Top Priorities for a Safe and Secure Canada in 2025

Commentary

Looking back on the past year and ahead to the next is a common practice. As we enter 2025, it seems likely that a new government will take over. If current indications are accurate, the Trudeau Liberals will be replaced by the Conservatives led by Pierre Poilievre.

There are several security challenges that the new government will need to address:

• The People’s Republic of China engaged in election interference and transnational repression while criticism of these actions was dismissed as “anti-Asian racism”;
• Intelligence from CSIS regarding these activities was disregarded and labeled as mere suspicion;
• The government failed to condemn anti-Semitism and allowed support for listed terrorist entities while equating Islamophobia with hatred of Jews;
• Canada narrowly avoided two ISIS-inspired terrorist attacks in Toronto and New York thanks to allied tip-offs; and
• The government admitted that immigration quotas were flawed but delayed security checks on entrants.

Given this track record, it is evident that the new government faces significant challenges. Here are some priorities for 2025:

1) Provide more resources to CSIS, CSE, and the RCMP, listen to their advice, and avoid hindering their work with unnecessary considerations;

2) Address China’s interference and harassment of Canadians, even if it means expelling diplomats;

3) Increase defense spending to strengthen Canada’s NATO commitment and support democratic values;

4) Lower immigration levels and conduct thorough security checks;

5) Use clear language on terrorism and avoid vague terminology;

6) Promote a strong Canadian identity and address potential conflicts within the country.

The upcoming year will be challenging, especially alongside the United States under a new administration. Increased investment in national security is crucial to avoid any conflict that may harm Canada.

While financial constraints may pose difficulties, prioritizing national security is essential for Canada’s safety.