With the government’s long-promised defence industrial strategy slated for release today, NATIONAL DEFENCE members are set to hold another round of hearings on what the terms of reference describe as the “nexus between national defence, national security and Canada’s critical minerals sector,” with senior representatives of the Business Council of Canada, Mining Association of Canada, NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines and Vale Base Metals Canada expected to share their respective perspectives this afternoon. (4:30 p.m.)

Over at TRANSPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE AND COMMUNITIES, MPs will get an update on VIA Rail’s ongoing efforts at “improving safety and customer service” from the company’s “lead executive,” Mathieu Paquette, as well as Coalition pour le retour des services d’un train de passagers en Gaspésie spokesperson Micheline St-Onge. (4:30 p.m.)

Meanwhile, FISHERIES AND OCEANS members continue to explore the state of “marine and coastal protections” during back-to-back panel discussions with representatives of the commercial and sports fishing sectors, as well as the ArcticNet Network and Atlas Ocean Tours. (4 p.m.)

Also this afternoon: VETERANS AFFAIRS members will get a briefing on the rehabilitation contract awarded to Partners in Canadian Veterans Rehabilitation Services from senior departmental officials and PCVRS executives, as well as other stakeholders. (4:30 p.m.)

Rounding out the roster, CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION members are still examining the state of Canada’s immigration system, and are set to hear from Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada, Société nationale de l’Acadie and Manufacturiers de structures de bois du Québec. (4:30 p.m.)