The Canada defence industrial strategy has been officially launched by Canadian leader Mark Carney, as Ottawa moves to strengthen its national security and reduce long-term reliance on the United States in an increasingly unstable global environment.
Carney’s announcement marks Canada’s first major defence industrial strategy and reflects a shift in how the country views its own security responsibilities. The plan is based on a message Carney has repeatedly emphasized during his 11-month tenure, warning that Canada has not done enough to defend itself and can no longer assume the United States will remain a reliable protector.
“We’ve relied too heavily on our geography and others to protect us,” Carney said while addressing the defence plan. He added that this dependence has created vulnerabilities that Canada can no longer afford.
The announcement comes as global alliances face new stress, particularly under US President Donald Trump, whose policies have shaken long-standing Western partnerships.
Carney Says Canada Must Stop Depending on US Protection
Carney’s defence plan is strongly linked to the changing geopolitical environment and what he describes as a growing breakdown in traditional international cooperation.
“This has created vulnerabilities that we can no longer afford and dependencies that we can no longer sustain,” Carney said, stressing that Canada must modernize its defence posture across land, sea, and air.
The Canadian leader has emerged as one of the most outspoken global voices criticizing Trump’s administration. Last month, Carney drew attention at the World Economic Forum, where he said Trump had triggered a “rupture” in the rules-based global order.
Carney’s remarks indicate that Canada is reassessing its long-term strategic approach, particularly in response to shifting US foreign policy priorities and rising international security challenges.
Defence Plan Valued at Over Half a Trillion Dollars
Carney’s office said the newly announced Canada defence industrial strategy is worth “over half a trillion dollars” in national security and economic measures, focusing on strengthening sovereignty and long-term defence readiness.
The strategy includes:
- CAN$180 billion in defence procurement opportunities
- CAN$290 billion in defence-related public investments
- A long-term timeline stretching across the next decade
The plan aims to boost defence manufacturing and public investment while ensuring Canada has greater independence in military capability.
Officials described the strategy as not only a defence upgrade but also a major economic opportunity, supporting industrial development and national resilience.
Carney said the plan will improve Canada’s defence capacity on land, at sea, and in the air, indicating a broad modernization approach rather than a single procurement initiative.
“The world has changed and Canada must change with it,” he said.
Rubio’s Munich Speech Draws Sharp Response From Carney
In a striking moment following his defence plan speech, Carney also addressed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s remarks made last week at the Munich Security Conference.
Carney reportedly raised the issue without being asked, signaling that Ottawa is increasingly concerned about what it sees as a widening gap between US and Canadian values.
Rubio’s Munich speech emphasized what he described as “Western Civilization,” which he said was defined by “Christian faith, culture, heritage, language, ancestry, and the sacrifices of our forefathers.”
Carney cautioned that Rubio spoke of Washington’s desire to defend “Christian nationalism,” a concept that Carney appeared to contrast strongly with Canada’s political identity.
“Canadian nationalism is civic nationalism,” Carney said, adding that Canada’s mandate is to protect the rights of everyone across its vast and diverse population.
“There is a rivalry taking place between Canadian nationalism and other forms of nationalism,” he said, while also speaking in French.
The exchange reflects growing political and ideological tension between Ottawa and Washington at a time when military cooperation and strategic partnerships remain central to North American security.
Arctic Sovereignty Becomes Key Focus of Defence Strategy
A major part of Carney’s defence industrial strategy is the renewed emphasis on Canada’s Arctic sovereignty. Carney again highlighted the importance of enforcing Canadian authority in the Arctic region, which has become increasingly strategic due to climate change.
Warming temperatures are thawing Arctic ice, opening new shipping routes and accelerating global competition for resources, including critical minerals. Analysts say the Arctic is emerging as a key zone for future geopolitical rivalry, making defence readiness in the region a national priority.
Carney said Canada must strengthen its presence and security infrastructure in the Arctic as the region enters a new era of global interest and competition.
The Canadian government has been under pressure to enhance Arctic surveillance and military operations, as global powers continue expanding their Arctic capabilities.
The strategy signals that Ottawa is treating Arctic defence not just as a regional issue, but as a major pillar of national security planning.
Defence Strategy Signals Shift in Canada’s Global Positioning
Carney’s announcement represents a significant moment in Canada’s defence policy, as the country publicly acknowledges that relying on US protection is no longer sustainable.
The plan also reflects Canada’s effort to strengthen its global influence and reinforce national resilience amid a rapidly changing world order.
With defence investments totaling more than half a trillion Canadian dollars over the next decade, the strategy is expected to reshape Canada’s procurement system, military readiness, and industrial planning.
The announcement is also expected to attract attention among NATO allies and global markets, as Canada positions itself to play a stronger role in global defence capacity building.
As tensions rise globally and alliances face uncertainty, Carney’s defence plan is being seen as one of Canada’s most ambitious national security moves in years.