The Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has announced that the country’s new government is rebuilding, rearming, and reinvesting in the Armed Forces.
Carney who disclosed this in a statement released on Monday, said that Canada must be prepared to defend its people and its values, to secure its sovereignty, and to protect its Allies in this increasing dangerous and divided world.
According to him, “We must be prepared to lead and to shape a more stable and prosperous world. This entails the govt recognizing our new realities, investing in the measures required to meet this moment”.
He added that with this increase, Canada will achieve NATO’s 2 per cent target this year, half a decade ahead of schedule which will further accelerate investments in years to follow, consistent with the security imperatives.
The PM revealed that the investment for 2025-26 will be over $9 billion, measures in this plan include: better pay for Armed Forces, improved recruitment, retention, and investments to support operational readiness, fleet maintenance, security, and infrastructure requirements.
New aircraft, armed vehicles, and ammunition, as well as support for projects currently underway. Developing new drones and sensors to monitor the seafloor and the Arctic. Repairing and maintaining existing ships, aircraft, and other assets.
More health care funding and staff for Armed Forces personnel. Expanding the reach, security mandate, and abilities of the Canadian Coast Guard, integrating it into NATO defence capabilities to better secure its sovereignty and expand maritime surveillance.
Bolstering Canada’s defence industrial capacity. Building capacity in artificial intelligence, cyber, quantum, and space. Modern and secure digital infrastructure.
Carney stated that this plan will support key capabilities, including: Arctic Over- the-Horizon Radar. Joint Counter-Drone Program. Joint Support Ships.
Also, Long- range precision strike capability. Increased domestic ammunition production. Additional logistics utility vehicles, light utility vehicles, and armoured vehicles.
He revealed further that this govt will also undertake efforts to support veterans, including modernizing the benefit system making the veterans get supports sooner, streamlining military trade credentials in the civilian sectors, and improving health services for women veterans.
“Canada requires these capabilities to uphold and assert its sovereignty and ensure our defence never becomes dependent on others again.
“As we strengthen the Canadian Armed Forces, we will also build up Canadian industry, driving innovation and creating good careers for Canadian workers and new opportunities for Canadian businesses.
“Now more than ever, we need to defend our sovereignty and safeguard Canada’s people and interests”, the Prime Minister concluded.
