Canada's Military Status Improving Positively

In a time of increasing global instability, Canada is repositioning its military strategy under the leadership of Prime Minister Mark Carney. The shift comes amidst concerns raised by experts over climate change, new technologies as weapons of war, and the rise of disinformation and political polarization.

Last year, Canada was excluded from a defence and security partnership between the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. However, Ottawa has since signed a Security and Defense Partnership with the European Union in June, allowing Canada to participate in the ReArm Europe program. This move is seen as a strategic step towards strengthening alliances and bolstering defence capabilities.

The former Chief of the Defence Staff of the Canadian Armed Forces, Wayne Eyre, has expressed his admiration for this approach, praising Carney's efforts to reinforce partnerships in Europe. Eyre, who left his position in the summer of 2024 due to criticism over the Trudeau government's lack of seriousness in defence matters, believes that a new era of geopolitical threats necessitates a significant military shift.

Eyre also warns against severing military ties with the United States due to geographical proximity and historical ties. He insists that reinforcing defence is crucial in the current fragile global security situation. Meanwhile, Francois Legault, the Quebec premier, has expressed his desire to discuss military spending with his counterparts at the Council of the Federation.

The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) has warned that the Arctic is an "attractive, strategic, and vulnerable" destination for countries with strategic and economic interests in the region, such as Russia and China. The Russian and Chinese presidents, according to Eyre, have limited time to act on their ambitions.

In response to these threats, Carney announced a major investment of $9.3 billion in defence in 2021, aiming to reach the 2% target by the end of the year. However, Canada's military credibility has been weakened due to underfunding over the years. Eyre believes that a reform of the procurement process will be necessary for the funds to be spent appropriately.

The investment comes amidst concerns over Canada's sovereignty, with Donald Trump's return to the White House posing potential threats. Eyre voices his hope in the direction Ottawa is taking regarding military spending, expressing his appreciation for young Canadians and permanent residents joining the Canadian Armed Forces.

In conclusion, Canada is navigating a complex geopolitical landscape, seeking to strengthen alliances, bolster defence capabilities, and address long-standing issues of underfunding and procurement inefficiencies. As the world grapples with a host of new and old threats, Canada's military policy shift under Mark Carney's leadership is a significant step towards ensuring the nation's security and sovereignty.