Lt.-Gen. Mike Wright, the head of the Canadian army, announced at a land forces conference that the military is currently in the process of developing a comprehensive “all arms defence of Canada” plan. This initiative will bring about a significant restructuring of the army, with the existing four-division structure set to be replaced. Wright emphasized that the current army setup does not align with the country’s strategic needs, necessitating a reorganization.
The upcoming changes aim to enhance the army’s capability to safeguard Canadian territory, facilitate overseas deployments, and mobilize a large number of volunteers during emergencies. While the specifics of the “defence of Canada” plan are still being formulated in collaboration with other services, Wright disclosed that the army will transition to a three-division structure. Notably, one division will be dedicated to defending Canada, particularly focusing on the Arctic region.
According to Wright, the restoration of divisional-level warfighting capacity is crucial for maintaining credible deterrence and signaling national sovereignty and credibility. The restructured army will have units spread across 120 communities, with a strong emphasis on protecting critical infrastructure. The new divisions will be headquartered in Montreal, Edmonton, and Kingston, Ontario, respectively, reflecting a strategic distribution across the country.
In response to the evolving global security landscape, the military is also planning to boost its reserve forces significantly. The Department of National Defence is exploring the possibility of expanding the full-time reserves to 100,000 troops and introducing a citizen soldier force comprising 300,000 individuals. This mobilization plan is deemed essential given the heightened probability of Canada’s involvement in large-scale combat operations in the coming years.
Gen. Jennie Carignan, the country’s top military commander, confirmed preparations for presenting the mobilization plan to the federal government soon. Brig.-Gen. Shawn Bindon, responsible for mobilization within the Defence Department, highlighted the need to equip and train a mobilized force effectively. He stressed the urgency of addressing existing gaps in supplies and resources to ensure readiness for potential conflicts.
The Defence Department’s internal assessment has underscored the strain on current supply chains and personnel systems, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to meet future operational demands effectively. The military is actively engaged in developing feasible options for the government to consider, aligning with its commitment to enhance Canada’s defense capabilities in response to evolving security challenges.
