Canadian Security Studies Programme - Joining Instructions

Dates: 30 April to 11 May 2018

Welcome. On behalf of the Commandant of the Canadian Forces College (CFC), Brigadier-General Kevin Cotten, and the College Chief Petty Officer, Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Kent Gregory, welcome to the 19th serial of the Canadian Security Studies Programme. This programme is an interactive learning exchange, facilitated by expert speakers and through seminar and syndicate discussions. Intended to enable personal and group understanding of, and high-level engagement in, Canadian national security issues, its goal is to foster engagement, reflection, discussion and debate. Meant to be an initial step, the CSSP will be but one element of your ongoing development of national security awareness.

Background. The Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) established the Centre for National Security Studies (CNSS) in 1987 at Kingston, Ontario to enhance the scope of professional military education available in Canada. The Centre developed the two-week National Security Studies Seminar as its main educational activity, delivering it in Kingston for 10 years. In 1997, the CNSS moved to Toronto, where it was incorporated into CFC, the senior institution of professional military education in Canada. Subsequently, the programme was offered annually under the title of the Canadian Security Studies Programme.

CFC uses the following as the definition of “national security”:

The preservation of a way of life acceptable to the Canadian people and compatible with the needs and legitimate aspirations of others. It includes freedom from military attack or coercion, freedom from international subversion, and freedom from erosion of the political, economic, and social values which are essential to the quality of life in Canada.

Aim. The aim of the CSSP is to improve participants’ abilities to identify, analyse, and understand the security issues facing Canada and the world. Through the examination of both national and international security issues, the programme facilitates the development of a strategic perspective of Canadian national security.

Content. The CSSP curriculum combines lectures from experts and syndicate discussion. Topics are grouped into the following daily themes - strategic concepts, national context, gender and diversity, global issues, bilateralism and continental relationships, and international affairs.

The broad range of CSSP guest lecturers, drawn from both the private and public sectors, enables CFC to incorporate perspectives and ideas that are both current and challenging within the curriculum. Question and answer periods, facilitated study group discussions, and the preparation and presentation of strategic analysis by study groups give participants the opportunity to interact with, and participate fully throughout the programme.

Preparation for Programme Activities. Programme participants will be required to prepare for daily programme activities by reading material that is linked to the themes discussed above. All readings will be available on-line (via the internet) on 12 April 2018. As part of the access protocol, participants will be required to acknowledge the terms and conditions applicable to the use of this material. Paper copies of programme material will only be made available upon request or when required by the curriculum.

Electronic Document Portal. Participants will be provided the link and password required to access electronic documents available in support of the programme. Documents may be found in the folder corresponding to the day of the programme. Please note the following instructions regarding internet browsers:

• Browsers. This site is best viewed on Internet Explorer 10 or higher, a current version of Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Chrome, or equivalent browser software. If your browser is older, you may have trouble viewing many of our web site features properly.
  • Browser Settings. The following web browser settings must be selected:
    • JavaScript must be enabled.
    • Cookies must be enabled.
    • Popup Blockers must be disabled for this website.
  • Internet Explorer. If you are using Internet Explorer as your browser, you need to add the “docutek.com” website to the compatibility list for your browser, or the readings page will not display. To do so, complete the following steps:
    • Open Internet Explorer.
    • Select Tools.
    • From the dropdown list, select Compatibility View Settings.
    • In the popup, add “docutek.com”.
    • Close the popup.

CSSP Participant Responsibilities. In the interest of harmony and good order, programme participants are expected to conduct themselves as follows:

