Canada First Defence Strategy

A Message from the Prime Minister

This Government took office with a firm commitment to stand up for Canada. Fulfilling this obligation means keeping our citizens safe and secure, defending our sovereignty, and ensuring that Canada can return to the international stage as a credible and influential country, ready to do its part. Rebuilding the Canadian Forces into a first-class, modern military is a fundamental requirement if we are to deliver on these goals.

We have already begun to deliver results on the Canada First Defence Strategy by acquiring urgently needed equipment such as C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft. Now we are setting a comprehensive, long-term plan that will provide the Canadian Forces with the people, equipment and support they need to carry out their core missions in Canada, in North America and abroad.

Supported by predictable, long-term funding, the Strategy not only delivers increased security for Canadians, but also significant economic benefits for citizens across the country. By unveiling a detailed plan for the future replacement of key equipment fleets, we are providing Canadian industry the opportunity to more effectively meet defence procurement requirements, and to position themselves for global excellence.

Canadians are rightly proud of the vital contributions made each and every day by our men and women in uniform. With the Canada First Defence Strategy and the detailed plans we have presented in this document, they should now be equally confident that their military will have the tools and resources it needs to defend the country and be a positive force in the world, both today and in the years to come.

The Right Honourable
Stephen Joseph Harper