In today’s Expert Series episode, we speak with Peter MacKay, former Minister of National Defence, to discuss the defence and security challenges Canada faces today. From Normandy to Afghanistan, the Armed Forces have long been a source of pride for Canadians. While recent challenges in domestic procurement and recruitment have limited the CAF, it’s still possible to get back to the impactful force we once had.
The recent tone from the United States has put pressure on our bilateral relationship, but none of it has been irreparable, says Mr. MacKay. From NORAD to intelligence sharing, the Canada-US defence partnership makes both of our countries stronger. However, changes in US foreign policy may ultimately push Canada toward its traditional allies like the UK and France, including on procurement projects and the integration of military exchanges. At the end of the day, Canada will need to come up with more modernized systems, working together with industry to produce technically advanced equipment.
Considering the upcoming election, Mr. MacKay hopes that defence can be “de-politicized” and key projects like modernizing our military equipment and boosting our domestic defence industries are taken up by the new government, regardless of party. The world needs Canada, and we should be ready to take on a greater role—both at home and internationally.
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