Latest news with #NickDrescherBrown
Ottawa Citizen
07-05-2025
- Business
- Ottawa Citizen
Malfunctioning missiles purchased by Canadian Army for personnel in Latvia now fixed
The Canadian military says problems affecting its new anti-tank missiles have been fixed, but it is declining to provide details about the technical issues that caused the weapons to malfunction. Article content Article content Late last year, the Ottawa Citizen reported that more than half of the new missiles received by the Canadian Forces didn't function properly during testing. The federal government spent U.S. $32 million ($45 million Canadian) to purchase Spike anti-tank missiles for eventual use by Canadian Forces personnel in Latvia. Article content Article content The Canadian Army and Department of National Defence declined to outline what the problems were because they wanted to protect the commercial interests of the Israeli missile manufacturer, Rafael. No specific details were released on when the missiles would be sent to Latvia. Article content 'Full Operational Capability is still expected to be reached for winter 2026,' said DND public affairs official Alex Tétreault in an email response. Article content Rafael did not respond to a request for comment about the missile problems which were first identified in July 2024. Article content The National Post reported in November 2024 that the Canadian Army was considering cancelling the contract because of the problems. But DND has stated that will not happen and that the contract will proceed. Article content In February 2023, the Ottawa Citizen reported that the Canadian Army was fast-tracking its purchase of the anti-tank weapons as well as air defence systems for troops stationed in Latvia. The equipment was classified as an Urgent Operational Requirement, the same process used during the Afghanistan war to quickly obtain gear without going through the slower traditional procurement procedures. Article content Article content DND spokesperson Nick Drescher Brown previously stated that in the interest of getting the new missiles quickly for the Latvia mission, no live-fire tests or demonstrations were performed during the selection process. 'This technical risk was assessed and deemed acceptable as all of the potential bidders had delivered thousands of units of this product to other customers by that point in time,' he said in an email in December. Article content Article content The ongoing issues affected both the Spike missiles and launchers. Article content Canadian soldiers are in Latvia as part of the Canadian-led NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group to deter Russian aggression in the region. Former prime minister Justin Trudeau announced in July 2023 that, as part of a major commitment to NATO, Canada would spend an additional $2.6 billion to double the number of troops it stationed in Latvia. The government's plan would see up to 2,200 troops deployed for what is being called Operation Reassurance.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
DND warns of spring geese takeover of Carling Campus
The Canadian military has issued a warning to staff about geese at its Carling Avenue headquarters, advising those who encounter the sometimes aggressive birds to remain calm and don't panic. The situation has developed over the years where geese have taken over the grounds of the defence campus in Ottawa's west end. That happens during breeding season as Canada geese can become extremely aggressive after laying eggs. Department of National Defence spokesperson Nick Drescher Brown said a directive has been issued to staff by the Canadian Forces Support Group outlining how to behave if they encounter the birds. The directive warns both military and civilian staff not to attempt to feed or touch the geese as that could provoke them. If employees encounter one of the birds that is displaying aggressive behaviour, they are advised to 'remain calm and do not panic. Try to move away slowly and quietly without turning your back to the goose. Maintain eye contact while you back away.' 'If the goose charges or hisses, raise your arms to appear larger and back away slowly,' the directive advised. Nesting season is from March to May. The Toronto Wildlife Centre has pointed out that Canada geese attacking people or cars is a sure sign that a goose nest is nearby. The Carling Campus is surrounded by the Ottawa Greenbelt, where geese nest. The birds, which are also well-known for their defensive nesting behaviour, also nest in busy urban areas near people and cars, according to the centre. The centre pointed out that sometimes a nest isn't obvious as it might be in a planter or on a nearby roof. It is unclear how many geese are at the the Carling Avenue defence headquarters. 'Canadian Forces Support Group (Ottawa-Gatineau) Operations does not track the number of geese at NDHQ Carling,' Drescher Brown noted in an email. Geese Relief, a U.S. firm that uses specially trained dogs to keep Canada geese in check by scaring them off, pointed out that most attacks on humans result in minor or no injuries. But severe injuries can happen. 'Goose attacks have resulted in broken bones, head trauma, and emotional distress,' the company said on its website. 'Many of these injuries occur when the person tries to avoid an attacking goose and trips and falls.' According to a previous DND directive about the Canada geese, the species is protected and cannot be relocated once they have nested. That directive pointed out that the greenbelt, where the complex is situated, is home to various migrating wildlife. David Pugliese is an award-winning journalist covering Canadian Forces and military issues in Canada. To support his work, including exclusive content for subscribers only, sign up here: Parking rates to more than double at DND's Carling Campus National Defence to spend more than $1 billion on new operational HQ at Carling Campus site
Ottawa Citizen
28-04-2025
- General
- Ottawa Citizen
DND warns of spring geese takeover of Carling Campus
Article content The Canadian military has issued a warning to staff about geese at its Carling Avenue headquarters, advising those who encounter the sometimes aggressive birds to remain calm and don't panic. Article content Article content The situation has developed over the years where geese have taken over the grounds of the defence campus in Ottawa's west end. That happens during breeding season as Canada geese can become extremely aggressive after laying eggs. Article content Article content Department of National Defence spokesperson Nick Drescher Brown said a directive has been issued to staff by the Canadian Forces Support Group outlining how to behave if they encounter the birds. Article content If employees encounter one of the birds that is displaying aggressive behaviour, they are advised to 'remain calm and do not panic. Try to move away slowly and quietly without turning your back to the goose. Maintain eye contact while you back away.' Article content 'If the goose charges or hisses, raise your arms to appear larger and back away slowly,' the directive advised. Article content Nesting season is from March to May. Article content Article content The Toronto Wildlife Centre has pointed out that Canada geese attacking people or cars is a sure sign that a goose nest is nearby. The Carling Campus is surrounded by the Ottawa Greenbelt, where geese nest. The birds, which are also well-known for their defensive nesting behaviour, also nest in busy urban areas near people and cars, according to the centre. Article content Article content The centre pointed out that sometimes a nest isn't obvious as it might be in a planter or on a nearby roof. Article content Article content It is unclear how many geese are at the the Carling Avenue defence headquarters. 'Canadian Forces Support Group (Ottawa-Gatineau) Operations does not track the number of geese at NDHQ Carling,' Drescher Brown noted in an email. Article content Geese Relief, a U.S. firm that uses specially trained dogs to keep Canada geese in check by scaring them off, pointed out that most attacks on humans result in minor or no injuries. But severe injuries can happen. 'Goose attacks have resulted in broken bones, head trauma, and emotional distress,' the company said on its website. 'Many of these injuries occur when the person tries to avoid an attacking goose and trips and falls.'
