Canada's Defence Procurement Woes

This book challenges the perceived underlying causes and culprits of the ongoing challenges in Canadian defence procurement, arguing that although headlines often put the blame on the political leadership, the defence procurement bureaucracy, ongoing pressures in the defence industry and continuous demands placed on Canada though its alliances also carry a large part of the responsibility. Focusing on four main case studies: the Fixed Wing Search and Rescue Plane, the Joint Support Ships, the Medium Support Vehicle System and the Halifax Class Modernization, the author offers a comparative analysis of how these ongoing procurement efforts were dealt with by different administrations, from Jean Chrétien and Paul Martin to Stephen Harper. 

"Canada's Defence Procurement Woes provides a rigorous, in-depth study of the challenges that surround Canadian military acquisitions. Collins unpacks what factors complicate defence procurement in Canada and offers detailed case studies of both troubled and successful projects. The book demonstrates why simple explanations of Canada's military acquisition struggles are insufficient. Canadian defence procurement is a complex system and has equally complex stories. Canada's Defence Procurement Woes should be read by all those who wish to understand Canadian defence and improve how Canada buys military capability."

- Dr. Philippe Lagassé, Associate Professor and the Barton Chair at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University

 

“A highly readable assessment of one of Canada’s most intractable public policy issues: how to account for and address the extraordinary delays in acquiring major pieces of military equipment. Collins examines three troubled projects—a supply ship for the navy, trucks for the army, and a search and rescue aircraft for the air force—as well as the “good news story” of frigate modernization, to convincingly make the case that any single-factor explanation for Canada’s defence procurement woes widely misses the mark. As he draws out, the truth is far more complex, complicated, and multi-faceted. And yet over the past decade there have been enough lessons learned, and changes made in the system, to spark promise that future projects may fare better. This is an invaluable work for those who seek straightforward understanding of a vastly complex government endeavour, the source of perennial setbacks, what has been done so far, and, most compellingly, how Canada’s political and administrative machinery must change if it is to get defence procurement “right”. “

 - Professor Elinor Sloan, Department of Political Science Carleton University

  

“I’m proud and humbled to endorse Dr Collins’ new book “Canada’s Defence Procurement Woes”.  For well over a decade I have been consistently impressed by Jeff’s understanding of, and passion for defence procurement issues. This well-research and authoritative book takes a commonly misunderstood and often maligned process, sheds light on its many challenges, and offers some potentially pragmatic solutions. It is a “should read” for anyone interested in this important topic; and, a “must read” for government officials, elected representatives and media pundits alike.” 

- Mark Norman, Vice-Admiral, Royal Canadian Navy (Ret’d)

 

"Defence procurement has bedeviled governments in Canada, and indeed around the world, for decades. Jeffrey Collins provides an important contribution to finding a better way forward. A must-read for current and aspiring leaders."

- MichaelWernick, Clerk of the Privy Council (2016-2019), Jarislowsky Chair in Public Sector Management, University of Ottawa and author of Governing Canada.

 

"If everyone in the business reads this book, Canada saves billions buying kit and it's instantly the most valuable book ever published."

 - Dr. Ian Brodie, Professor of Political Science, University of Calgary, Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Stephen Harper (2006-2008) and author of At the Centre of Government.

Jeffrey F. Collins is Adjunct Professor at the University of Prince Edward Island.