Europe has come to the realization that the existing defence framework, inclusive with the United States, is over. Europe’s reality is that Russia is driven by Imperialism and wants to return Russia to its position of regional hegemon.
Since the fall of the Soviet Union, and particularly since 2014, Russia has been on the offensive both politically and militarily to expand its borders and bring back Russian dominance to what were the former Warsaw Pact nations.
Internal war in Chechnya, Georgia and now Ukraine, are meant to reinstall Russia’s preeminence as the power within the Eastern Bloc. The prize, for now, is Ukraine, but Russia has its eyes on the Baltic States and Poland.
Canada, without the nuclear umbrella protection from America, and in fact, threatened by America, needs to remain part of a coalition, like NATO, which it would appear is either in transition, or about to exit its former structure.
A new coalition of the willing is necessary, as it is inevitable that Europe is once again going to be threatened at some point by Russia. Canada must strike strategic alliances with the intent of protecting its membership from aggression by either Russia, or at some point in the future, America.
America has become a transactional player, both in the economic and military sphere. It’s motto would seem to be, “What Have You Done for Us Lately?” This, in no way instills confidence in America providing a nuclear umbrella or deterrent to Russian expansion. In fact, it may well succumb to Russian Imperialism by striking a deal of division with Russia for the Arctic and Canada’s sovereign interests.
Canada, as a nation of 41 million, would not be able to stand against the United States, with a population of 348 million. It behooves Canada to find partners in protection, from both Russia and America for the future.
It is worrisome that America seems to be friendlier towards Russia than it does the rest of Europe.
French President Emmanuel Macron voiced his concerns on prime-time television in France recently, stating;
“We can’t close our eyes to the fact that the United States is now an adversary.”
Nor can Canada, where the issue is even more exigent and unsettling.
Canada has been invited to the coalition of the willing for Ukraine as the only non-European country invited. And while this is the case, its uncertain if Canada will be welcomed into a more formal alliance within Europe if NATO were to disintegrate.
Canada’s Future With Europe
Canada can provide assurances to Europe of LNG exports and to energy constraints created by Russia. Germany has shown an interest in Canadian LNG and green hydrogen.
What is missing is an agreement that will put a fire under Canada to create the necessary infrastructure. Building those facilities as the basis to develop a military as well as economic future in Europe is the goal.
Canada can also be the defence in depth for Europe, providing much more than energy including munitions, equipment and military weapons systems in the event of further war in Europe.
Canada needs to ramp up its military industrial complex to invest in military manufacturing of missiles and air defence systems. Canada has all the raw materials, the manpower and the expertise to team up with Europe to become Europe’s backstop.
It will mean a rapid escalation in Canada of infrastructure for military manufacturing of weapons, which will serve both Europe and Canada’s goal of rapid strenghtening of Canada’s military on land, sea and air.
But time is of the essence.
Canada’s Prime Minister cannot afford to dither. Europe, America and Russia are watching.
Canada needs to also consider a ‘Total Defence Force” to secure Canadian sovereignty, including mandatory service for all eligible Canadians, and a loosening of Canada’s restrictions on weapons for a civil defence force.
Now is the time for commitment, not rhetoric.
It’s time for Boldness, not tenuousnous.
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