Best Canadian Defence Strategy Podcasts (2025)

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Honour, Country, Sacrifice: Capturing the Faces of Service with Trevor Godinho 35:17

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5d ago35:17

35:17

Acclaimed Toronto-based editorial photographer Trevor Godinho joins host Barry Pitcher, CEO of Commissionaires Nova Scotia, to discuss his powerful portrait series, Honour Country Sacrifice. This moving project captures the stories and faces of Canadian Armed Forces members, past and present, highlighting the diversity and humanity behind the unifo…

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Changemaker, Justin Tyner 12:05

16d ago12:05

12:05

Introducing our bonus episode series: Changemakers. This series is dedicated to highlighting the individuals who take action to drive positive change in their communities, organizations, and beyond. Changemakers identify problems, develop innovative solutions, and inspire others to take part in meaningful transformation. These episodes will be shor…

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Canada Narrows Choice for New Submarines 53:34

24d ago53:34

53:34

Canada has shortlisted two international shipbuilders, Germany's TKMS and South Korea's Hanwha Ocean, for its Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, which aims to replace the Royal Canadian Navy's aging Victoria-class submarines. The program plans to acquire up to 12 conventionally powered submarines with under-ice capability and extended endurance, wi…

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Empowering Service with Brigadier-General Mark Parsons 35:55

30d ago35:55

35:55

Brigadier-General Mark Parsons, CD, from the 5th Canadian Division, joins host Colonel Barry Pitcher, CEO of Commissionaires Nova Scotia and a senior officer in the Primary Army Reserve, for a compelling conversation about the vital role of the Canadian Reserve Force in national security and community support. Often referred to as “citizen soldiers…

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Carney Launches New Defence Investment Agency 42:00

1M ago42:00

42:00

Yesterday, as part of ongoing measures to streamline defence procurement, Prime Minister Carney and the Liberal government launched a Defence Investment Agency (DIA), tasked with accelerating the purchase and delivery of essential military equipment. The DIA aims to ensure that the CAF receives what it needs with minimal delay, while also promoting…

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Is Bureaucracy Hindering Military Preparedness? Modernizing Canadian Artillery 43:42

1M ago43:42

43:42

On this week's episode of The Expert Series, Anne Rifenstein sits down with Colonel (Ret'd) Stefan Boucher and Lieutenant General (Ret'd) Andrew Leslie to give a big picture analysis for the Canadian artillery's role over the next ten years for Canada. They point towards the reactionary approach to defence funding and how it addresses the Army, dis…

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NATO Article 4 Talks | Canada & Poland Strengthen Defence Relationship 31:45

2M ago31:45

31:45

In early September, Poland reported a major escalation in Russian drone activity, with 19 drones penetrating Polish airspace. In response, Warsaw initiated consultations under Article 4 of the NATO treaty, a rare move that signalled concern the security of the entire Alliance. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also made a high-profile visit to Wa…

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Canadian Defence with the Honourable Peter MacKay 46:59

2M ago46:59

46:59

In this inaugural episode, Commissionaires Nova Scotia CEO and host, Barry Pitcher, sits down with the Honourable Peter MacKay, PC, KC, to discuss the evolving security landscape and the importance of supporting Canada’s veterans. From service to defence, this conversation explores leadership, legacy and national purpose. Topics Covered: Peter MacK…

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Will the Coast Guard's shift to DND & the Ice Pact Strengthen Canadian Security & Industry? 39:39

2M ago39:39

39:39

In response to an increasingly complex and competitive Arctic security environment, Canada has taken major steps to strengthen its maritime capabilities. Over the past year, this has included joining the trilateral "Ice Pact" with the U.S. and Finland, beginning construction on two heavy polar icebreakers, and integrating the Canadian Coast Guard i…

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What challenges and opportunities will the River-Class Destroyer pose for Canada's naval strategy? 34:27

2M ago34:27

34:27

The River-class destroyer is needed to address the aging and retiring fleet of Iroquois and Halifax-class warships, whose capabilities no longer meet current and future operational demands. These new ships will ensure Canada maintains a credible naval presence to support national defence, international alliances, and emerging security challenges, p…

