Security for whom?
Canada: invest in security for all

As the federal government prepares for Budget 2026, join us in urging it to broaden its scope of security and invest in people and planet – not militarization and unchecked economic growth. 

The Problem

The world faces intersecting crises – climate disruption, armed conflict, displacement, threats to Indigenous rights and rising gender-based violence, inequality, unsustainable global sovereign debt and authoritarianism. Together, these crises are eroding hard-won gains in development, reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, human rights and long-term stability. 

The False Solutions

Corporate leaders and the federal government identify militarization and unregulated economic development as the answers to these threats.  

We know that militarization fuels further conflict, displacement, inequality and ecological harm, disproportionately impacting Indigenous peoples, women and gender-diverse people and other marginalized communities. 

What’s more, military investment diverts investment away from essential social services. 

We’re seeing this already. Mass layoffs and deep cuts to essential federal departments are a direct result of the spike in military spending. Canada has committed $62 billion to reach NATO’s 2 percent GDP target. And now it wants to more than double military spending to 5 percent – further eroding essential social services. 

Unregulated economic development will push endangered species toward extinction and undermine Indigenous sovereignty and wellbeing, local economies and hard-won labour rights. Tabled early in the fall, Bill C-39, the Building Canada Strong Act, raises many red flags, including exempting projects deemed in the “national interest” from environmental laws. The bill prioritizes corporate interests over environmental protection, public accountability and Indigenous rights, threatening to sacrifice long-term social and ecological wellbeing for short-term economic gains. Sacrificing environmental safeguards, Indigenous rights and democratic accountability will not make Canada stronger or more secure. 

The Solution

Canada’s security must address the root causes of the crises we face and invest in the conditions that allow all people and communities to live with dignity. It must consult with and be led by people on the frontlines, particularly Indigenous Peoples, local women and human rights, land and water defenders, who best understand the solutions to the challenges they face – whether they are in Canada or abroad.  

Canada understands this. As an initial co-sponsor of A joint commitment to multilateralism, international law, peace and prosperity, issued on September 21, 2026 during the UN General Assembly, Canada recognizes the intersectional global challenges and “commit[s] to work together in support of peace, stability, inclusive and sustainable development, shared prosperity, human dignity and rights for all.” 

The Call

As the federal government prepares Budget 2026, join us in writing to the Prime Minister and Finance Minister to broaden the scope of security and invest in the leadership of Indigenous peoples, local women peacebuilders and human rights and environmental defenders, who are foundational to our security. They are already laying the foundation for a peaceful, just and sustainable world.