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Whitehorse, YT – In a bid to address emerging security challenges and boost sovereignty in the North the federal government unveiled over 70 billion dollars in a comprehensive plan that aims to strengthen Canadian defenses and foster economic growth yet the new spending still falls short of NATO’s 2 percent commitment.
On April 8th, the plan, titled ‘Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence,’ was announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Defense Minister Bill Blair promising $8.1 billion over five years and over $73 billion over 20 years to be included in the upcoming 2024 Federal Budget.
In an interview with CKRW, Minister Blair stated, “I think you’ll see reflected in this document a very strong focus on acknowledging Canada’s responsibility for the defense of our country, for Continental security, and in particular, for security in the Arctic, where the threat environment is evolving rapidly.”
Key highlights of the plan show a $1.4 billion investment over 20 years to obtain specialized maritime sensors for ocean surveillance which aims to bolster Canada’s ability to detect maritime approaches in the Arctic and defend against emerging underwater threats.
Over $18.4 billion over 20 years will be used to acquire more modern tactical helicopters and over $218 million will be rolled out over the two decades for the establishment of Northern Operational Support Hubs which will provide an increased year-round presence across the North.
Also included is an investment of $307 over 20 years in airborne early-warning aircraft, which is expected to enhance Canada’s ability to respond to airborne threats similar to the balloon that was shot down over the Yukon in February of 2023.
Despite all of the new funding, Canada is still lagging in reaching NATO’s target of 2 percent defense spending. The Liberal Government projects that this defense plan has set our trajectory at reaching 1.76 percent by 2029-30.
Minister Blair says that the trajectory is promising for reaching the targets and that work will need to be done, such as looking at the security needs of the country, before further defense spending can be put in motion.
“We’ve done the work that those requirements are and where we can get the best value for Canadian tax dollars, then we’ll be coming forward with another investment that will easily take us up to 2%. So we’re on we’re on a clear path to achieving that NATO commitment, and at the same time, I think we’re doing it in this responsible and thoughtful way,” said Minister Blair. “I also believe that’s what Canadians expect.”
Addressing potential concerns about the length of time for the majority of the funds to roll out, Minister Blair stated that this funding addresses a wide range of security issues that will remain important two decades from now adding that he hopes future Canadian governments see the plan’s value.
The plan also aims to help boost the local economy and provide jobs to Northerns through the construction of infrastructure such as airfields and highways. Minister Blair says the plan was built on collaboration with Northern premiers, Indigenous leadership and Northern communities.
“My job is to get the best public values and I think we achieve that public value, when we work together and when all of our plans and actions are informed by people who live, work, and love that community,” said Minister Blair. “I want to make sure they’re part of our planning and thinking.”
