Minister LeBlanc Addresses the Canadian Institute for Cybersecurity on Canada’s New Defence Policy
News Release
June 14, 2017 — Fredericton, NB — Department of National Defence/Canadian Armed Forces
Strong, Secure, Engaged, Canada’s new defence policy, recognizes that the long-term success of Canada’s military depends on the women and men who make up the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). Our people are our most important asset and they deserve to be equipped with the resources, capabilities and skills required to meet today’s complex and modern challenges.
Today Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, on behalf of Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan, met with leaders from industry and academia at the University of New Brunswick’s Canadian Institute for Cybersecurity to discuss the cybersecurity environment and the implications to Canada’s defence and security.
Cyber threats pose an increasing risk to our national security. Under the new policy Canada will implement measures to ensure that the CAF is ready to respond, whenever threats arise and from wherever they come.
Defence will establish a new Cyber Mission Assurance Program that will incorporate cybersecurity considerations into military procurement; create a new military occupation for Cyber Operators to help focus training initiatives and recruit top talent in the field; and leverage reservists with specialized skillsets to strengthen the military’s capabilities. The CAF will also be provided with the resources necessary to conduct active cyber operations, in support of government-authorized military missions.
The CAF can no longer wait for an attack before taking concrete action. Strong, Secure, Engaged, will provide the CAF with the tools and resources needed to address these threats and help make Canada strong at home, secure in North America, and engaged in the world.
Strong, Secure, Engaged is an ambitious yet realistic plan that outlines Canada’s defence priorities over the next 20 years, and provides stable, predictable, and long-term funding.
Quotes
“The global security environment is rapidly evolving and threats are constantly emerging. We know this is not something we can control. But what we can control is ensuring that our women and men are prepared to deal with these challenges. This policy is investing in the resources and capabilities we need to get the job done, and done well.”
Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan
“Today’s threats are no longer just on the traditional battlefield – they now live in the cyber and space domains. To be effective, we know we can no longer adopt a purely defensive approach. Strong, Secure, Engaged provides the stable and long-term funding needed to modernize our military so that it can better respond to these threats.”
The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard
Quick Facts
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Cyber operations will be subject to the same rigour and oversight as every Canadian Armed Forces operation, including:
- Abiding by Canadian and international laws;
- Conducted only in support of government-authorized military missions; and
- Conducted according to proven checks and balances, such as rules of engagement, targeting, and collateral damage.
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The launch of Strong, Secure, Engaged concludes the most comprehensive review process in Canadian defence and security history - a year-long review process that included open and transparent consultations with Canadians, parliamentarians, defence experts, allies, and partners.
Associated Links
Contacts
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
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