Home Newsroom 2004 Speeches (archive) McLellan: 2004-04-27

Securing an open society: Building a national security policy for Canada

Speaking notes for
The Honourable Anne McLellan

National Press Theatre
Ottawa, Ontario
April 27, 2004

As delivered

Thank you. Good morning.

Earlier this morning, I tabled in the House of Commons Canada’s first comprehensive statement on national security. This National Security Policy is an integrated strategy that demonstrates the Government of Canada’s leadership and commitment to protecting Canadians.

On September 11, 2001, the world changed. National security quickly and irrevocably came to the forefront of public policy issues. The recent tragic bombings in Madrid have only confirmed the need for heightened and sustained vigilance.

But there is more to national security than protecting against terrorist attacks. The past 12 to 18 months have shown that Canadians’ health and our economic stability can be shaken by many events whose origins are beyond our borders.

When Prime Minister Martin was sworn into office on December 12th, he signalled that the safety and security of Canadians was a key priority for his new government. He immediately announced organizational changes to close security gaps and establish a clear centre of responsibility and accountability for addressing public safety and security issues. As a result, we can now communicate more effectively and operate more strategically to protect Canadians.

Securing an Open Society, the document I tabled in the House this morning, sets out the government’s broad safety and security vision. It articulates our core national security interests, identifies the current threats facing Canadians, and provides a blueprint for action to address these threats.

In other words, the policy is very much a Canadian approach. It acknowledges global realities, but also reflects Canadian values, safeguards our liberties, and respects legal, constitutional and sovereignty considerations.

Securing an Open Society sets out three core national security interests that Canada needs to advance:

• First, protecting Canada and the collective safety and security of Canadians at home and abroad;
• Second, ensuring that Canada is not a base for threats to our allies; and
• Third, contributing to international security.

This new system will be capable of responding to both intentional and naturally occurring threats. It is as relevant for securing Canadians against the next SARS-like virus as it is in addressing the risk of a terrorist attack. Above all, it is a flexible system that will continually evolve as we learn from past experiences and adjust to emerging threats.

Let me quickly review for you some of the highlights of this new system, based on six key areas where we will focus our attention and actions.

First, we will make strategic investments to support and strengthen our intelligence gathering capabilities. The government will create a new Integrated Threat Assessment Centre that will comprise representatives from across the security and intelligence community and will have access to all sources of information on possible threats to Canada.

Second, we will develop a national, fully integrated emergency management system to protect Canadians. To this end, a new Government Operations Centre will be established within my department to provide stable, around-the-clock coordination and support across government and to key national players in the event of national emergencies.

Third, as previously announced by the Prime Minister, we will proceed with the creation of a new Public Health Agency, which will be led by a new Chief Public Health Officer for Canada. As well, Health Emergency Response Teams will be established across the country.

The fourth priority is transportation security. The government will implement a six-point plan to close gaps in our marine security and will further enhance aviation security. My colleague, Transport Minister Tony Valeri, will have lead responsibility for marine security policy coordination and regulation.

Fifth, we will enhance border security as a critical element of the policy. The National Security Policy calls for the development of the next generation of the Smart Border agenda, which could also engage Mexico in strengthening our shared security, building economic prosperity and protecting the health and safety of our citizens.

Finally, our new National Security Policy has an international dimension. Canadians’ national security interests will be a top priority in the International Policy Review, but we are also announcing the establishment of a dedicated capacity building fund, that will allow us to leverage Canada’s experience with peace, order and good government internationally.

Cabinet has earmarked funding of $690 million to implement key measures outlined in Securing an Open Society. These funds will be drawn from the Security Reserve, which includes significant new funding allocated in Budget 2004. You can expect more detailed announcements on how the Government will proceed with implementation of these measures in the coming weeks and months.

The release of this document fulfills a commitment in the Speech from the Throne. But more importantly, it is a major step forward in fulfilling a core obligation to Canadians.

The government needs the help and support of all Canadians to make its approach to security effective. And to achieve that level of support, we intend to reach out to communities in Canada that may feel caught in the "front lines" of the struggle against terrorism.

This National Security Policy is neither a beginning nor an end – it is, in fact, a living document, designed to respond to changes in the threat environment. It provides a framework within which all of Canada’s safety and security partners can work together, both domestically and abroad.

Securing an Open Society signals that Canada will not be complacent in the face of new and varied threats, regardless of their nature or origin. We will, in fact, be in a strong state of readiness to prevent such threats, but also to respond swiftly, forcefully and responsibly should one occur.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am now going to ask my colleague the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Irwin Cotler, to say a few words.