The Liberal government’s new national security strategy stresses the need to better manage shocks to Canada’s economy while fostering growth and innovation
The long-awaited strategy, made public Thursday, says securing Canada’s sovereignty in key industrial sectors — and delivering re position as an important player in the global economy
The overarching framework, called The Plan for a Stronger Canada, will be followed by a series of more detailed plans, including a new foreign policy to be made public in about a month.
New policies on defence, public safety, economic security
New policies on defence, public safety, economic security and intelligence will roll out over coming months.
Ottawa says it will convene a first ministers meeting on national security, likely next year, to strengthen co-ordination among federal, provincial and territorial governments.
The government also promises to bring forward proposals to modernize national security legislation within the next year. Officials provided no specifics about what that might entail during a briefing Thursday.
The last comprehensive national security policy was published
The last comprehensive national security policy was published in 2004 by the Liberal government of Paul Martin.
In a message included in the new strategy, Prime Minister Mark Carney says today’s world demands a plan that reflects profound realities.
“Canada stands at a hinge moment in history,” Carney writes.
“The world is increasingly defined by contested borders, authoritarian aggression and acute global threats. The long-held belief that the combination of our geography, interconnectedness and a rules-based international order could substitute for Canadian sovereign capacity to protect ourselves is no longer tenable.
The international rules-based order is under threat
“The international rules-based order is under threat. The open global trading system is deeply challenged. What were once strengths — our strong connections and deep integration with other countries — have become vulnerabilities.”
Canadian energy, critical minerals, advanced manufacturing and leading technologies “will be the bedrock of our relationships” that promote a sovereign Canada and contribute to a more secure and prosperous world, Carney writes.
The strategy says Canada can achieve greater strategic independence through a secure and growing economy, a disciplined foreign policy, a stronger and more agile military, reinforced national defence and better intelligence functions.
“These will allow us to withstand shocks, adapt to the unexpected, make our own choices, and thrive in the decades ahead,” it says.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 29, 2026.
Jim Bronskill, The Canadian Press
