Minister of National Defence Message for NATO 75th Anniversary
Video / April 04, 2024
Transcript
75 years ago today, the NATO Alliance was founded on the shared values of individual liberty, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
Today’s anniversary is a testament to the strength of NATO and the commitment to trans-Atlantic and European security.
On this anniversary, new threats are emerging that require us to work together to protect our countries, and the rules-based international order that has kept us safe for decades.
Russia’s war on Ukraine is an attack on freedom, peace, and democracy – and NATO Allies are stepping up to provide Ukraine with unprecedented levels of military aid.
For our part, Canada’s commitment to the Alliance is steadfast. As part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia, approximately 1,000 Canadian Armed Forces Members are currently deployed, making it Canada’s largest current international military operation.
This mission is set to grow to up to 2,200 CAF members by 2026.
Here at home, Canada is taking action to address these new threats through NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA). DIANA brings together industry leaders, scientific companies, and the brightest startups to help the Alliance maintain its technological edge.
We are proud that the North American Regional Office of DIANA will reside in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and help develop new ways for the Alliance to detect and deter threats.
Now more than ever, NATO is needed to deter aggression, to counter terrorism, and help partners build their security.
With the accession of Finland and Sweden, NATO is only growing stronger.
NATO remains the most successful political-military alliance in history – and Canada’s commitment to it is steadfast.
Together, we are stronger.
Together, we are NATO.