Stephen Fuhr takes charge of Canada’s defence procurement

Stephen Fuhr, a former Royal Canadian Air Force fighter pilot and longtime critic of Canada’s F35 purchase, is now leading the country’s defence procurement effort. He serves as secretary of state for defence procurement and heads the new Defence Investment Agency, created to speed up military acquisitions. The article describes Fuhr’s background in the RCAF, his public opposition to the F35 program after leaving the military, and his later return to politics as a Liberal MP for Kelowna. It also notes that he is expected to oversee a larger defence budget and may gain added authority under Bill C31, including the ability to help award solesourced contracts. Fuhr says he wants to modernize Canada’s procurement system and reduce reliance on the United States by broadening supplier options and building more resilience at home. His appointment comes as Ottawa reviews major purchases such as fighter jets, radar aircraft, submarines and other military equipment.