• Attendance. Programme participants are expected to attend and be properly prepared for each scheduled event. Should another activity or commitment conflict with attendance, participants are asked to discuss the matter with their Syndicate Facilitator before deciding to absent themselves.
• Auditorium Protocol. Lectures will be conducted in plenary in a CFC auditorium. It is customary to assemble five minutes early to receive any necessary administrative announcements. At the end of the lecture, all participants are asked to remain in place until the lecturer has been escorted out of the auditorium. Participants are not to bring personal belongings (briefcases, outside clothing, etc.), food, or drinks (other than water) into any CFC auditorium. Smart phones, cellular phones, personal data assistants and other forms of electronic communication must be turned off in the auditorium. The use of recording devices of any type is not permitted.
• Questions and Discussion. The discussion period that follows each lecture is an important element of the presentation, providing the opportunity to interact with the lecturer and to exploit the individual and collective knowledge, skills, and personality of programme participants. Participants with questions following a lecture should wait to be recognized by the lecturer, identify themselves, and then ask their question. Experience has shown that three types of questions optimize this experience; that is, questions which:
  • Seek clarification from the speaker of a point made in the lecture.
  • Seek comment by the speaker on a personally held position or idea.
  • Expand the scope of the commentary or context of the lecture.
• Conduct. All personnel attending CFC programmes are expected to act professionally at all times, to participate fully in programme activities, and to treat all CFC staff and other programme participants with respect and courtesy.

Syndicate Structure

• Programme participants will be assigned to a study/discussion group, or “syndicate” for the duration of the programme. The syndicate also provides the structure for administrative activity, which includes the hosting of guest lecturers. Each syndicate will be required to identify a “syndicate senior” to coordinate administrative activities.
• A facilitator is assigned to each syndicate to guide and enable discussion. These facilitators are often retired, senior Canadian military officers and public servants, or senior academics, and it is expected that they will be treated with dignity and respect by all programme participants. Syndicate seniors will be responsible to assist their affiliated facilitator in the coordination of syndicate activities.
• CFC strives to structure syndicates to achieve the maximum amount of diversity possible from within the student body, balancing experience, nationality, gender, language ability and other relevant factors to facilitate the programme’s aims and to promote the harmonious discussion of issues.
• Each syndicate will be assigned a room that it will use as a “home room” for the duration of the programme. Each syndicate room will contain a non-networked computer workstation, audio-visual display capability, basic administrative supplies, and a binder containing material relevant to the programme (i.e., biographies of the guest lecturers). This room will be available to the syndicate throughout the programme, and it is to be used for group discussion and work, as well as a storage area for such items as coats and books.

Lectures. All material presented by the speakers is of an unclassified nature. Contributors to the CSSP have been assured that they will be given a “Privileged Platform”. As such, CSSP participants may not quote them by name, either orally or in writing. The College’s policy of non-attribution has been established, and is carefully guarded to encourage candour in all aspects of the programme. It is the responsibility of each member of the programme to ensure that this guarantee is honoured in full. The recording of presentations and lectures is not permitted. Participants may take notes during any part of the programme, but, as indicated above, all personal electronic devices are to be turned off in the auditorium.

Hosting of Lecturers. Visiting lecturers are the guests of CFC and will be hosted by the CSSP. The duty to host visiting lecturers is assigned on a rotating, daily basis to CSSP syndicates. Syndicates which are assigned hosting duties will be expected to introduce, thank, and, where applicable, attend lunch with visiting lecturers. Such hosting responsibilities will be explained in more detail on the first day of the programme.

Participant Assessment. All participants will receive a confirmation of programme completion. CAF members will receive the CSSP Qualification Code 115170.

Programme Times. The CSSP will commence at 0745 hours (7:45 a.m.) on Monday, 30 April 2018 at the Armour Heights Officers’ Mess (AHOM) at CFC. At this time, all programme participants will undergo an administrative registration process. The programme will normally be conducted between 0800 hours (8:00 a.m.) and 17:00 hours (5:00 p.m.), Monday to Friday. Evenings and weekends are considered individual preparation time, although there is a meet-and-greet on the evening of Monday, April 30, and a formal dinner on the evening of Thursday, May 10. Graduation will occur on Friday, May 11, and the programme will be complete by 1300 hours (1:00 p.m.). Return flights should not be booked before 1500 hours (3:00 p.m.) on May 11 to account for travel time to Pearson International Airport and time required for security screenings.

Official Languages. All CAF personnel and members of the Public Service of Canada are cognizant of Government policy and intentions with regard to the use of both official languages. However, due to the attendance of international military personnel as well as non-federal government participants, English will be used as a common language for much of the programme. The choice of language for the individual presentations and for the associated question/answer session is at the discretion of the presenter.

