National Security Policy
Summary
There are currently more than 110 armed conflicts around the world. Some of these conflicts make the headlines, others do not. Some of them started recently, while others have lasted for more than 50 years.
Peace is a luxury that must be protected.
Canada faces numerous threats, both foreign and domestic, as it stands against tyrannical governments and extreme ideologies. Additionally, Canada is often a proxy target for our allies and the alliances we belong to. The belief that investing in national security is optional rather than necessary is naive and dangerous, a perspective that the Moderate Party of Canada does not endorse.
The current geopolitical climate serves as a stark reminder that relying on other nations for our national security can jeopardize the Canadian way of life. This urgency is further emphasized by warnings from our closest allies, who are urging us to increase military and national security budgets in light of impending conflict. It is likely that Canada could become involved in a world war in the foreseeable future.
The Moderate Party of Canada holds that national security is always of paramount importance, particularly given the recent trends in global politics. We are committed to adequately funding and empowering the institutions that ensure the safety and security of Canadians.
How the Moderate Party of Canada Will Take Action:
Click the following links to read more.
- Canadian Armed Forces (CAF)
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
- Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
- Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS)
- Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA)
- Canada in General
- Legislate an “Al, Digital, Internet and Algorithm Privacy” Bill of Rights
- Legislate a “Genetic and Biological Data Privacy” Bill of Rights
- Restrict Foreign Government-backed Social Media and Applications
- Limit Digital Access From Other Countries
- Preserve Economic Integrity and Security from Foreign Influence
- Limit 3rd Party Donations From Other Countries
- Limit Foreign Agents in Canada
- Limit Foreign Ownership of Canadian News
- Limit Foreign Ownership of Canadian Needs
- Remove Money from Politics
- Legislate a New and Pragmatic Firearms Act
The Situation
The Canadian military faces significant challenges due to severe underfunding and inadequate organizational structures. Military equipment is outdated and dysfunctional, and procurement is ineffective and costly. The recruitment process for new personnel currently takes several months, if not years. The government has not adequately addressed the recommendations from Canada’s intelligence agency on how to safeguard the nation. The revenue agency is also too underfunded to pursue corporations effectively.
While Canadians have enjoyed relative peace for the past few decades, there is a growing trend of corporations, foreign nations, and malicious actors gaining geopolitical influence at the expense of democracy and human rights. Increased reports of cyber attacks, foreign police stations, government and corporate espionage, oligarchy and political assassinations are happening on Canadian soil. Canadians risk being manipulated against their interest with the rise of fake news, AI-generated content, bot farms, and fabricated narratives. Many Canadians have had their rights—both genetic and digital—sold for corporate profit and control.
Moreover, foreign nations and compromised politicians have influenced elections in Western countries, including the United States. Recently, many Americans have fallen victim to anti-democracy propaganda and corporate influence. This has eroded the rule of law, due process, and human rights. Even “Jokes” insinuating Canada becoming the 51st state suggests a regional conflict will soon occur. Given Canada’s geographical location and the distance to the nearest ally, Canada might find itself alone.
Fascism and extreme ideologies are on the rise, and numerous nearby nations are experiencing civil unrest. The emergence of natural resources in the Arctic Circle and the Northwest Passage has sparked territorial disputes. This poses a significant threat to Canada’s territorial sovereignty—one we cannot afford to ignore.
NATO, European countries, and their allies have significantly increased their military budgets with the announcement that a world war is likely in the foreseeable future. The relative peace we have enjoyed in Canada is at risk if we do not heed these serious warnings. We must take action now to safeguard our nation’s security.
The Solution
In times of peace, Canada must ensure that its national defence institutions are adequately funded and fully operational. Given the current geopolitical climate, Canada must significantly increase funding and recruitment for its defence institutions. Additionally, the country should adopt a more assertive approach to address cyberattacks and interference with its democracy and government integrity. Canadians are legally allowed to own firearms and may want to consider arming themselves, as facing an armed and motivated population is a significant deterrent for potential invaders.
Implementing regulations to protect the nation from harmful influences is crucial. Furthermore, Canada should enshrine the rights and agency of its citizens, including the ownership of their personal information, into law to provide reassurance regarding their security. This comprehensive approach will prepare the country for potential global conflict.
Detailed Policy
Our True North: Strong and Free
Canadian Armed Forces (CAF)
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) serves as a key entity for force projection, primarily to safeguard Canada against threats from foreign powers and anti-Canadian interests. CAF has three main key performance metrics:
- Operational Capabilities;
- Combat Readiness; and
- Combat Effectiveness.
Domestically, the CAF must defend Canada from foreign forces. Many countries possess sizable navies and significant force projection capabilities. Given the current geopolitical climate, even former allies can pose a risk to Canada.
In recent decades, the Russian military has increased its naval and terrestrial presence in the Arctic region. As Arctic ice melts, the North-West Passage and Arctic resources will become accessible, leading to contention between nations, both allies and adversaries. Canada’s resolve in these matters will be tested as conflicts over resource ownership arise.
