Defence Renewal Overview

What it is 

Defence Renewal is the effort being undertaken by The Defence Team – civilian and military personnel combined - to minimize inefficiency, streamline business processes and maximize the operational results we deliver for Canada and Canadians.  It will focus on clear accountability and process improvements, while encouraging a stronger culture of innovation.

Why it matters

By changing the way we work for the better and ensuring our members can be of maximum value in their respective roles, the Defence Team can position ourselves to take on the challenges that lie ahead.

Defence Renewal aims to instill a culture of continuous improvement to ensure that the Defence Team continuously looks for the most efficient and effective ways to conduct the business of Defence.

Defence Renewal will ensure the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces continue to receive the support and trust of Canadians by providing the best military capabilities for the best value to Canadians, as envisioned in Strong, Secure, Engaged: Canada’s Defence Policy.   

Achievements to Date

• August 2012: A Defence Renewal Team is established to lead and guide renewal efforts, comprising about 22 civilians and military personnel, under joint civilian-military leadership.
• February 2013: McKinsey & Company, a recognized organization with significant Defence Business Planning Renewal experience, is engaged to undertake the in-depth analysis of renewal and transformative opportunities.  
• October 2013: A Defence Renewal Charter is introduced to set out clear goals, common objectives, timelines, methods to measure progress and a governance process to oversee Defence Renewal. This Charter, and its supporting Defence Renewal Plan, will be in effect until 2018.

• October 2017:  The results of most DR initiatives are falling within the envisioned target ranges for impact and transition from being new approaches into normal business.

What Next?

Continuous Improvement will become a permanent feature of Defence’s business culture and processes. The Defence Renewal Team is transitioning in function and scope to become the champion organization for Continuous Improvement and the department’s Centre of Excellence to embrace the shift in culture of innovation, and process improvements developed over the last 5 years under Defence Renewal.