Accommodations. CSSP participants will be accommodated at the hotel listed below:

Holiday Inn Yorkdale
3450 Dufferin Street
North York ON  M6A 2V1
Canada
Telephone - Front Desk: 416-789-5161
Facsimile: 416-785-6845

It is expected that most domestic participants will travel on the Sunday prior to the programme, arriving in Toronto in the afternoon. The hotel will be provided with a list of participants; however, all participants must contact the hotel to make a hotel reservation that meets the requirements of their individual travel plans. When discussing bookings, personnel must identify themselves as participants in CSSP 19, and that they are entitled to hotel rates in accordance with the CFC contract.

With the exception of those participants attending under the auspices of the MTCP, hotel charges are the responsibility of the individual. It should be noted that MTCP participants are personally responsible for all charges for hotel services except for the charges for the room reservation itself. All participants will be required to provide a credit card imprint to the hotel staff to pay for applicable charges against their hotel room.

Ground Transportation. A daily bus service will operate between the parking lot of the Holiday Inn Yorkdale and the CFC main parking lot. On the first day of the programme (Monday, April 30), the bus will depart the Holiday Inn Yorkdale at 0730 hours (7:30 a.m.). It is the responsibility of all participants to have taken breakfast before departing the hotel.

A bus schedule for the remainder of the programme will be provided as part of a welcome package. Should participants elect not to use the bus service, it is their personal, financial responsibility to arrive at CFC at the promulgated times. Because of the limited parking available at CFC, the use of personal motor vehicles is discouraged.

Meals. All meals throughout the programme are at the participant’s expense. Meals may be purchased from the Holiday Inn Yorkdale, from surrounding commercial restaurants, or at the AHOM. The Holiday Inn Yorkdale will offer a breakfast buffet to CSSP participants for $19.45 (before taxes and service charges). The AHOM, which offers “à la carte” and buffet service for breakfast, lunch and dinner, is open for meals during the following hours:

• Monday to Friday:
  
  • Breakfast – 0700 hours (7:00 a.m.) to 0830 hours (8:30 a.m.).
    
  • Lunch – 1200 hours (12:00 p.m.) to 1330 hours (1:30 p.m.).
    
  • Dinner – 1700 hours (5:00 p.m.) to 1830 hours (6:30 p.m.).
    
• Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays:
  
  • Breakfast – 0800 hours (8:00 a.m.) to 1030 hours (10:30 a.m.).
    
  • Lunch – 1130 hours (11:30 a.m.) to 1300 hours (1:00 p.m.).
    
  • Dinner – 1630 hours (4:30 p.m.) to 1800 hours (6:00 p.m.).

Payment for meals taken at the AHOM may be made by cash, Visa or debit card. Automated teller machines are available at CFC to support cash payments, although service charges may apply. Any CSSP participant with special dietary needs should inform the CFC administrative staff as soon as possible prior to departure for CFC, and no later than arrival at the registration process.

Programme Registration. Registration is the first activity of the programme and will occur in the Salon Brodeur of the AHOM. Buses will travel direct to the AHOM, arriving at approximately 0750 hours (7:50 p.m.). CAF participants must be in possession of their travel claims. CAF Reserve Force participants are to be in possession of their Route Letter. MTCP allowances will be issued as part of the registration process. Programme registration fees ($1,500.00 CAD) will be collected from applicable personnel. Additional event and service fees, as described below, will also be collected.

Event and Service Fees. The following events will occur as part of the programme and have associated fees for which participants are responsible:

• Monday, April 30 – optional; afternoon meet-and-greet at the AHOM; cash bar and light refreshments; $15.00 per person (13% Harmonized Sales Tax included).
• Daily coffee breaks (Mondays to Fridays, 1000 to 1030 hours) – optional; $25.00 per person (HST included). Note: Daily coffee service includes coffee, tea, a selection of fruit juices and water.
• Thursday, May 10 – mandatory; evening formal dinner; $70.00 (HST included).

