Responsibilities of the Minister

The Minister of National Defence carries legal responsibility and is accountable to Parliament for the administration of the National Defence Act, the Emergencies Act, the Visiting Forces Act, the Aeronautics Act (in relation to Defence), the Canadian Forces Superannuation Act, the Garnishment Attachment and Pension Diversion Act, and the Pension Benefit Division Act. Under these Acts, the Minister is charged with, among other things:

• the management and direction of the Canadian Forces and of all matters relating to national defence, and
• the advancement of civil preparedness in Canada for emergencies of all types.

Virtually all decisions and actions taken by Departmental and Forces personnel in respect of these Acts are carried out, directly or indirectly, on behalf of the Minister of National Defence. The Minister, being accountable to Parliament for the actions of these officials, expects to be kept fully informed of any decisions or activities by the Canadian Forces or departmental personnel that may be of concern to Parliament or the public.

Minister's Policy Role

The development and articulation of Canada's defence policy are among the most important responsibilities of the Minister of National Defence. This policy is developed and set within a larger framework of national objectives and policy priorities that are decided by the Government as a whole.

The Minister sets out a defence vision and agenda that is reflective of:

• the Government's assessment of the strategic environment;
• the defence needs of the country;
• the Government's agenda and priorities; and
• what is affordable within the larger fiscal context of the country.

While many aspects of Canada's defence policy may remain constant over long periods of time, that policy must always reflect and express the particular position of the government of the day. This may be set out in government statements on defence policy such as a defence White Paper, or in speeches by the Minister and Prime Minister, and in parliamentary debates and answers to questions in the House.

In developing and articulating Canada's defence policy, the Minister draws on policy advice and other support from his or her senior civilian advisor, the Deputy Minister of National Defence. The Minister's senior military advisor - the Chief of the Defence Staff - plays a key role in the policy process by providing advice on military requirements, capabilities, options and consequences. Each is expected to work closely with the other to ensure that the Minister has the benefit of the best possible advice, based on full and accurate information about costs, consequences, risks and options.

When the Minister, or where necessary the Government, has taken a decision, it is the responsibility of the Canadian Forces and the Department to take the necessary action to give effect to that decision. The Chief of the Defence Staff and the Deputy Minister are accountable to the Minister for ensuring that this is done by the organizations which they head.

Minister's Communications Role

The Minister of National Defence is the Government's principal advocate for defence matters, both within Cabinet and externally on its behalf. It is the Minister's responsibility to garner support for defence priorities, positions and policies and indeed for the activities of the Canadian Forces, for which he or she is responsible under the law. This involves active consultation with the public and Parliamentary colleagues, with defence interests groups in Canada, and with allies and partners abroad.

The Minister is supported in this capacity by NDHQ staff and by Departmental and Canadian Forces personnel across Canada and abroad. Together, they provide information to the Minister and the Minister's staff, and to internal, domestic and international audiences.

Date Modified: 2006-12-8

Important Notices