In this Expert Series episode, we unpack the Liberal Party’s April 14th defence pledge announced by Mark Carney, which outlines significant reinvestment in Canada’s military and defence industry. Key proposals include a centralized procurement agency, a new research bureau focused on emerging technologies, and efforts to boost domestic defence production and international partnerships—particularly through the EU’s Rearm Europe initiative.
Panelists Dr. Justin Massie, Colonel (Ret’d) Charles Davies, and Gordon Venner reflect on the feasibility of these proposals, raising questions about the mandate, structure, funding, and integration of the new agencies with existing systems. They also explore opportunities for Canadian industry to expand in the EU, the feasibility of meeting NATO’s 2% target amidst a pivot from US suppliers, and compare the Liberal and Conservative defence plans—including the Conservative proposal for a permanent Arctic base.
With all parties having pledged to meet the NATO spending threshold, the panel notes that defence has become a rare point of focus in this election—marking a significant shift in Canada’s political landscape on national security.
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