Payment. Payment may be made by cash, cheque, debit or credit card (Visa only). Cheques must be made payable to “Canada Catering Co., Ltd.”. Once payment is made, charges cannot be refunded.

All event and service fees will be collected during the registration process. The matrix below has been prepared to assist CSSP participants in making their decision regarding which event package they wish to take advantage of:

Service Matrix – CSSP 19
Option	Services Included	Overall Cost (HST included)
1	Meet-and-greet, daily coffee breaks; formal dinner.	$110.00 CAD
2	Meet-and-greet, formal dinner; no daily coffee breaks.	$85.00 CAD
3	Daily coffee breaks, formal dinner; no meet-and-greet.	$95.00 CAD
4	Formal dinner only; no meet-and-greet or daily coffee breaks.	$70.00 CAD

Use of the AHOM. CSSP participants are considered guests of the AHOM and may make use of its services. Please check here for hours of operation and standards of conduct and dress. Although the services of the AHOM include bar service, participants should note that, while attending CFC programmes, alcohol is to be consumed in moderation at all times.

Standards of Attire. The following standards of attire are to be observed by CSSP participants:

• Military Personnel. The standard of attire for military participants for the duration of the programme will be short-sleeve service dress with ribbons (CAF order of dress 3B), or foreign military equivalent. Military members will require their service dress with tunic and ribbons (or foreign equivalent dress) for the programme dinner on Thursday, May 10.
  Note: Military headdress is not worn while on CFC grounds, which includes the CFC parking lot. Military participants are, however, to wear their headdress when in public.
• Civilian Personnel. The standard of attire for civilian participants will be business casual. The standard of attire for the programme dinner on Thursday, May 10 will be business formal.

Information Systems

• Personal computers and other personal information technology devices shall not be connected to any CFC information system, nor may they be used during lectures or seminars.
• Personal computers and other personal information technology devices which enable internet access may be used at the hotel, which provides free Wi-Fi access as part of its standard services.
• CFC will not provide computers or access to the internet for the purposes of this programme or for personal use.
• DND/CAF personnel who require access to DND information systems may request access through the programme staff.
• Complementary Wi-Fi access is available in the AHOM.

Telephones. Telephones are available at the main entrance and at the AHOM for local calls only. Long distance phone calls and faxes are for official purposes and are only available in designated areas. Telephone cards for personal long distance calls can be purchased at any convenience store. The use of personal cellular phones during formal programme activities is not permitted.

Physical Fitness

• The Dextraze Fitness Centre at CFC is available for use by CSSP participants. All personnel who use the fitness facility are expected to comply with posted rules for its use.
• The Holiday Inn Yorkdale also has a fitness facility available to guests. Due to the high volume of traffic on roads surrounding the hotel and CFC, extreme care should be taken when undertaking outdoor physical fitness activities. It is of particular note that pedestrian traffic is not permitted on Highway 401, which is located just north of the hotel.

Photography

• A group photograph of all CSSP participants and staff will be taken by a member of the CFC photography staff on Monday, April 30, and copies will be provided at graduation.
• Personal photography is not permitted inside CFC buildings.
• Personal photography of members of the CFC staff, students, or guests is not permitted unless they have given their consent.
• Personal photography of CFC monuments and grounds is permitted.

Smoking. Smoking is not permitted in any college facility, including the AHOM. There are, however, designated smoking areas on the college grounds and outside the AHOM.

CFC Contact Information. Participants may contact CFC through the following means:

• By post mail:
  Attention: CSSP Programme Officer
  Canadian Forces College
  215 Yonge Boulevard
  Toronto ON  M5M 3H9
  
• By telephone:
  CFC Operator: 416-482-6800
  Main reception desk: Extension 6934
  
• By facsimile:
  Fax Number: 416-482-6818
  Attention: CSSP Programme Officer
  
• By electronic mail:
  Address: CNSS@cfc.dnd.ca
  Subject Line: Attention: CSSP Programme Officer – [Subject as applicable]

  Date modified:

  2018-04-17