Remarks by the Deputy Prime Minister on the release Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence

April 8, 2024 - Trenton, Ontario

Good morning.

Today it is worth reminding ourselves why Canada steps up—why we devote time and treasure to foreign policy and defence. Why we send Canadian soldiers, sailors, aviators, diplomats, aid workers, intelligence officers, doctors, nurses, medics, and engineers into dangerous places, even when Canadian soil is not directly at risk.

Force is, of course, always a last resort. But the principled use of force—together with our allies and governed by international law—is part of our history and it must be part of our future.

To have that capacity requires a substantial investment, which our government is making.

Time and again, our Canadian Armed Forces—whether in Latvia or Nova Scotia—have stepped up for Canadians.

And now is the time that we must step up and do our part for our Armed Forces.

When I was in Poland with the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defence in February, I had the opportunity to meet members of the Canadian Armed Forces who are training members of the armed forces of Ukraine as part of Operation UNIFIER. They were amazing. I was so moved and inspired by their dedication and their commitment to service—to serving others and to serving Canada.

Every day they are helping democracy triumph over dictatorship.

They are proud of their work, as we all should be.

So, I want to take a moment to say to them, and to all members of our Canadian Armed Forces, including the great people who are with us here today: Thank you. We are here for you, just as you are here for us, every single day.

As a country, we are so proud of you, and we are tremendously grateful for your service.

At a time when defence and security needs are changing faster than ever, Canada’s military needs to be equipped with the right tools and resources to keep Canada—to keep Canadians—safe.

Canada’s national interest in investing in a capable, professional, and robust military is clear: If middle powers are not prepared to stand up for—and if necessary, fight for—peace and stability around the world, the rules of the game—including international borders—will be left for the Great Powers to determine between themselves. That would not be good for the world. And that, most certainly, would not be good for Canada and Canadians.

We cannot be at the mercy of decisions made without us in foreign capitals.

We must be a strong and reliable partner for our democratic allies.

That is why we are making these necessary investments in our military—to place the Canadian Armed Forces on a stronger footing with the equipment, training, and resources they need. And with the consistent, predictable funding needed to do difficult, dangerous, and absolutely essential work.

Investing in our Armed Forces is an investment in Canada’s sovereignty, in our future prosperity.

It is an investment in Canadians. We are investing to protect democracy, freedom, peace, and fairness for the next generation of Canadians—so they can enjoy the same security and prosperity that was bequeathed to us by our parents and grandparents, often, at a very, very high price.

We owe young Canadians no less.

Thank you.