As a long-standing immigration destination, Canada is reviewing its defense policy for the first time in over 20 years. Canadian Minister of National Defence Harjit S. Sajjan announced on the 6th (local time) the formation of a four-member advisory committee, including a former Supreme Court justice, to conduct a public review of the country's defense policy. The new defense policy is expected to be released early in 2017.
This is the first public review of Canada's defense policy in over 20 years. Minister of National Defence Sajjan noted that the last review took place in 1994.
The four-member advisory committee announced by Sajjan includes a former Supreme Court justice, a former Liberal government cabinet minister responsible for foreign affairs and defense, a former Chief of the Defence Staff, and a former Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet for Security and Intelligence in the Privy Council Office. The media has dubbed it the "Blue Ribbon Committee."
The Canadian side stated that this action is being taken because "the strategic security environment in which Canada operates has changed significantly." Minister of National Defence Sajjan expressed that he looks forward to hearing opinions from all sectors of Canadian society.
The Department of National Defence stated that this review of defense policy will help determine future priorities, which the military will use to configure equipment, conduct training, and prepare to address new future threats and challenges.
The Department of National Defence has set the main topics for discussion, including: the primary challenges to Canadian national security, the role of the Canadian military in facing current threats and challenges, and the resources and capabilities required to fulfill its functions.
The Department of National Defence stated that the Canadian government has committed to ensuring that the military has the necessary means to defend Canada, North America, and contribute to broader global affairs.
Beyond the committee, Canada has launched a website to collect feedback, and the public can submit their opinions through the site until July 31. Additionally, six roundtable meetings will be held by the end of July in Toronto, Vancouver, Yellowknife, Edmonton, Montreal, and Halifax, with the Minister of National Defence chairing the first roundtable in Vancouver on April 27. The Department of National Defence has called on both houses of the federal Parliament to actively participate in the discussions. Internationally, Canada welcomes allies and partners, including the United States, to participate through bilateral or multilateral formats.