OTTAWA – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today unveiled the Canada First Defence Strategy, the Conservative Government’s comprehensive, long-term plan to ensure the Canadian Forces have the people, equipment, and support they need to do their job.

The objective of the Canada First Defence Strategy is to strengthen Canada’s ability to defend and protect its citizens. It will improve the surveillance of land and coastal borders, while bolstering the military’s capacity to provide support for civilian authorities in the event of natural disasters or major international events.

Beyond strengthening security at home and abroad, the Canada First Defence Strategy will deliver significant economic benefits for Canadians. This unprecedented commitment of stable, long-term funding will provide good jobs and new opportunities for the thousands of Canadians who work in defence industries, and benefit the dozens of communities across the country that provide support for military bases.

“Through Canada First, our Government is ensuring that the Forces have the personnel and equipment they need to do their job: To project our values and protect our interests, to fulfill Canada’s international commitments, and to keep our True North strong and free,” said Lauzon.