Auditor general finds 'critical gaps' in the military's combat ammunition

National Defence does not know how much ammunition it has or needs, or how to get more, the report says, blaming a flawed inventory system, weak data analysis and inefficient contracts. Canada is far behind on its NATO commitments for collective defence.

Supply agreements with Canadian producers

2 of 4 expired over three years ago

Two of four agreements with Canadian ammunition producers expired more than three years ago, Auditor General Karen Hogan said, and contracts are being awarded too slowly to meet demand.

The auditor general's office first raised the problems two decades ago. In 2024, the government set aside $9.2 billion over 13 years to rebuild the stockpile.

Hogan would not say where the critical gaps are, for national security reasons. Defence Minister David McGuinty agrees with all six recommendations and says he intends to implement them.