Military must contend with Ottawa's domestic focus

Significance

Anand, who was given the defence portfolio after last September’s election, faces a complex set of internal and external challenges relating to Canada’s military. These range from leadership deficiencies and procurement controversies to its place in projecting Canada’s wider international role.

Impacts

• Canada’s large and politically active Ukrainian diaspora will urge the Liberal government to support NATO in defending Ukraine.
• Enforced changes to the senior leadership will reduce the ability of the armed forces to focus on international commitments.
• It is unlikely that the government will choose to deploy Canadian peace-keeping troops overseas for the foreseeable future.
• Ottawa faces consequences from its choice this year of whether to replace ageing CF-18 fighters with a US or Swedish option.