Revival of the Canadian National Defence: A Test of National Seriousness

CRevival of the Canadian National Defence: A Test of National Seriousness by Maj (ret’d) CORNELIU, CHISU, CD, PMSC FEC, CET, P.Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East Canada likes to think of itself as a secure country by default. Protected by three oceans, allied to the world’s most powerful military, and distant from most flashpoints, we have long treated defence as an insurance policy we hoped never to use. For decades, that assumption appeared to hold. Today, it no longer does. The revival of Canadian national defence is not a matter of prestige or militarism. It is a test of whether Canada still takes sovereignty, alliances, and strategic responsibility seriously in a world that has grown more dangerous, not less. The End of Strategic Comfort The post–Cold War era delivered what many policymakers called a “peace dividend.” Defence budgets shrank, bases closed, fleets aged, and readiness declined. Successive governments of different political stripes treated defence as a flexible line item rather than a core function of the state. The result was not one dramatic cut, but a slow erosion. That erosion is now visible everywhere: equipment kept in service far beyond its intended lifespan, chronic maintenance backlogs, recruiting shortfalls, and overstretched personnel. The problem is not that Canada lacks brave and professional service members—it is that we have asked them to do too much with too little for too long. Meanwhile, the strategic environment has deteriorated sharply. Russia’s war in Ukraine shattered the illusion that large-scale conventional war was a relic of the past. China’s military expansion and coercive diplomacy affect global trade routes and Arctic stability. Cyber attacks and information warfare target civilian infrastructure and democratic institutions. These are not distant concerns. They touch Canadian interests directly. Sovereignty Begins at Home Any serious defence revival must start with the defence of Canada itself. That means land, sea, air, cyber; and increasingly, space. The Arctic deserves particular attention. Climate change is transforming the region from a frozen buffer into a navigable and contested space. Increased shipping, resource interest, and foreign military activity make surveillance and presence indispensable. Sovereignty is not asserted by maps or press releases; it is exercised by the ability to monitor, respond, and sustain operations in Canadian territory. This requires modern sensors, satellites, air and maritime patrols, and reliable infrastructure such as runways, ports, fuel depots, and communications. It also requires renewed support for northern communities and the Canadian Rangers, whose local knowledge and presence remain irreplaceable. Defence policy that ignores the Arctic is defence policy rooted in yesterday’s geography. Alliances Are Not a Substitute for Capability Canada’s security has always been tied to alliances, particularly NORAD and NATO. These partnerships remain vital. However, alliances are not charity. They rest on mutual contribution and credibility. For years, Canada has struggled to meet its NATO commitments, especially on defence spending and deployable capability. This has consequences. When allies question whether Canada will show up with meaningful forces, Canada’s influence at the table diminishes. Strategic relevance must be earned, it cannot be assumed. Modernizing continental defence; integrated air and missile warning, command and control, and rapid response should be a top priority. So too should maintaining forces that can deploy abroad alongside allies when collective security is threatened. Deterrence works best when it is visible, credible, and shared. People Before Platforms Procurement dominates defence debates because ships and aircraft are visible symbols of investment. However, defence revival is fundamentally about people. The Canadian Armed Forces face a persistent recruitment and retention crisis. Young Canadians are not unwilling to serve, but they are discerning. They expect modern equipment, predictable careers, adequate housing, and family support. They expect leadership that respects their time and sacrifices. When these expectations are not met, attrition rises; and no procurement program can compensate for the loss of trained, experienced personnel. Readiness matters as much as acquisition. A fleet that exists on paper but lacks spare parts, trained crews, or fuel is not a deterrent. Stockpiles, maintenance, and training hours determine whether a force can respond when required. These unglamorous essentials must be funded consistently, not treated as discretionary extras. New Domains, New Realities Modern defence extends far beyond traditional battlefields. Cyber attacks can disrupt power grids, hospitals, and financial systems without a single shot fired. Space assets underpin communications, navigation, and intelligence. Information operations seek to divide societies and erode trust Canada cannot afford to treat these domains as add-ons. Cyber and space capabilities must be integrated into planning, doctrine, and command structures. This requires investment, specialized personnel, and close cooperation with allies and the private sector. The line between civilian and military security is increasingly blurred, and defence policy must reflect that reality. Defence and the National Economy Defence spending is often portrayed as a cost rather than an investment. That is a mistake. When managed strategically, defence procurement and sustainment can support advanced manufacturing, technological innovation, and skilled employment across the country. Shipbuilding, aerospace, cyber security, and artificial intelligence all offer opportunities for long-term industrial capacity; if programs prioritize through-life support and workforce development rather than short-term political optics. Predictable funding and clear requirements reduce overruns and deliver better value for taxpayers. Strategy, Not Slogans What Canada has lacked most is not money, but strategy. Defence policy documents are often aspirational, listing priorities without ranking them or matching them to resources. This creates a gap between promises and performance; and public cynicism fills the void. A credible defence revival requires honest communication with Canadians. Leaders must explain why defence matters, what threats exist, what trade-offs are involved, and how success will be measured. Parliamentary oversight and transparent reporting are essential to maintaining trust. A Choice That Cannot Be Deferred The revival of Canadian national defence is not about preparing for war; it is about preventing it. Deterrence, sovereignty, and alliance credibility reduce the likelihood that Canadians will ever face the costs of conflict directly. Canada still has the resources, the talent, and the alliances to get this right. What is required now is a serious attitude: a recognition that defence is a core responsibility of government, not an afterthought to be addressed only when crises erupt. The choice is stark. Invest deliberately now in people, readiness, and capability; or continue drifting until circumstances force far more painful decisions. In a world growing less forgiving by the year, delay is no longer a neutral option. Let us hope that the politicians in charge today will make the right decisions. The time for wordsmithing alone, and feeling good in the Ottawa bubble is over. Action please!