Madam Speaker, it is a pleasure for me to table in the House, in both official languages, a document entitled “Securing an Open Society: Canada's National Security Policy”.
Since the tragic events of 9/11, the Government of Canada has implemented positive and progressive measures to improve Canada's national security environment.
We have invested more than $8 billion in additional security measures.
We have strengthened our legislative base.
On December 12, the Prime Minister created the portfolio of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness to further close security gaps and ensure that our national interests and our people are protected.
Clearly we have demonstrated the leadership Canadians expect of their government, but we also know that more needs to be done.
Today, we are taking another important step forward with the tabling of Canada's first comprehensive national security policy.
“Securing an Open Society: Canada's National Security Policy” articulates, with specifics, our national security interests, identifies the current threats facing Canadians, and provides a blueprint for action to address these threats. This new system will be capable of responding not only to the obvious threat of a terrorist attack but also to other incidents of national significance that can undermine Canadians' health and our economic stability, including natural disasters, health pandemics and the activities of organized crime.
The government's national security vision reflects some fundamental principles.
First, it must be balanced, ensuring that civil liberties and individual rights are not unnecessarily compromised in the pursuit of improved domestic security. In other words, it must reflect Canadian values.
Second, to be effective, our national security policy must be integrated across the Government of Canada and with key partners, ranging from first responders to provincial and territorial governments and our allies abroad.
Third, the policy must be flexible so that it can continue to evolve as we learn from past experiences and adjust to emerging threats. The government will invest more than $690 million over five years from the security contingency reserve to implement key measures outlined in this framework.
The tabling of this policy fulfills a commitment in the Speech from the Throne. More important, it directly addresses the core responsibility of any government, which is to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
The government needs the help of all Canadians to make its approach to security effective. It also needs the support of the House.
I would ask hon. members to carefully review this policy document. I invite them to share their views and those of their constituents with us.