James Skinner
James is the Founder & Chief Executive of
CANZUK International in Vancouver, Canada
Canada’s absence from the AUKUS defense pact, a trilateral treaty between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, has become a growing concern for the country’s Armed Forces.
The pact, announced in September 2021, aims to counter China’s growing military presence in the Indo-Pacific region, an area where Canada has economic and security interests.
While much of the attention has focused on American and British plans to provide nuclear submarine technology to Australia, the real concern is Canada’s lack of access to advanced technology in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and quantum.
As Vice-Admiral Bob Auchterlonie, the commander of the Canadian Joint Operations Command, stated earlier this week, “Those are conversations we need to be in on. And the issue is: Why are we not included in this? Is it resistance to get involved? Is it policy restrictions that we have? Or are we just not going to invest? That’s the question. So it is a significant concern.
While much of the attention has focused on American and British plans to provide nuclear submarine technology to Australia, the real concern is Canada’s lack of access to advanced technology in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and quantum.
As Vice-Admiral Bob Auchterlonie, the commander of the Canadian Joint Operations Command, stated earlier this week, “Those are conversations we need to be in on. And the issue is: Why are we not included in this? Is it resistance to get involved? Is it policy restrictions that we have? Or are we just not going to invest? That’s the question. So it is a significant concern.
“I am the operational side of the Armed Forces. Therefore, am I concerned? Do I want to be involved with our closest allies in things? Yes, I do. Absolutely. And I think it’s critical given where you see technology moving. Canada needs to be part of that.”
The Canadian government has not provided a reason for Canada’s absence from AUKUS or even acknowledged whether the country was invited to join. Defence Minister Anita Anand’s office has only referred to Canada’s participation in the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance and other bilateral partnerships.
“Through the Five Eyes and our bilateral partnerships, we will continue to work with our closest allies to keep Canadians safe,” Minden said.
It is clear that Canada’s absence from AUKUS is a missed opportunity for the country to stay at the forefront of military technology and to strengthen its security partnerships with its closest allies.
Without doubt, Canada should join the pact to ensure its Armed Forces have access to the cutting-edge technology they need to protect the country’s interests and keep Canadians safe, and CANZUK International will continue to engage with elected officials in Canada about this important issue.
[Heading Photo: The Canadian Press/Lars Hagberg]
The Canadian government has not provided a reason for Canada’s absence from AUKUS or even acknowledged whether the country was invited to join. Defence Minister Anita Anand’s office has only referred to Canada’s participation in the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance and other bilateral partnerships.
“Through the Five Eyes and our bilateral partnerships, we will continue to work with our closest allies to keep Canadians safe,” Minden said.
It is clear that Canada’s absence from AUKUS is a missed opportunity for the country to stay at the forefront of military technology and to strengthen its security partnerships with its closest allies.
Without doubt, Canada should join the pact to ensure its Armed Forces have access to the cutting-edge technology they need to protect the country’s interests and keep Canadians safe, and CANZUK International will continue to engage with elected officials in Canada about this important issue.
[Heading Photo: The Canadian Press/Lars Hagberg]
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