Canada’s New Defense Policy: Our North, Strong, and Free

Collective security is a cornerstone of Canada’s defense policy. Pictured, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attends a reception in London ahead of a NATO summit. AFP/GETTY IMAGES

MAYA JOHNSON

Canada’s defense policy update, titled “Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence,” sets the country on a path to more than double its defense spending in 2026-27 compared with 2016-17. The update addresses the realities of climate change and shifts in global geopolitics. As the Arctic becomes more accessible, it is likely to change economically and militarily, introducing different roles for stakeholders. Additionally, with aggressive actors threatening international norms, other countries — such as Denmark — have been enhancing their military capabilities. In response to these changing landscapes, Canada aims to ensure it has the capabilities to assert its sovereignty and protect its interests in the region.

The previous version of the defense policy, published in 2017, titled “Strong, Secure, Engaged” was aimed at supporting and enhancing Canada’s defense, making the country strong at home, secure in North America and engaged globally. The updated defense policy builds on this vision to further strengthen the Canadian Armed Forces, ensuring continued security and global engagement. Canada will invest $8.1 billion over the next five years and more than $73 billion over the next 20 years to ensure a ready, resilient and relevant Canadian Armed Forces.

The new policy serves as a continuation and revision of the previous one, with initiatives still active and developing. It aims to contribute to Arctic security, strengthen Canada’s role within NATO and advance Canada’s defense capabilities. The policy identifies three interconnected trends reshaping the world:

Climate change is disproportionately affecting the Arctic (including Canada’s Arctic), creating new security challenges in the region.
Autocracies and disruptive states are challenging international norms and order.
New technologies are rapidly redefining conflict and what it takes to secure the homeland.

The policy emphasizes investments in alliances and partnerships in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions, which are fundamental to Canada’s security and prosperity. Enhancing military capabilities is crucial for maintaining sovereignty and protecting against adversaries who could influence domestic behavior. The policy also anticipates economic and military changes, particularly regarding the Arctic’s evolving role as access to the region increases. Additionally, Canada remains committed to defending North America against aerospace threats in partnership with the U.S. and is committed to improving satellite capabilities and enhancing cyber capabilities.

The policy highlights Canada’s renewed focus on the Arctic, which is driven by increased accessibility due to climate change, creating new shipping routes and resource extraction opportunities. This shift has heightened geopolitical interest from countries like Russia and the People’s Republic of China, necessitating stronger defense measures. Furthermore, advancements in military technologies by potential adversaries pose new threats that require modernized aerospace defenses. Strengthening the Arctic capabilities of both Canada and the binational North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is crucial for protecting Canada’s interests and ensuring regional stability. In June 2022, Canada invested $38.6 billion to modernize its contribution to NORAD. This investment includes $6.9 billion for new surveillance technologies, $4.13 billion for threat communication enhancements, $6.38 billion for modernizing air weapon systems and $15.68 billion for infrastructure and support capabilities.

The policy initiates the enhancement of a wide variety of capabilities. Canada will explore options for renewing and expanding its submarine fleet with under-ice capabilities to further enable the Royal Canadian Navy to project a persistent deterrent on all three coasts. Additionally, Canada will consider acquiring new all-terrain vehicles for Arctic mobility, adapted to ice, snow and tundra. The country will consider enabling its Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels to operate maritime helicopters at sea. Furthermore, Canada will evaluate acquiring long-range air- and sea-launched missiles to deter threats and reach targets at greater ranges. Ground-based air defenses will also be considered to protect critical infrastructure from diverse airborne attacks, including drones, missiles and artillery. Lastly, Canada will explore options for acquiring a suite of surveillance and strike drones, as well as counter-drone capabilities.

Collective defense is a cornerstone of Canada’s national security. As a founding member of NATO, Canada is deeply committed to protecting international norms and order alongside its allies. This commitment extends to strong partnerships within the Euro-Atlantic region, ensuring stability and security on a global scale. Additionally, Canada shares a steadfast commitment with the United States to protect North America. Through joint efforts in aerospace defense, cybersecurity and maritime security, Canada and the U.S. work collaboratively to address emerging threats and uphold the safety and sovereignty of the continent. By investing in advanced defense capabilities and fostering robust international alliances, Canada reaffirms its dedication to collective security and its pivotal role in maintaining peace and stability worldwide.

Maya Johnson is a recent graduate of the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver who interned at United States Northern Command.