For over a decade, Canada’s defence policy has been marked by hesitation, underfunding, and a lack of strategic clarity. As someone who has been openly critical of these shortcomings, I must acknowledge the significance of Prime Minister Carney’s recent speech. It was nothing short of transformative—a comprehensive, sober, and detailed blueprint for revitalizing Canada’s armed forces and securing our place in an increasingly dangerous world.
The prime minister’s commitment to reaching NATO’s 2 percent defence spending target within a year is not just a promise; it is a directive. He made it clear that the procurement system, often blamed for delays, is not inherently broken—it is as slow or as fast as the government allows it to be. By asserting his authority over this system, the prime minister has sent a powerful message to public servants, military leaders, and contractors: the era of excuses is over. This urgency is long overdue.
The world today is fraught with threats—from Russia’s aggression to China’s ambitions, from unstable dictatorships to the vulnerabilities of our Arctic north. The prime minister rightly emphasized that Canada cannot afford to stand alone. We must contribute to collective security with credible deterrence, not just for our own defence but to support our allies. This is not warmongering; it is about ensuring that Canada remains a reliable partner in a rules-based international order.
For too long, our defence spending has been disproportionately tied to the United States, with roughly 75 cents of every dollar flowing south. While the U.S. remains a critical ally, over-reliance on a single market is illogical. Diversifying our procurement to include European, Korean, and Australian partners makes strategic and economic sense. It ensures security of supply, fosters innovation, and opens doors to better, faster solutions—especially when U.S. manufacturers are already stretched thin.
One of the most encouraging aspects of the prime minister’s plan is the focus on building, servicing, and repairing equipment in Canada. This is not just about job creation—though it will undoubtedly generate hundreds of thousands of well-paying positions—but about sovereignty. Owning our supply chain from start to finish means we are no longer at the mercy of foreign delays or political whims. Of course, some systems, like advanced aircraft or precision strike capabilities, will still need to be sourced internationally. But the balance is shifting, and rightly so. The prime minister also highlighted critical investments in infrastructure, salaries, and training—areas that have been neglected for years. These are the building blocks of a resilient Canadian military.
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have suffered from poor morale, a direct result of governmental neglect. Senior officials rarely visited bases, and the rank and file felt abandoned. The prime minister’s commitment to show the armed forces a bit of love is more than symbolic; it is a necessary corrective. Pay raises, better equipment, and a renewed focus on recruitment and retention will go a long way. The recruiting system, in particular, is fixable. Decentralizing the process and removing bureaucratic hurdles can attract more Canadians to serve. The men and women of the CAF are among the best in the world—as proven in Afghanistan and countless peacekeeping missions. They deserve leadership that matches their dedication.
Some may despair at the timeline for major acquisitions. New submarines could take more than five years for the first units and up to two decades for a full fleet. Warships may follow a similar trajectory. But this is the reality of complex procurement. The key is to start now and prioritize quick wins—off-the-shelf purchases that can bolster our capabilities in the short term. Prime Minister Carney’s speech was refreshingly honest about these challenges. It acknowledged that perfection is not immediate but underscored the importance of beginning the journey.
This is a pivotal moment for Canada. The government’s vision is ambitious, pragmatic, and long overdue. It addresses immediate needs while laying the groundwork for long-term security. For the first time in 15 years, I feel optimistic about the future of our armed forces. The road ahead will not be easy, but with political will and public support, Canada can reclaim its role as a steadfast defender of peace and stability worldwide. The time for action is now.
Generative AI assisted in the production of this article, based on an interview done on The Hub’s YouTube channel.
