Canada's defence policy review

Summary

The Minister of National Defence, Harjit Sajjan, discusses Canada's new defense policy review, which includes public consultations to assess the future of the Canadian Armed Forces. The review will consider the security environment in the next 20-40 years, focusing on Canada's military capabilities and priorities. Sajjan highlights the need to ensure Canada's defense is well-structured, modernized, and responsive to evolving threats, while balancing fiscal constraints. The review will shape decisions on peacekeeping, military capabilities, and procurement processes, with input from experts and Canadians alike.

Takeaways

• 🛡️ Canada is launching public consultations as part of a defense policy review to shape the future of its military in the coming decades.
• 📊 The consultation will involve ordinary Canadians, experts, and parliamentarians to gather input until the end of July, with results expected by year-end.
• 🔍 The review will focus on adapting Canada's military to future security environments, examining its structure, tools, and capabilities.
• 💼 Minister Harjit Sajjan emphasizes the review is comprehensive, aiming to ensure Canada has the right military capabilities for future needs.
• 🌐 Key priorities include Canada's defense, domestic response, counterterrorism, and commitments to NORAD and NATO.
• ⚖️ Fiscal boundaries will be considered, balancing capabilities with budget constraints, but open to innovative ideas and input.
• 🌍 The review will also consider peacekeeping and conflict prevention, aligning with Canada's broader foreign policy goals.
• 🚢 Some military procurement, such as replacing the CF-18s and the National Shipbuilding Program, will continue regardless of the review outcome.
• 🧑‍⚖️ An advisory panel, including former defense minister Bill Graham and Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour, will guide the review process.
• ⚠️ The defense minister acknowledges risks in current military missions, including potential casualties, but emphasizes preparation and mitigating threats.

Q & A

What is the purpose of Canada's new defense policy review?

The purpose of the defense policy review is to conduct a thorough assessment of Canada's defense policies, ensuring that the military is well-structured, has the right tools, and can respond to future security challenges. It aims to understand what kind of armed forces Canada needs based on the future global security environment.

Who will be involved in the public consultation process for the defense policy review?

The public consultation will involve ordinary Canadians, experts, and parliamentarians. The goal is to collect diverse perspectives on Canada's defense needs and strategies.

Is the review intended to overhaul the current military structure?

The review may lead to adjustments or reforms, but the core functions of the military will remain focused on full-intensity conflict preparedness. The review will assess if the military is structured properly for current and future challenges.

What role will fiscal considerations play in the defense review?

Fiscal boundaries will be part of the review, but the focus will be on capability needs rather than specific financial limitations. The review will prioritize required capabilities based on security threats and government objectives.

Will the review prioritize Canada's commitments to NATO and NORAD?

Yes, Canada's commitments to NATO and NORAD will remain a priority. The review will assess how to maintain and potentially enhance these commitments while considering other defense responsibilities.

How will the review address Canada's peacekeeping role?

Peacekeeping will be a significant part of the conversation, aligning with the government's commitment to conflict prevention and international cooperation. The military will assess how it can adapt to new peacekeeping dynamics.

Will the defense budget be part of the review?

While the planned budget increases will remain, the review will allow for adjustments in how resources are allocated, ensuring that funding aligns with Canada's defense priorities.

How does the defense review relate to military procurement decisions?

The defense review will help prioritize procurement decisions, ensuring that Canada acquires the right equipment for its military needs. Ongoing projects like the replacement of CF-18s and shipbuilding programs will continue.

What is the role of the advisory panel in the defense review?

The advisory panel, which includes experts like former Defense Minister Bill Graham and former Supreme Court Justice Louise Arbour, will provide guidance and synthesize information from public consultations. Their diverse expertise will help inform final decisions.

How does the defense review align with Canada's foreign policy?

The defense review will be closely aligned with broader government foreign policy and other departmental reviews, such as those on cyber security and development. It will ensure that defense strategies support Canada's international role and multilateral commitments.