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Introducing: Purpose & Protection 1:44

2M ago1:44

1:44

Commissionaires Nova Scotia proudly presents Purpose & Protection, a podcast dedicated to the people behind Canada’s security: veterans, their families, civilians and all those dedicated to keeping our communities safe.By Commissionaires Nova Scotia

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What Has Canada Learned from Op UNIFIER? 1:03:54

3M ago1:03:54

1:03:54

Through Operation UNIFIER, Canada’s ongoing support for Ukraine demonstrates the critical role of middle powers in combatting contemporary security challenges. Since 2015, Op UNIFIER has provided training and advisory support to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Helping to strengthen their capacity, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) has served as a bridge …

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Can Canada Realistically Diversify Its Defence Partnerships Beyond the U.S.? 45:12

3M ago45:12

45:12

The rapidly shifting international environment has sparked renewed interest in CANZUK cooperation as a potential axis for middle powers seeking to safeguard their autonomy and security. While Canada, Australia, the UK, and New Zealand have a long history of informal defence collaboration through arrangements like the Five Eyes intelligence alliance…

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Can Canada Afford to Stay Silent on Ballistic Missile Defence? 29:39

3M ago29:39

29:39

As Arctic tensions rise, missile technologies advance, and U.S. foreign policy veers toward unilateralism, NORAD faces mounting pressure to evolve. But can it? And will Canada rise to meet the challenge alongside the United States, or risk being left behind? Furthermore, will Canada step into the BMD conversation? In this week’s installment of the …

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Can Russia be Contained in a Multi-Polar World? 47:15

4M ago47:15

47:15

The war in Ukraine is not just a regional conflict, it is a pivotal struggle over the future of liberal democracy, Western unity, and the global balance of power. With Russia pursuing expansionist aims, the West divided, and President Donald Trump reshaping U.S. foreign policy, the outcome of this war could determine whether democratic values or au…

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How the RCN is Preparing for 21st Century Threats: A Conversation with VAdm Angus Topshee 28:52

4M ago28:52

28:52

With the Royal Canadian Navy facing urgent demands to grow its workforce, maintain aging ships, and prepare for increasingly complex security challenges in the Arctic and Indo-Pacific, can it balance immediate operational needs with long-term modernization? Today, Vice Admiral Angus Topshee, commander of the royal Canadian navy, joins us for a disc…

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True North Strong? A Citizen's Guide to National Defence 58:49

4M ago58:49

58:49

Charles Davies Joined the Expert Series to discuss the need for Canada to rethink its approach to national defence in response to a rapidly changing global security environment. Davies analyzes the impact of the changing global security environment on Canada’s defence posture and strategy, why its essential for Canada to shed its identity as a “sma…

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Will Canada Hit NATO's 5% Defence Spending Target? 31:19

4M ago31:19

31:19

This week, Canada sat with its allies at the Hague and agreed to triple its defence funding over the next 10 years. Former Defence Minister Peter MacKay joined us to discuss the outcomes of the 76th NATO Summit in The Hague, which saw commitment from all 32 NATO members to increase defence spending, the geopolitical drivers behind this shift, conce…

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2% is Just the Start: How will Canada Deliver on Carney's Defence Pledge? 41:08

5M ago41:08

41:08

On Monday, June 9th, 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Canada will accelerate its defence spending to reach 2% of GDP by the end of the 2025–2026 fiscal year, moving the target forward by several years. With Canada accelerating defence spending to 2% of GDP by 2025-26, how can the government and the CAF prepare for the far greater challeng…

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Unpacking Carney's Defence Announcement 28:43

5M ago28:43

28:43

On Monday, June 9th, 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Canada will accelerate its defence spending to reach 2% of GDP by the end of the 2025–2026 fiscal year, moving the target forward by several years. CDAI Board Member and former NSIA to the Prime Minister, Vincent Rigby, joined the Expert Series to analyze the announcement, discussing t…

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How Ukraine pulled off 'Operation Spiderweb' 47:57

