Canada kicks off 2023 on the edge of unprecedented chaos as it enters a host of overlapping crises. The country is in second-guess mode with their defense. All of this while continuing to find its footing in the midst of a very, very complicated geographical and demographic landscape. Canada is heading into a new era characterised by considerable instability. First, it needs to face its security challenges collectively, coming to the realization that this can is being kicked down the road everywhere in the world.
Canada has no more time to waste in building up its own defense visage. This need stems from the potential threats from both the U.S. and foreign countries. In the past, Canada has never had to seriously consider this threat of aggression from its southern neighbour. This failure to prepare is all the more shocking given that the military status quo in Canada has not really changed over the past years. Canada is a country that is as big as it is full of resource. To be sure, it has not required a large standing military.
As geopolitical tensions rise, Canada is at a pivotal moment. It needs to project an image of stability on its own territory to maintain its long-standing image as a stable/wealthy democracy. The Department of Defense has admitted as much, recently delaying its military readiness goals to 2032. At the same time, military spending continues to increase. By the end of this year, data suggests it will approach 2% of GDP and as some believe could eventually rise to 5%.
To meet these challenges head on, Canada would benefit from looking at Finland’s all-encompassing societal defense posture. The Finnish model considers this a “preparedness mindset” and it runs through every aspect of society. There would be important lessons learned from this approach that would benefit Canada as it looks to mobilize its own population to contribute to Canada’s national defense.
“A preparedness mindset permeates the whole society.” – Pesu, www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/aug/22/canada-military-defense-us-trump
Canada’s vast landmass poses natural challenges for any potential conquest, yet the mobilization of society remains critical for effective defense. As Canada undergoes its own military strategic review, it would do well to learn from the experiences of countries that have wrestled with this question before. In particular, understanding the role of power asymmetry in security thinking can guide Canadian policymakers in crafting a more robust defense framework.
“Power asymmetry is an absolutely essential factor in the Finnish security thinking.” – Pesu
Historically, Canada has taken a narrow lens in gauging its military readiness. Today’s global climate demands a much wider lens. The government’s efforts to shift the focus underscore a recognition that national security is not something we can assume. Canada is indeed walking the tightrope. In order for it to do so, it needs to invest in the resilience of their huddling people and establish a readiness culture.