Canada First Defence Strategy

A Message from the Minister of National Defence

It is my privilege to introduce this comprehensive strategy for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces, which builds on the vision that the Government has progressively laid out since coming to power in January 2006.

The Canada First Defence Strategy puts forward clear roles and missions for the armed forces, outlining a level of ambition that will enable them to protect Canadians from the variety of threats and challenges they may face in the years to come. It calls for the Canadian Forces to support the Government's broader national security and foreign policy objectives by maintaining the ability to deliver excellence at home, be a strong and reliable partner in the defence of North America, and project leadership abroad by making meaningful contributions to operations overseas.

Building on the significant investments made in our armed forces over the last two years, this document sets out a detailed plan to modernize the Canadian Forces. Providing balanced investments across the four pillars upon which military capabilities are built - personnel, equipment, readiness and infrastructure - our plan will increase the size of the Forces and replace their core capabilities. The implementation of this 20-year plan will provide Canada with a strengthened, state-of-the-art military and the predictable funding that Canadian industry needs to position itself effectively to meet the Forces' equipment and technology requirements over the long haul.

The Canada First Defence Strategy represents a major milestone. It fulfills the Government's commitment to provide enhanced security for Canadians and gives the military the long-term support it so critically needs and deserves, now and in the future.

The Honourable
Peter MacKay