5M ago47:57

47:57

Could a swarm of cheap drones launched from hidden trucks inside Russian territory mark a turning point in the Ukraine war? Nearly a week ago, Ukraine carried out a covert drone operation inside Russia, striking five military air bases and damaging or destroying a significant number of strategic bombers. The attack, codenamed “Spider’s Web,” involv…

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Is Europe Planning for Yesterday's War? Lessons from NATO's Frontline 33:53

5M ago33:53

33:53

As Russia’s war in Ukraine grinds on and tensions rise along NATO’s eastern flank, Lithuania is sounding the alarm, not just for itself, but for the entire transatlantic alliance If countries like Lithuania or Latvia are tested and Canada—or other members of the Alliance—hesitate, it could damage the credibility of NATO's collective defence. This w…

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Ghost Fleets: What does Maritime Autonomous Systems Integration offer the RCN? 50:22

5M ago50:22

50:22

As maritime security environments grow increasingly complex, particularly in remote and contested regions like the Arctic, the RCN is considering adoption of maritime autonomous systems (MAS) to enhance surveillance, extend operational reach, and reduce risk to personnel. VAdm (Retd) Bob Davidson CMM, MSC CD, Cdr. Ryan Bell, and Kate E. Todd discus…

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"Nice but not there": Canada's Reputational Challenges in the Indo-Pacific 55:01

5M ago55:01

55:01

With tensions rising in the Indo-Pacific and the global economy vulnerable to disruption, Canada faces growing pressure to define its role in a region that is central to future global security and prosperity. As great power competition intensifies, and China ramps up military activity and rhetoric around a potential invasion of Taiwan, Canada must …

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Trump’s Golden Dome | Ukraine Strikes Deep into Russia | Gaza War Ground Offensive Expansion 27:36

5M ago27:36

27:36

In this week's installment of The Geopolitical Update podcast, we discuss intensifying tit-for-tat drone warfare between Ukraine and Russia amidst a substantial prisoner swap and Donald Trump’s call with President Vladimir Putin, President Trump’s unveiling of the United States’ planned Golden Dome initiative—a $175 billion space-based missile defe…

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The Golden Dome 27:36

6M ago27:36

27:36

Dr. Rob Huebert joins today's Expert Series podcast to discuss the implications of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s announcement that Canada is exploring participation in the United States' “Golden Dome” defence initiative, unveiled by Donald Trump earlier this week. The Golden Dome, designed to intercept hypersonic, ballistic, and space-based threats,…

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The Future of the Five Eyes (FVEY) and Canada's Role in it 38:07

6M ago38:07

38:07

What do recent changes in the United States’s strategic posture mean for the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance? Over the past several months, allies within the Five Eyes have flagged an alarming level of polarization within the U.S. intelligence community. While the alliance has faced challenges before, new difficulties regarding intelligence…

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Sir Lawrence Freedman | Lessons from Ukraine for the Future of Warfare 29:20

6M ago29:20

29:20

How did the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine reawaken strategic thinking in the West? Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine poses challenges for the future of international security. Joining us today is Sir Lawrence Freedman, Emeritus Professor of War Studies at King’s College London, to discuss the ways in which the global system is incr…

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Canada Ignores the South China Sea At Its Peril 51:29

6M ago51:29

51:29

How should Canada increase its engagement in the Indo-Pacific region? The South China Sea has become a global flashpoint for economic and military tensions. Despite Canada itself being a Pacific nation, our regional engagement and relations with regional partners remain limited. Jonathan Berkshire Miller and Stephen Nagy joined the Expert Series to…

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What Does Securing the Arctic Look Like? 47:12

6M ago47:12

47:12

Faced with heated threats in the Arctic and American uncertainty in bilateral cooperation, Arctic sovereignty and security has emerged at the forefront of security concerns in the recent Canadian federal election. We met with Dr. Andrea Charron and Dr. Whitney Lackenbauer to discuss Canada’s answer to the Arctic question. With the 51st narrative st…

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What’s Stopping Canadians from Joining the Military? 29:44

6M ago29:44

29:44

What is driving Canada's ongoing military recruitment and retention crisis, and how can the CAF address the challenges that are preventing it from meeting its personnel needs in an increasingly unstable global security environment? In this Expert Series episode, Charlotte Duval-Lantoine outlines the underlying causes of the CAF’s personnel crisis: …

