Canada’s defense policy has long suffered from neglect, complacency, and misplaced priorities, but under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government, these issues have reached an alarming nadir. As global instability rises—from the ongoing war in Ukraine to increasing tensions in the Arctic and Indo-Pacific—the stakes for Canada’s security and credibility have never been higher. Yet, despite repeated warnings and mounting international expectations, the Trudeau government has failed to meet its obligations, leaving Canada’s military underfunded, undermanned, and ill-prepared for the challenges ahead.
This failure has had serious consequences for Canada’s position on the global stage. Once a respected middle power with a reputation for punching above its weight, Canada has become a laggard in military preparedness and collective security. While allies shoulder the heavy burdens of modern defense, the Trudeau government’s consistent inaction risks turning Canada into a liability for the very alliances that underpin its security. To address these challenges, Canada must embrace a new approach—one informed by the principles of strategic restraint, prioritizing focused investments that serve its most pressing security needs without succumbing to global overreach.
Author
Andrew
Latham
Non-Resident Fellow
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