Canada Unveils First National Security Strategy in Over 20 Years

Canada has released its first national security strategy in more than two decades. The 13-page document, titled The Plan for a Stronger Canada, was published on Thursday. It serves as a framework for five new detailed national policies covering defence, foreign affairs, economic security, public safety and intelligence.

The strategy states that protecting sovereignty requires building strategic capabilities in eight sectors. These include critical minerals, defence, emerging technologies, energy, transportation, pharmaceuticals and biotech, food security, and financial systems. Emerging technologies are listed first and cover cloud and AI compute, quantum computing, space-based communications and navigation, semiconductors, and telecommunications.

“Candidly, an investment like this today makes sure Canadians have control of our sovereign destiny, and sovereignty is a form of safety.”

Senior officials warned during a Thursday briefing that threats are increasingly complex. They range from climate change, terrorism and pandemics to cyberattacks, cutting-edge artificial intelligence and the possibility of a major war. The government pledged to prepare for all contingencies up to and including war.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said building these capabilities underpins economic, foreign policy and defence strategies. He made the remarks in Montréal on Thursday. Carney also plans to convene a First Ministers’ meeting on national security to strengthen co-ordination with provincial and territorial governments.

Ottawa will introduce legislative proposals within a year to modernize national-security legislation. A new foreign policy is expected in about one month, with other policies to follow. The government will produce plans on nearly 40 policy points, many already announced.

The strategy emphasizes strategic autonomy and building strengths at home where possible. Otherwise, Canada will partner with reliable, complementary allies to bring strength and scale. Officials said the plan highlights both technological strengths and vulnerabilities.

Carney promised that leading Canadian technologies will be part of the bedrock of relationships promoting a sovereign Canada.