Ottawa: Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine has reminded us that the international community is strongest when it acts together in defence of the values we share. In partnership with like-minded democracies around the world, Canada will continue to stand up to the global threats that recognize no borders.
To immediately reinforce Canada’s national defence, announcements in Budget 2022 will provide a total of more than $8 billion in new funding over five years—on top of planned increases associated with Canada’s 2017 defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged. This funding will strengthen Canada’s contributions to our core alliances; bolster the capabilities of the Canadian Armed Forces; continue to support culture change and a safe and healthy working environment in the Canadian Armed Forces; and reinforce Canada’s cyber security.
“We are increasing our contribution by up to 460 Canadian Armed Forces personnel, for a total of up to approximately 1,260. A further 3,400 Canadian Armed Forces personnel are available to the NATO Response Force, should they be required, a defense official said adding that budget 2021 previously announced $847.1 million over five years to increase Canada’s contributions to NATO. But we recognize that more needs to be done. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our allies means sharing the burden of defending democracy against authoritarianism.