor Madame Therrien confirms the CAF is on track to meet all 48 Arbour recommendations by year’s end. Key reforms include updated definitions, expanded support services, improved recruitment and promotion practices, and alignment with public service harassment policies. Leadership affirms commitment to lasting culture change.
Minister of National Defence David McGuinty marked the start of a $850 million infrastructure project at CFB Trenton to support Canada’s new CC-330 Husky fleet. The upgrades will enable long-term operations, create up to 1,000 jobs, and include a new hangar, training facilities, and runway improvements through 2033.
HMCS Edmonton and Yellowknife have deployed on Operation REASSURANCE, joining NATO’s mine countermeasures group in Europe from July to October 2025. Equipped with advanced underwater tech and dive teams, their mission supports maritime security, sea mine clearance, and undersea infrastructure protection, showcasing Canada’s commitment to NATO and collective defence.
Exercise TRIDENT FURY 2025 wrapped after two weeks of multinational training on Vancouver Island involving over 1,000 personnel from Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. The exercise enhanced interoperability in maritime, air, and land operations, showcasing Canada’s commitment to joint readiness, sovereignty protection, and strengthening regional and global defence partnerships.
On June 24, Esprit de Corps attended a luncheon at Veterans House Canada, organized by Jay Sanko to support homeless veterans. Featuring Afghan-Canadian caterer Qais Azimy and attended by military leaders and city officials, the event highlighted community-driven efforts to expand veteran housing nationwide and honour those who served.
Commissionaires Nova Scotia marks its 100th anniversary at the 2025 Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo by partnering with Mi’kmaq artist Emma Stevens to raise awareness about human trafficking. Stevens’ performance of “I Want to Rise” highlights Indigenous vulnerability, while CNS continues its advocacy with training initiatives and public outreach across Nova Scotia.
Defence Minister David McGuinty will visit Latvia June 25–26, 2025, meeting his Latvian counterpart, thanking deployed Canadian troops, and attending the NATO Multinational Brigade command transfer ceremony. His visit highlights Canada’s commitment to NATO, regional defence, and solidarity with allies against security threats.
David Pugliese, Ottawa Citizen journalist and Esprit de Corps senior writer, received the Canadian Association of Journalists’ Charles Bury President’s Award for decades of investigative reporting on Canada’s military. Despite efforts to silence him—including false spy allegations and harassment—Pugliese’s work exposing corruption and failures in the DND remains impactful and unwavering.
On June 16, Saint Paul University awarded an honorary doctorate to Colonel (ret’d) Michel W. Drapeau for his service in the Canadian Armed Forces, legal advocacy for military members, and exposure of corruption. His work, including the book Tarnished Brass, has shaped public debate on military justice in Canada.
Lieutenant-General Erick Simoneau assumed command of Military Personnel Command (MILPERSCOM) on June 16, 2025. He oversees over 15,000 personnel responsible for CAF human resources. A decorated pilot, Simoneau has held key leadership roles and deployments globally. He most recently served as MILPERSCOM’s Deputy Commander before this appointment.
On June 13, 2025, the Royal Canadian Navy officially commissioned HMCS Frédérick Rolette, the fifth Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) of the Harry DeWolf class. The ceremony included the symbolic presentation of the commissioning pennant to Commanding Officer Commander Jolene Lisi. This vessel enhances Canada's ability to assert sovereignty in Arctic and coastal waters
On June 9, 2025, Veterans House in Ottawa unveiled a bronze bas-relief sculpture embodying the Canadian Army's core values: Duty, Integrity, Discipline, and Honour. The artwork, based on Katherine Taylor's mural, was commissioned by Major (ret'd) Bob Near after over 30 years of advocacy. The ceremony was attended by city officials and residents, marking a significant milestone for the 40-unit supportive housing facility for veterans.
On May 26, 2025, Esprit de Corps hosted the Breaking Down the Barricades awards at Beechwood Memorial Centre, celebrating top women in Canada's defence sector. The event featured a keynote by Lt.-Gen. Lise Bourgon, presentations by Scott Taylor, and toasts honoring the Commissionaires' centennial. Attendees included Minister Anita Anand and defence leaders
From May 19–23, French warships Mistral and Surcouf visited Quebec City. The Mistral conducted a joint exercise with Canada’s R22eR Regiment and hosted a formal reception. Notably, Canada declined a 2014 offer to buy two Mistral-class ships originally built for Russia.
In fall 2025, the Royal Canadian Navy will pay off eight of its twelve Kingston-class ships during formal ceremonies in Halifax and Esquimalt. Four vessels will remain operational in Halifax to support missions. The RCN will maintain capabilities through fleet consolidation and new platforms replacing the retiring Kingston-class vessels.