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Is Canada Ready to Compete for Influence in Africa? 1:06:17

6M ago1:06:17

1:06:17

In today’s episode of the Expert Series, moderator Benjamin Ofosu-Atuahene talks with Dr. David Black, Dr. Marie-Joelle Zahar, Dr. Yolande Bouka, and Dr. Andrew Grant about the highs and lows of Canada’s Africa Strategy. Amidst talk of Canada diversifying its alliances, Canada’s Africa Strategy sets the scene for potential expansion of Canada’s rel…

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Tension Ep. 17: Navigating Future Uncertainty in Animal Health 50:23

6M ago50:23

50:23

What happens when a global animal health institution starts thinking about the future? In this episode of the Tension Podcast, foresight advisor Tianna Brand shares how the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) used its 100th anniversary to leap forward — creating participatory future scenarios to explore collapse, innovation, and transformat…

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How Can Canada-Lithuania Defence Cooperation Strengthen NATO's North? 46:53

6M ago46:53

46:53

In today’s episode of the Expert Series, we meet with Egidijus Meilūnas, Ambassador of Lithuania to Canada. Through conversations regarding Lithuania’s current defence buildup, Ambassador Egidijus Meilunas highlights the ways in which Canada-Lithuania defence cooperation can transform the alliance’s north. As Lithuania plans to increase its GDP spe…

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2025 Election: Comparing Conservative and Liberal Defence Platforms 26:18

7M ago26:18

26:18

What are Canada’s major political parties promising when it comes to defence, sovereignty, and foreign policy—and where do key questions and challenges remain? In today’s Expert Series episode, Vincent Rigby compares the two major party platforms on defence and security issues. Together, we highlight three crucial areas from both aspects of the Lib…

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Canada Isn’t Ready—But Must Be, Fast 49:21

7M ago49:21

49:21

Will NATO and its allies—including Canada—be able to mobilize quickly enough to address the evolving threat of Russia and China’s alliance? In order to prevent further escalation, political will must support our military capacity. In today’s Expert Series episode, we hear from Julia Soldatiuk-Westerveld, Justin Massie, Olena Snigyr, and Colonel (Re…

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Tension Ep. 16: Is Canada Ready for the Next Climate-Driven Emergency? 27:18

7M ago27:18

27:18

Is Canada ready for the next climate-driven emergency? Behind the scenes, a critical shift is happening in how we plan, respond, and collaborate — and you’re invited into the conversation. In this powerful episode of the Tension Podcast, Donna speaks with Simon Wells and Tiffany Leung from the Canadian Journal of Emergency Management (CJEM) about t…

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Frontline Latvia: Building Resilience and Readiness on NATO’s Russian Border 45:49

7M ago45:49

45:49

In today’s Expert Series episode, Toms Rostoks, Director of the Centre for Security and Strategic Research at the National Defence Academy of Latvia, discusses Latvia’s evolving approach to national defence in the face of Russian aggression. The 2014 Russian invasion of Crimea was a turning point for Latvia’s national defence strategy. With the und…

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Unpacking the Liberals’ Latest Defence Announcement 45:48

7M ago45:48

45:48

In this Expert Series episode, we unpack the Liberal Party’s April 14 defence pledge, announced by Mark Carney, which outlines significant reinvestment in Canada’s military and defence industry. Key proposals include a centralized procurement agency, a new research bureau focused on emerging technologies, and efforts to boost domestic defence produ…

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Tension Ep. 15: Climate Security: Impacts, Geopolitics & the Future 57:11

7M ago57:11

57:11

What happens to global security when the climate itself becomes the battlefield? Spoiler: it’s not science fiction — it’s already happening. In this must-listen conversation, Professor Bruno Charbonneau at the Royal Military College Saint-Jean, Canada — unpacks why climate change is now one of the biggest wildcards for military readiness, internati…

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Depoliticizing Defence and Rebuilding the CAF 44:36

