Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence

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Canada’s new defence policy, Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence, builds on the commitments of 2017’s Strong, Secure, Engaged. As the world continues to evolve at an increasingly rapid pace, new threats such as changing climate, new challenges to global stability, and accelerating advances in technology are affecting the foundations of Canadian security and prosperity.

Our North, Strong and Free is an investment in Canada and Canadians; in our security and sovereignty; in the brave members of our military; and in jobs across the country, in communities from coast to coast to coast. It is an investment in the advanced technology innovation economy that will define our future, and in a more robust defence industrial base that will supply our troops and support tens of thousands of highly skilled jobs.

More broadly, it supports our interests and engagements in the global alliances and partnerships that enable Canadian security and prosperity. Securing our Arctic will keep North America safe, allow us to support our allies abroad, and contribute to deterring global conflict. By bringing relevant, robust capabilities to NATO's northern and western flanks, Canada will make valuable contributions to our partnerships in Europe and the Indo-Pacific in defence of our shared security and prosperity.

A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence

Our North, Strong and Free sets out a renewed vision for the future of defence in Canada, focusing on building a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) that continues to keep us strong at home, secure in North America, and engaged in the world.

Canada in a Time of Global Uncertainty

Canadian security and prosperity in the coming years will be affected by three key trends: a more open and accessible Arctic and northern region driven by climate change, increasing global instability, and rapid advances in technology.

Our Vision for Defence

Our renewed vision is focused on preparing the military to meet these accelerating challenges, prioritizing those that most directly impact Canadians and Canada. It reaffirms that our insurance against instability and geopolitical uncertainty is a ready, resilient and relevant CAF capable of defending Canada at home, ensuring security in North America, and contributing to an international order that is free and open, inclusive, stable, and governed by the rule of law.

Strengthening the Foundation

Canada is committed to building a stronger military that is equipped to deliver increased security for Canadians. Our investments will enable the military to adapt in a sustainable, responsible manner, guided by our evolving national security needs in a more dangerous world.

The Right Capabilities for Canada

The CAF’s mission is to defend Canada and advance the safety, security, and prosperity of Canadians when and wherever it is needed. Further investments in our military will enable the CAF to respond to a rapidly changing climate and its impact on Canada's Arctic, brazen challenges to global stability, and accelerating technological innovation.

Conclusion

The objectives and initiatives laid out in Our North, Strong and Free will help Canada meet the pivotal moment of changing and increasing threats and help maintain the security and prosperity that Canadians have long enjoyed, through a robust, world-class military and defence team that reflects the full diversity and talent that Canada has to offer.

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