OTTAWA — Canadians need to spend billions on “hard power” military capability because they can’t rely on the U.S. or others for protection, says Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland. The speech is meant to foreshadow the release of Wednesday’s defence policy review, which is expected to make the case for billions in new military spending. Related“To put it plainly: Canadian diplomacy and development sometimes require the backing of hard power,” Freeland said in her prepared text. Her emphasis on hard military power is a tougher expression of the country’s international interests than Canadians are used to hearing. She said that notwithstanding the “incredibly good relationship” with the U.S., Canada cannot just rely on American military protection.

Source: National Post June 06, 2017 17:54 UTC