Operating Context

Operating Context

National Defence policies and activities are informed by the evolving security context in which the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) operates. Strong, Secure, Engaged: Canada’s Defence Policy (SSE), identifies three broad trends that continue to shape the modern security environment:

1. The evolving balance of power;
2. The changing nature of conflict; and
3. The rapid evolution of technology.

These trends therefore shape the context in which the Department of National Defence (DND) and the CAF must operate. Additionally, the modern threats faced by Canada are diffuse and transcend national borders undermining the security once provided by Canada’s geography. This requires Canada’s engagement to promote security and stability both at home and abroad.

In this ever-evolving operating context, DND and the CAF remain focused on implementing SSE. The implementation of this comprehensive, 20-year plan is essential to ensuring that the CAF is prepared to execute its mandate and meet Canada’s defence needs. SSE also focuses on our people; we are implementing improvement to the care and services we provide to our people. Together, these efforts are ensuring that Canada is ready with an agile, multipurpose and combat-ready military that can conduct the full spectrum of military operations simultaneously across multiple theaters of operations.

For more information regarding the Operating Context, please see Strong, Secure, Engaged: Canada’s Defence Policy - Chapter 4 – Global Context.