7M ago44:36

44:36

In today's Expert Series episode, we speak with Peter MacKay, former Minister of National Defence, to discuss the defence and security challenges Canada faces today. From Normandy to Afghanistan, the Armed Forces have long been a source of pride for Canadians. While recent challenges in domestic procurement and recruitment have limited the CAF, it’…

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Canada in Dangerous Times: Strategic Outlook 2025 57:01

7M ago57:01

57:01

In this Expert Series episode, we meet with Dr. Rob Huebert and Dr. Philippe Lagassé to discuss this year’s Strategic Outlook: a timely and essential survey of the emerging and existing security challenges facing Canada at this dangerous inflection point. Building on his analysis for the CDA Institute’s 2025 Strategic Outlook publication, Dr. Huebe…

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Can Canada Afford to Rethink the F-35 Acquisition? 43:28

7M ago43:28

43:28

In this Expert Series episode, we meet with Major General (Ret’d) Colin Keiver, Lieutenant General (Ret’d) Andre Deschamps, and General (Ret’d) Tom Lawson to discuss the potential cancellation or readjustment of the F-35 procurement deal, its impact on the Canadian defence sector, and its broader implications for the bilateral relationship. With de…

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National Security in the Age of AI and Robotics 1:14:32

8M ago1:14:32

1:14:32

In today’s Expert Series episode, we meet Dr. Daniel Araya, Dr. Kurtis Simpson, Dan Ciuriak, Dr. Roberto Mazzolin, and Dr. Amos Fox to discuss how AI and robotics are redefining the future of national security. At a time when Canada faces the daunting dual task of improving its defence capability while ensuring economic security, our panellists exp…

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NATO’s New Fault Lines: Where Does Canada Stand? 45:58

8M ago45:58

45:58

In today’s Expert Series episode, we meet with Robert Baines, President and CEO of the NATO Association of Canada, to discuss the impact of the U.S.'s shifting stance towards NATO and how this affects US-Canada tensions and NATO dynamics with European allies. Our conversation covers the importance of Canada reaching the 2% GDP defence spending benc…

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Can Canada Reduce its Dependence on the U.S? 27:02

8M ago27:02

27:02

In today’s Expert Series episode, we sit down with Xavier Delgado to examine the evolving Canada-US relationship amid rising tariffs, trade disputes, and shifting economic policies. Within the context of President Trump's priorities since inauguration and Canada's economic future under Prime Minister Mark Carney, we discuss the broader implications…

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Is This the End of NATO as We Know It? 1:18:00

8M ago1:18:00

1:18:00

In today’s Expert Series episode, we meet with Mrs. Laura Thornton, Senior Director of the McCain Institute; Dr. Balkan Devlen, Director of the Transatlantic Program at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute; and Dr. Leonard Schütte, Senior Researcher at the Munich Security Conference to discuss the future of NATO amidst recent shifts in the transatlantic…

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Tension Ep. 14: Bridging Worlds: Civil-Military Interaction, Sustainability and the Future of Global Security 46:30

8M ago46:30

46:30

"Winning Without Fighting": Rethinking Civil-Military Interaction for the Future of Conflict How do we navigate modern conflicts that are more hybrid, technological, and deeply intertwined with civilian populations than ever before? In a thought-provoking episode of the Tension Podcast, Vince DiDato explores how civil-military interaction (CMI) is …

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Solving the RCAF’s Personnel Crisis 44:19

9M ago44:19

44:19

In today’s Expert Series episode, we meet with Col (Ret’d) Terry Chester, LGen (Ret’d) Andre Deschamps, MGen (Ret’d) Colin Keiver, and Richard Shimooka to discuss the pressing recruitment and retention challenges facing the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Highlighting a personnel shortfall unable to meet modern demands, the panel emphasizes the ne…

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Bilateral Defence Cooperation in the Arctic 31:23

9M ago31:23

31:23

In today’s Expert Series episode, Dr. James Fergusson discusses the continued importance of U.S.-Canada defence cooperation in Arctic, despite political and foreign policy shifts in the U.S. He highlights how Canada's defence strategy remains closely tied to U.S. priorities—especially with NORAD and aerospace defence—and also discusses the complex …