Prime Minister Stephen Harper has unveiled a long term plan to ensure the Canadian Forces gets new and improved equipment as well as increased numbers of troops in the years ahead.
Harper unveiled the plan at an armoury in Halifax on Monday, alongside Defence Minister Peter MacKay.
"As the name implies the first priority of our Canada First Defence Strategy is to strengthen our ability to defend our country and protect our citizens," Harper said.
"The bottom line is that we will substantially strengthen the Canadian Forces, we will gradually increase the number of regular troops and reservists and provide them with more and better equipment to make them as effective and safe as possible."
Spending on the military will increase to $30 billion over the next 20 years, Harper said.
Part of that money will go to a strategy to recruit greater numbers of regular and reserve force troops -- including efforts such as a new television ad campaign currently running.
MacKay said the federal government's military shopping list includes search-and-rescue planes, combat helicopters and new fighter aircraft to replace Canada's CF-18 fighters.
In addition, Harper said, the plan will enhance the Canadian Forces' ability to carry-out surveillance and security in the north and will improve Canada's ability to contribute to global security and meet its commitments on continental security.
Canada is fortunate in many ways to have a defence alliance with the United Stated that has been nurtured for decades by governments both Conservative and Liberal," Harper said.
"This relationship however, only works if it is governed by mutual respect, and the way to earn that respect is to ensure Canada shoulders its fair share of the burden of defencing North America.
The prime minister also said the plan will create thousands of jobs for Canadians, thereby providing a boost to the economy.