On the international front, the CAF may be called upon to act as peacekeepers, requiring the capability and authority to use force to maintain peace. Additionally, CAF may be called to action in support of NATO or other alliances in the event of direct or indirect aggression.
The roles of the CAF include:
- Supporting Canadian Identity: Canada has a proud military history, and Canadian soldiers are recognized as among the best in the world.
- National Defence: This encompasses defending Canadian territory and its citizens.
- Disaster Relief and Search and Rescue: Providing assistance both domestically and internationally.
- Regional Defense: Enhancing Canada’s role on the international stage by supporting allies, particularly in collaboration with the United States to safeguard North America.
- Criminal Interdiction: Assisting the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) with surveillance and enforcement efforts.
The Canadian Armed Forces has a rich history of achievements and has consistently been on the right side of history. Canada must maintain a capable and competent military to continue this legacy. Canada plays a critical role in the safety and security of its partners, just as these alliances rely on Canada’s military strength. Canada must honour the sacrifices made by those who came before us.
To meet these demands, CAF requires a comprehensive overhaul and revitalization. The Moderate Party of Canada commits to pursuing this vital transformation.
Increase Budget to 6% of GDP
The Canadian Armed Forces have faced financial neglect for far too long. The Moderate Party of Canada proposes increasing the CAF budget to 6% of GDP. This additional funding will allow for the acquisition of essential military equipment, the reorganization of the military, and fair compensation for CAF members, thereby strengthening our national defence capabilities.
Validate Transferable Skills for Industry
The Canadian Armed Forces can prepare individuals for high-skill civilian industry. To support and validate this transfer, the Moderate Party of Canada will not permit former or current CAF members to act as consultants for the Canadian military.
Ensure Canada’s Peacekeeping Capabilities
Canada has a distinguished military and peacekeeping history. The definition of peacekeeping is when a third party is invited by governing factions to maintain peace through the threat and use of force. To sustain Canada’s role as a peacekeeper, the Canadian military must be prepared and able to use deadly force if needed. By highlighting the importance of being fully prepared and equipped as a peacekeeper, the Moderate Party of Canada supports Canada’s role as a global peacekeeper.
Reorganize the Military
The Canadian Armed Forces have a weak chain of command and a top-heavy organizational structure with a weak base. The Moderate Party of Canada will implement necessary restructuring to improve efficiency and operational effectiveness.
Improve the Procurement Process
Canada’s current military procurement is very inefficient. Given the urgency of the current geopolitical climate, a two-phase procurement approach is necessary. In the immediate to short term, NATO and US-standard military equipment will be acquired for swift and effective armament.
For the medium to long term, the Moderate Party of Canada will invest in Canadian companies to meet future military needs.
Improve the Recruitment Process
The Canadian Armed Forces recruitment can take several months, and sometimes even years, before an applicant is enrolled in the military. This exhausting process often leads to a loss of interest and a loss of potential candidates.
The Moderate Party of Canada will urgently reorganize the entire recruitment process so that vetted candidates can start basic military training within 20 business days of signing up.
Secure Canada’s Arctic Sovereignty
The Arctic ice is melting at an unprecedented rate with the rise in global average temperatures. This change makes natural resources in the Arctic region accessible and viable for extraction; foreign nations and corporations are increasingly targeting these resources, some of which fall under Canadian jurisdiction. Canada must strengthen its military and navy to safeguard our waters, protect Canadian interests, and preserve the delicate Arctic ecosystem. If this situation remains unchallenged, it could lead to irreversible environmental damage. The Moderate Party of Canada will enhance naval capabilities to protect Canada’s interests.
Adopt a Defensive Mindset: Canadian Shield
The Moderate Party of Canada believes enhancing defensive capabilities is the best way to support our allies. Canada can support NATO by prioritizing intelligence, information technology, soft power, and defensive armament. While we acknowledge the public perception of the CAF as primarily a defensive force, we must recognize the necessity of maintaining robust offensive capabilities to ensure the security and protection of our nation.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
Increase the Budget
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is a key federal law enforcement agency in Canada. The Moderate Party of Canada plans to increase funding and restructure the RCMP to enhance its operational effectiveness.
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has one core mission: to ensure everyone pays their fair share and is essential for Canada’s safety and proper functioning.
Increase the Budget so Everyone Pays Their Fair Share
The more funding received by revenue agencies, the more significant the return on investment for Canada. [1]
The Moderate Party of Canada will properly fund the CRA.
Audit the Government and Canadian Politicians
We believe government officials and politicians should be subjected to greater scrutiny, as their moral values, behaviour, and productivity significantly impact Canada.
The Moderate Party of Canada will require the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to conduct forensic audits for the following groups:
- All new politicians;
- 25% of Members of Parliament each year, selected at random, to ensure that all Members of Parliament are audited within four years; and
- Each year, 10% of government organizations are selected randomly to guarantee that all government organizations are audited within ten years.
