Canada has unveiled its first national security strategy in more than 20 years, with Prime Minister Mark Carney launching The Plan for a Stronger Canada on 29 October 2026. The strategy seeks to strengthen Canada's sovereignty and strategic autonomy by placing economic security, defence preparedness, intelligence capabilities and diversified international partnerships at the centre of its national security policy. The move comes amid growing tensions with the United States, particularly over trade negotiations, tariffs and President Donald Trump's repeated remarks about Canada becoming the 51st US state. Ottawa argues that its traditional reliance on geographical advantages, economic integration and the US-led security framework can no longer guarantee its interests. The strategy therefore prioritises domestic industrial capacity, secure supply chains, critical minerals, energy security and a stronger military presence in the Arctic. It also calls for diversifying Canada's economic and security partnerships, particularly with countries in the Indo-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, while maintaining a cooperative relationship with Washington.