WHITEHORSE – From climate disasters to cyber threats and geopolitical instability, Canada must ensure its citizens have the tools and support needed to meet the security challenges of the 21st century. Today, the Green Party is announcing our transformative National Civil Defence Corps plan to defend a strong and independent Canada while promoting peace and emergency readiness by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe world is changing, and Canada can no longer afford to be complacent,\u201d said Green Party Co-Leader Jonathan Pedneault. \u201cWhether it\u2019s wildfires forcing people from their homes, cyberattacks on our institutions, or the growing instability of Arctic geopolitics, the risks we face are real and growing. Our plan is about making sure Canadians are prepared\u2014not in fear, but in determination. A National Civil Defence Corps will build resilience, create meaningful employment, and help ensure that no community faces a crisis alone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Green Party\u2019s plan includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is not a call to militarization\u2014it is a call to readiness, community, and national unity,\u201d said Green Party Co-Leader Elizabeth May. \u201cWe need a civilian-led, whole-of-society effort to strengthen our resilience in the face of climate disasters and security challenges. Canada must be prepared\u2014not just with military resources, but with a trained and empowered population that can respond to emergencies, protect our critical infrastructure, and support one another in times of crisis.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The National Civil Defence Corps would create 120,000 well-paying jobs across Canada, prioritizing communities undergoing economic transition, including those moving away from fossil fuel dependence. By embedding local Civil Defence Corps units within communities, the program would provide direct support where it is needed most, from wildfire response to infrastructure protection to climate disaster recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cInvesting in preparedness means investing in people,\u201d added Pedneault. \u201cThis program will build national pride, strengthen local communities, and ensure that no Canadian is left behind when disaster strikes. It\u2019s time to stop waiting for others to protect us. It\u2019s time to step up and protect ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With growing uncertainty over Canada\u2019s security, and the unpredictability of another Donald Trump presidency in the U.S., the Green Party emphasizes that Canada can no longer assume its safety is guaranteed by others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTrump has made it clear\u2014under his leadership, Canada will not be treated as a trusted ally,\u201d said May. \u201cThat means we need to take responsibility for our own resilience, our own preparedness, and our own sovereignty. This is not just about protecting Canada from external threats. It\u2019s about strengthening our communities, preparing for the next climate disaster, and ensuring a future where we stand together, stronger than ever.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Green Party of Canada knows that Canadians want leadership that understands the strengths of our communities with initiatives to harness the talents and love of the country. We predict Canadians will sign up for this ambitious plan for a safer, more resilient, and more independent Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let us prepare together so we can stand stronger together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#####<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For more information or to arrange an interview : <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fabrice Lachance Nov\u00e9<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Press secretary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 514-463-0021<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n