Stephen Fuhr earned his “Picasso” moniker during his time as a pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). While tasked with creating detailed attack maps, his unconventional drawings led to the nickname inspired by the famous cubist artist, as per former military sources. Now, at 57 years old, he serves as Canada’s secretary of state for defence procurement.
In his current position, Fuhr heads the Defence Investment Agency, established by Prime Minister Mark Carney’s administration to streamline the procurement process for billions of dollars in military acquisitions. Following his retirement from the Armed Forces in 2009, Fuhr faced criticism for opposing the acquisition of American F-35 aircraft, leading to strained relations with the RCAF.
Despite challenges, Fuhr remains resolute in his convictions, stating, “I’m not afraid to stand alone on the hill. It’s a matter of principle.” Fuhr’s interest in aviation dates back to his childhood, sparked by model airplane competitions with his grandfather. Apart from flying his personal aircraft, a Van’s RV-8, he is known to enjoy driving his Porsche 911.
Fuhr’s political responsibilities have intensified under Bill C-31, granting him increased authority in awarding contracts to safeguard Canada’s economic security. His focus is on transforming the military procurement system by enhancing domestic production and exploring new global partnerships.
Recognized for his background as a CF-18 pilot, Fuhr’s journey into politics has been eventful, marked by his opposition to the F-35 purchase. Despite facing pushback from the fighter pilot community, he remains steadfast in his pursuit of reshaping Canada’s defence landscape and fostering stronger international collaborations.
Fuhr’s approachability and active engagement in defence-related activities have positioned him as a key figure in the procurement landscape. While facing challenges with the RCAF on equipment sourcing diversity, Fuhr remains open to exploring mixed fleets and new procurement avenues to modernize Canada’s military capabilities.
