CANADA NEEDS A BROADER CONCEPTION OF SECURITY IN A WORLD OF MULTIPLE CRISES

Canada needs to adopt a pro-active approach, in concert with like-minded middle powers, that combines a re-imagined military role with programs designed to enlist civilian volunteers to combat both human-and “natural” emergencies. Canada is in a position to play a unique role in the world, one that serves both to enhance our security as a nation and at the same time, works to improve the lives of the world’s peoples. Such a repositioned mandate prioritizes peacekeeping, diplomacy and peaceful conflict resolution, and emergency support.

 Context: the new security environment:

1.      Fracturing of the postwar liberal international order, which despite its shortcomings in practice, asserted the supremacy of international law and prohibited territorial aggression.

2.      The challenge of changing established partnerships and alliances, particularly in response to the tariff war and threat to Canadian sovereignty emanating from the current US administration.

3.      Geopolitical threats in the Canadian Arctic

4.      Canadian emergencies (fires, floods, storms) linked to extreme weather and ecological decline

5.      Climate change in tropical countries, leading to migration, conflict, and state breakdown

6.      Foreign wars and expanding numbers of refugees

7.      Disinformation campaigns, especially via social media, undertaken by anti-democratic groups and countries

 Specific Initiatives:

1. Threats to Canada’s sovereignty require a greater independence of Canadian armed forces from the US armed forces and arms suppliers. For example, it is absurd for Canada to purchase more than the 16 F-35s we have contracted for. Not only is the F-35 expensive and prone to breakdowns, but it is not well equipped to operate in the Arctic. In addition, the ability of the US to halt software updates, and thus erode the F-35’s operability, argues for us to adopt an alternative fighter jet. In any case, as experts contend, the age of the fighter jet is closing, owing to the development of highly effective and relatively inexpensive drones. We should invest in drones.

2. Geopolitical threats in the Arctic as climate change advances requires that Canada’s armed forces develop an enhanced capability for operating effectively in that environment. Increases in military spending should respond to this priority. We need improved monitoring and enhanced search-and-rescue capabilities in the Arctic.

3. Canada should reinstitute a Civil Defence Corps. This would involve the creation of training centres across Canada, and the recruitment of volunteers, of all ages, to learn (a) how to act in the case of nuclear war or invasion, (b) how to counteract emergencies brought on by extreme weather. The civilian volunteers might also receive training in unarmed civilian defence, which is an effective way to deter or, if necessary, defend against an incursion into Canada.

4. The Canadian military has persistent shortfalls in recruits. Young people might find a military career more attractive and challenging if it took on, in addition to traditional defence tasks, some non-traditional tasks of high social value. Personnel could be trained not only in conventional military skills, but also in peacekeeping, assistance in combatting natural emergencies such as floods and forest fires, and cooperating with civilian volunteers in a Civil Defence Corps.

5.Canada should show the courage to acquire observer status at the meetings of the parties to the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Other NATO members have already done so. It is the right thing to do, as humanity’s survival is threatened while nuclear weapons exist. This move also expresses Canada’s independence in decision making.

6. Canada should continue to support multilateral institutions, especially those dedicated to resolving international disputes via the United Nations and enforcing international law, such as the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice. At the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter, the United Nations is subject to enormous pressures to render the institution irrelevant. Canada must show resolve and vision in defending the reputation of the UN and participate actively in efforts to enhance the UN’s effectiveness.   The September UN Summit, dedicated to the organization’s anniversary, would be a good opportunity for Canada to demonstrate its resolve. Diplomacy should continue to define Canada.

7. Societal breakdown owing to environmental degradation, extreme weather, or violent conflict can serve as breeding grounds for terrorist movements in the affected countries. These conditions also propel population movements, including to Canada, that, in turn, fuel right-wing, anti-democratic forces, For these reasons, it is in Canada’s security interests to maintain or increase its aid budget while paying special attention to the needs of countries adversely affected by extreme weather and incipient conflicts.

8. For humanitarian reasons as well as to stem the flow of refugees that provide fodder to far-right groups, peacekeeping, peacebuilding, and the continued flow of humanitarian assistance are all crucial. They can help quell conflicts and rebuild human security in fragile states. Canada must therefore regain its capacity to engage in extensive peacekeeping expeditions and to assist when climatic disasters devastate foreign countries.