MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS Canadians’ security and prosperity go hand-in-hand� Today, we are connected to – and affected by – everything that happens internationally, and we want to be part of solutions to complex global challenges� Canadians rightly expect our government and country to play a positive and constructive role� As the Prime Minister has outlined, our objective is to restore constructive Canadian leadership in the world and to promote Canada’s interests and values; serve our security and economic interests; and contribute to a more peaceful and prosperous world� In order to do so, we must build a closer link between our foreign, defence, humanitarian, development, and trade policies� Combined with our upcoming International Assistance Policy and progressive, feminist foreign policy, this defence policy will help accomplish our shared objectives� Canadians have always been ready to share the burden and responsibility of making the world a safer place� We have a long history of working collaboratively with partners to prevent and respond to conflicts and crises abroad, including our support for peace and stabilization operations� The same applies to policy and advocacy that strengthen global norms on peace and security� Our commitment to collective security is reflected in our long-standing support for our core alliances, NATO and NORAD, and for the United Nations� A highly capable, flexible military with the ability to operate closely with allies and partners is an invaluable instrument of Canada’s foreign policy� This is why the Government’s new defence policy will form an essential part of Canada’s future international engagement� It will reinforce our relations with key partners and allies� And it will support our joint efforts to address global security threats, combat terrorism, and defend our continent� This new policy has benefitted from extensive consultation with Canadians and our international partners� It provides a map and means to advance the Government’s ambitious agenda� Our focus is to ensure that our foreign, defence, development, and trade policies reinforce one another and deliver results for the people we serve: Canadians� The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, PC, MP CANADA’S DEFENCE POLICY 7