The world is changing rapidly. The rules-based international order is eroding. Canada faces new and evolving threats to our sovereignty, from cyberattacks to the weaponisation of trade deals. The line between economic security and national security has disappeared, and therefore the requirements of sovereignty have changed. It is no longer enough for a country to feed, fuel, and defend itself. Canada’s security depen...
The world is changing rapidly. The rules-based international order is eroding. Canada faces new and evolving threats to our sovereignty, from cyberattacks to the weaponisation of trade deals. The line between economic security and national security has disappeared, and therefore the requirements of sovereignty have changed. It is no longer enough for a country to feed, fuel, and defend itself. Canada’s security depends on the strength of our economy, the resilience of our institutions, and the partnerships we build with allies. To these ends, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, today launched The Plan for a Stronger Canad a . As Canada’s first national security strategy in over 20 years, this is a new plan that reflects profound new realities. At its heart is an ambitious vision: a Canada that controls its own destiny and is resilient in the face of external pressures. A country where Canadians are free to live their lives as they choose. The Plan for a Stronger Canada focuses on what we can control. It outlines a strategy to build out Canada’s capacity to withstand these threats. These principles have guided the government’s foreign and domestic policy for the past year and half. It brings this work together in a single framework and charts the clear path ahead for all Canadians. The Plan defines Canada’s core national interests and establishes a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach that brings together our economic strength, foreign policy, defence and intelligence capabilities, and public safety initiatives. Through these five key priorities, we will protect Canada’s sovereignty, build our prosperity, and strengthen our strategic autonomy: 1. Strengthen Canada’s economic security and resilience against threats: Canada has what the world wants. Securing our sovereignty in key sectors and delivering our resources and expertise to the world will reinforce Canada as a strategically important player in the global economy. To strengthen our economic sovereignty, Canada is transforming our strategic industries with historic investments, securing our supply chains, maximising our energy security, and investing in Canadian innovation to position Canada as a global leader across critical industries. 2. Advance a disciplined foreign policy that diversifies Canada’s partnerships and builds strategic capabilities: No one country, no matter how powerful, can manage these challenges alone. The primary goal of our foreign policy is to support Canadian strategic autonomy and resilience through deep cooperation in the full range of strategic capabilities with likeminded partners. Much of this work is underway. Canada is diversifying our trade and building stronger partnerships to create greater security and prosperity for Canadians, and forging new partnerships with allies that are anchored in our common values, respect our complementary strengths, and enhance our collective sovereignty and prosperity. 3. Rebuild and strengthen the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to defend Canada and Canadian interests: The work of defending Canada is the work of building Canada. To protect Canada’s sovereignty, strengthen our strategic autonomy, and meet our NORAD and NATO targets, the Canadian government is changing how we invest in defence. We are building a stronger, more resilient Canadian defence industrial base capable of equipping, sustaining, and scaling up the CAF, accelerating procurement, and working with the Defence Investment Agency to deliver the Defence Industrial Strategy , strengthen strategic autonomy, and create lasting economic opportunities for Canadians. By transforming our military and defence supply chain, strengthening Arctic security, and contributing to stability in the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East, and beyond, Canada will be able to protect itself at home and act as a responsible ally and partner abroad. 4. Protect Canadians and strengthen public safety against criminal and national security threats: Canadians should feel safe and free to take part in every facet of Canadian society. We will work with all levels of government, Indigenous Peoples, and Northern communities to strengthen our defences and build resilience against threats facing Canadians. We will intensify efforts to counter foreign interference, espionage, violent extremism, and transnational organised crime, including sabotage, extortion, fraud, online exploitation, financial crime, money laundering, and sanctions evasion, while protecting Canadians and our institutions from foreign information manipulation. 5. Modernise Canada’s intelligence capabilities to anticipate and counter emerging threats: Our ability to collect, analyse, and leverage intelligence, together with our partners, ensures we are prepared to tackle emerging threats. Canada will strengthen our sovereign intelligence capabilities, deepen and diversify our intelligence partnerships, and modernise Canada’s intelligence enterprise by updating authorities to reflect evolving threats and technologies while safeguarding Canadians’ rights. Canada’s new government is building the strength to protect our sovereignty, the resilience to respond to emerging threats, and the partnerships to advance our interests. By investing in our economic security, rebuilding our defence capabilities, and strengthening our institutions, we are ensuring Canada has the tools to protect Canadians, defend its core national interests, and shape its own future. In a more dangerous and divided world, Canada will act with greater independence, determination, and ambition to build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous future for all Canadians. “In a rapidly changing, more dangerous, more divided world, Canada must have the capacity to defend our sovereignty, the resilience to withstand emerging threats, and the determination to shape our own future. Our Plan for a Stronger Canada will build that strength. So that we can live our lives as we choose, in the greatest country in the world.” The Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada “A stronger Canada begins with the ability to defend Canada. The Plan for a Stronger Canada sets out a clear, whole-of-government plan to protect Canadians, defend our sovereignty, strengthen our economy, and build the capabilities needed to confront the challenges of today and tomorrow. By investing in our military, intelligence capabilities, economic security, critical infrastructure, and other essential national capabilities, we are strengthening Canada’s ability to defend its interests, take decisive action when it matters most, and contribute more effectively to continental and collective defence. This is about building a stronger, more secure, and more resilient Canada that can stand on its own, act with confidence, and remain a capable and reliable ally and partner.” The Hon. David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence “Canada’s security and prosperity are increasingly shaped by events beyond our borders. In a more competitive and uncertain world, we must defend our sovereignty, advance our interests, and deepen cooperation with trusted partners. Our Plan for a Stronger Canada will strengthen our security, resilience, and international partnerships to protect Canadians and secure our future.” The Hon. Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs “A country’s sovereignty depends on its ability to protect and defend itself. The Plan for a Stronger Canada is about strengthening our ability to protect Canadians, safeguard our democratic institutions, and build resilience against the evolving threats facing our country. By investing in the capabilities, partnerships, and systems that matter most, we are ensuring Canada is ready to respond to challenges at home and abroad.” The Hon. Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety “In an increasingly unpredictable global economy, Canada must be ready to respond to economic threats and seize new opportunities. Our government is taking action to help Canadian businesses reduce their vulnerabilities and increase their competitiveness. That means building a stronger, more resilient economy at home and deepening industrial partnerships around the world. The Plan for a Stronger Canada will strengthen our strategic industries and critical supply chains, protect Canadian jobs and economic interests, and build a more secure and prosperous future for Canadians.” The Hon. Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions The Prime Minister will convene a First Ministers’ Meeting on national security to strengthen coordination among federal, provincial, and territorial governments. Budget 2025 included $10.9 billion over five years to upgrade digital infrastructure across the Department of National Defence, the CAF, and the Communications Security Establishment Canada. This investment will deliver secure, resilient platforms and significantly enhance Canada’s cyber defence capabilities in response to a more complex and persistent threat environment. This investment will deliver secure, resilient platforms and significantly enhance Canada’s cyber defence capabilities in response to a more complex and persistent threat environment. Within the first year of The Plan for a Stronger Canada , the federal government will bring forward proposals to modernise national security legislation. The government will update The Plan for a Stronger Canada at least every four years. The Plan for a Stronger Canada
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