After Canadians voted to replace the ruling Conservative party, electing Justin Trudeau’s Liberal party to a majority government, questions immediately surfaced asking how it would impact Canada’s global security commitments. Based on the rhetoric and promises made by the Liberals during the campaign, many believe significant changes will occur. The reality, however, is likely to be much different than expected. Although key differences between the two governments will emerge, it will be identifiable in tone and language, as opposed to any real substantive changes to Canada’s goals or policies. Our bigger concern is the larger challenges with our deteriorating military infrastructure looming in the future.
Many, including most Canadians, believe that Canada’s contribution to global security occurs within the framework of our membership and commitment to the United Nations and its initiatives. After all, Canada invented and has maintained a strong record of peacekeeping. There is a perception that the previous Conservative government had shifted away from this traditional role, and our international reputation is being tarnished as a result. More accurately, Canada has always pursued a wider global security agenda, done for the most part in concert with our Western allies when it has been perceived to be in our interest. Not only is Canada part of the coalition fighting ISIS, but it has also taken strong positions on Russian adventurism in Eastern Europe and Iran’s nuclear weapons program.
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