I agree. I think we're seeing a return to the need to be at least cognizant of the potential for great power conflict in a way we haven't been in the past. It doesn't mean it will necessarily occur, but I think Canada needs to be cognizant, given our position in the world. I'm putting particular focus on the potential threat from Russia to North America. We need to make the right kinds of preparations in case that evolves from being a light or potential threat, as it is now, to one that's a lot more actualized. I would again set that against the total lack of urgency in government public administration right now. When it takes a year plus to figure out how to pay civil servants, we shouldn't be surprised that it's taken a decade or two to figure how to buy multi-billion dollar complex equipment systems. We have to change that focus, because your government is still trying to deliver on Paul Martin's defence projects.
On February 7th, 2017. See this statement in context.