This approach aims to promote a more transparent and accountable government.
Introduce an Automatic Tax Filing System for Personal Taxes
The Moderate Party of Canada believes the Canadian government should automate the tax filing process and then require Canadians to confirm the accuracy of the information on file during tax season.
Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS)
The Modern Era has drastically changed the landscape of warfare, safety, and security; Intelligence and data are becoming essential to defence strategies. Therefore, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) is crucial in safeguarding Canadians and their interests. It is vital to recognize that Foreign nations continuously threaten the security of the Canadian government. The Moderate Party of Canada is dedicated to strengthening defensive and offensive intelligence capabilities by increasing funding for CSIS to enhance our national security.
Address Foreign Interference and Bad Actors
The Moderate Party of Canada will request CSIS investigate all public servants and individuals who interact with sensitive information to ensure no foreign interference occurs. We will act according to the agency’s recommendations if foreign threats are identified.
Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA)
The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) is essential in ensuring Canada’s safety and security. Given the influx of immigrants and asylum claims, the Moderate Party of Canada will adequately fund and introduce new measures for CBSA.
To read more about our immigration policy, click here.
Canada in General
The Moderate Party of Canada will address exploitable government and societal vulnerabilities to uphold Canada’s integrity.
Legislate an “AI, Digital, Internet and Algorithm Privacy” Bill of Rights
The Moderate Party of Canada believes that Canadians’ Digital, AI, and Internet privacy rights should be codified into law to ensure that Canadians have agency, protection, and a right to manage their personal information regardless of the medium in which it resides. Breach and compromise of any information present a national security risk to Canadians. Therefore, the Party is resolved to prevent algorithms from manipulating data.
The Moderate Party of Canada will create the “AI, Digital, Internet and Algorithm Privacy” Bill of Rights. This legislation will protect the digital rights and privacy of all Canadians.
Legislate a “Genetic and Biological Data Privacy” Bill of Rights
The Moderate Party of Canada believes that Canadians’ genetic and biological data protection should be codified into law to ensure that Canadians have agency, security, and a right to manage their personal information regardless of the medium in which it resides. Breach of such information directly places Canadians at risk.
The Moderate Party of Canada will create a “Genetic and Biological Data Privacy” legislation and a Bill of Rights.
Restrict Foreign Government-backed Social Media and Applications
The Moderate Party of Canada believes foreign governments and entities can dictate social media and social applications to influence Canadians. This poses a significant national risk. The Moderate Party of Canada will implement rigorous requirements for applications to be available in Canada, and those that do not meet these requirements will be banned. Social media applications will be banned from all government devices to ensure no potential foreign interference. The Moderate Party of Canada is resolute in its stance on safeguarding national security.
Limit Digital Access From Other Countries: Preventing Scams
Under this Moderate Party of Canada requirement, corporations must allow Canadian users to remove access and visibility of their online or offline accounts from non-Canadian IPs and countries.
Preserve Economic Integrity and Security from Foreign Influence
The Moderate Party of Canada will prohibit foreign and partially foreign state-owned enterprises, including companies receiving undisclosed subsidies, from obtaining federal contracts, which risks the Canadian economy and government security.
Limit 3rd Party Donations From Other Countries: Protecting the Integrity of Financial Support
The Moderate Party of Canada will introduce legislation banning 3rd party political groups from receiving donations from foreign sources to prevent undue influence from malicious actors and foreign interests.
Limit Foreign Agents in Canada: Protecting the Integrity of Our Government
The Moderate Party of Canada will introduce legislation banning individuals holding any public office who have primary or secondary connections to foreign governments.
Limit Foreign Ownership of Canadian News: Safeguarding the Truth
The Moderate Party of Canada will introduce legislation banning any foreign entity from owning or influencing, in part or in whole, any Canadian news agency.
Limit Foreign Ownership of Canadian Needs: Protecting Canadians
The Moderate Party of Canada will ensure human needs, societal needs, government functions, and national security remain under Canadian ownership. In some instances, foreign participation may be allowed, but only under the direct oversight of the Canadian government and its enforcement agencies.
Remove Money from Politics: Protecting Democracy
To protect the government and democracy from the influence of money, the Moderate Party of Canada will mandate public funding of political campaigns, public lobbying on record (in camera), and requiring candidates to divest any conflicts of interest before legislation approval.
Legislate a New and Pragmatic Firearms Act
Recently, the Canadian government introduced a ban on certain firearms owned by law-abiding citizens, yet has not provided evidence that this ban will enhance safety. In light of the ample proof that Canada’s firearm regulations are sufficiently stringent, several policing organizations and subject matter experts have publicly argued that the new firearm ban will be costly for Canadians, amounting to billions of dollars, without improving public safety.
Given the current geopolitical climate, the Moderate Party of Canada would reverse this ban and introduce a new and pragmatic firearm act.