CALGARY – The commander of the Canadian Army, Lt.-Gen. Michael Wright, addressed a defence industry conference on Wednesday, emphasizing that the Canadian Armed Forces are committed to modernization and strengthening capabilities through strategic purchases and investments. This initiative is supported by the federal government's allocation of $81.8 billion in new spending over five years, aiming to enhance the Canadian Armed Forces’ operational readiness.
During his remarks at the DEFSEC West security and aerospace conference, Lt.-Gen. Wright described the upcoming expenditures as a means to ensure responsible stewardship of resources rather than a "spending spree." He asserted, "Ultimately, we have to ensure that we are being responsible stewards of resources. And I can tell you every dollar that’s spent by the Canadian Army is going to make sure that our soldiers are ready."
The Canadian government has pledged to escalate defence spending to two percent of GDP by the fiscal year 2025-26, with a further commitment to increase it to five percent by 2035. Wright stated that "Army modernization is about providing soldiers with the training, the capabilities and the structure that they need to fight and win on the battlefields of today and the battlefields of the future." This initiative is vital for generating and sustaining collective defense as part of an allied land force amid a more contested and uncertain global security environment.
Lt.-Gen. Wright revealed that the Armed Forces are currently pursuing nearly 50 major capital projects aimed at improving military capabilities. These include advancements in weaponry, long-range precision strike systems, and enhanced ground-based air defence systems necessary for protecting critical infrastructure, particularly in the Arctic region. Additionally, Wright noted the importance of increasing the size of the Canadian Forces to meet contemporary demands.
"The most important thing for us right now are people, bringing in more soldiers and making sure they're getting the training they require," Wright emphasized. He highlighted the ongoing assessment of the equipment needed to support the soldiers and mentioned the balance between long-term capabilities and those that can be delivered in the short term. This strategic approach is geared toward ensuring that the Canadian Armed Forces remain effective and well-equipped.
Wright also underscored the growing significance of the Arctic in Canada’s defence strategy. He stated, "We're making sure that we are making the necessary investments in the North for national sovereignty." However, he clarified that the efforts in the Arctic would not solely rely on the Canadian Armed Forces; collaboration with other federal agencies, the Territories, and northern communities will be essential.
This announcement and the outlined plans reflect Canada’s commitment to enhancing its military capabilities and ensuring the safety and preparedness of its forces in response to evolving global threats. The investments aimed at modernization and strength will not only fortify the capabilities of the Canadian Armed Forces but also address strategic needs in an increasingly competitive security landscape.
