This is considered Canada's first defense industry strategy, following efforts that Carney has emphasized throughout his 11 months in office, amidst President Donald Trump's efforts to fracture traditional US alliances.
Prime Minister Carney argued that Canada had not done enough to protect itself in an increasingly dangerous world and that continued reliance on U.S. protection was no longer a viable option. He frankly stated, "We have become too reliant on our geographical location and others to protect ourselves."
According to him, this situation has "created gaps that we can no longer accept and dependencies that we can no longer sustain."
The Canadian Prime Minister's office stated that this defense industry strategy is equivalent to an investment of more than half a trillion Canadian dollars (approximately US$366 billion) in the country's security, economic prosperity, and sovereignty .
Of that amount, C$180 billion will be allocated to defense equipment procurement and C$290 billion to security and defense-related infrastructure. This plan not only calls for strengthening military capabilities on land, sea, and air but also aims to create 125,000 high-paying jobs for the population.
Carney's core objective was to build "a domestic defense industrial base so that we are never held hostage to other people's decisions when it comes to our security." To achieve this self-reliance, Canada did not choose a solitary path but proactively sought closer military ties with the European Union (EU).
At the recent Munich Conference, Ottawa officially joined the EU's Action for Security in Europe (Safe) program, becoming the only non-European country to participate in the bloc's defense funding mechanism.
In addition, Canada also anticipates new defense export opportunities in Asia, particularly with South Korea, with the desire to become "strong enough to be the partner of choice."
In addition to reshaping alliances, Canada is also reaffirming the urgent need to assert its sovereignty in the Arctic. With climate change causing rapid ice melt, the region is entering a new era of competition for vital minerals.
Source: https://congluan.vn/canada-cong-bo-ke-hoach-thoat-my-10330772.html
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