On May 7, 2021, the Policy Insights Forum (PIF) was pleased to welcome Vice-Admiral (ret’d) Mark Norman, Lieutenant-General (ret’d) Yvon Blondin, and Lieutenant-General (ret’d) the Honourable Andrew Leslie to discuss the strategic and operational intricacies of securing and investing in North American continental Defence. Their conversation was moderated by Vice-Chair of the PIF ‍Dr. J. Paul de B. Taillon.‍

VAdm (ret'd) Norman and LGen (ret'd) Blondin mention that the threats from adversaries like China and Russia have expanded beyond a traditional cold war mindset, turning into multi-domain and non-kinetic warfare such as cyber warfare, foreign interference, critical infrastructure exploitation, and economic coercion. VAdm (ret'd) Norman pointed out that strategic adversaries are actively working to undermine the established rule based international order. LGen (ret’d) Leslie also added in agreement with VAdm (ret’d) Norman that if Canada acts complacent then it risks Canada’s voice to the world.

The discussion then pivoted to the Canada - US defence partnership and the necessity of modernizing NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command). The US is going to defend its territory no matter what, which puts Canada in the position of needing to make reliable contributions in order to keep a strong voice in joint decision making. LGen (ret'd) Blondin commented that continental defence for the U.S. is fundamentally about home defence, which means that with Canadian Co-operation, Canada has the opportunity to shape outcomes instead of being dictated. VAdm (ret'd) Norman pushed for a comprehensive “system of systems” approach, an integrated network spanning from outer space to the Seafloor to improve early threat detection and response times.

The conversation then trailed over to Arctic sovereignty and northern security in light of accelerating climate change and opening polar sea routes. LGen (ret'd) Leslie drew attention to the Arctic, which represents Canada’s new frontier, and remains largely neglected in national strategy. The advisors declared that demonstrating sovereignty requires a continuous physical presence, including ice breakers, air defence assets, naval capabilities, and enhanced surveillance. Furthermore, they called for a whole of government Arctic strategy that integrates defence with social development, dual-use infrastructure, economic opportunities for middle class Canadians, and respect for Indigenous stewardship.

While concluding the discussion, the advisors addressed the systemic challenges surrounding the Canadian military procurement and funding execution. LGen (ret'd) Leslie addressed a persistent pattern of bureaucratic delay and capital underspending, saying that the political and military system can move swiftly when motivated. However, that’s only the case when motivated as it lacks that same motivation during peacetime. Calling Canada to fulfill its relative responsibilities to both NORAD and NATO, VAdm (ret'd) Norman's concluding statement was that “with great privilege comes great responsibility,” urging the nation to decide what role it wishes to play globally and to carry out the necessary resources to back up its words with action.