Burton: Canada's new top soldier needs to protect our Arctic from China
As for our traditionally protective southern neighbour, regardless of how the U.S. political landscape plays out after Joe Biden’s withdrawal from this fall’s election, the days of America covering for Canada are gone. Republican policy prioritizing U.S. isolationism over international alliances reflects the sentiments of millions of Americans. The U.S. military presence around the world will henceforth be based on the costs — and benefits — to America.
So when China or Russia encroach on Arctic regions that Canada has always claimed as sovereign territory — but where we have no physical presence — it is folly to expect Donald Trump to rescue us.
If, or when, Washington slashes its funding — which presently accounts for 68 per cent of NATO’s budget — it is plausible that Canada will not help European allies cover the shortfall.
Canada could begin salvaging its reputation as a responsible ally if we were seen as legitimately trying to make strenuous efforts to defend our sovereignty with advanced technologies and a highly skilled military. To that end, Gen. Carignan should essentially put Canada on a war footing by taking prominent measures to spotlight and confront our crises of recruitment shortfalls and chronic procurement delays.
