Carney says we must ‘look out for ourselves’ in wake of U.S. intelligence leak on Yemen strike

Liberal Leader Mark Carney has emphasized the importance of Canada looking out for itself in the face of shifting security priorities and leaked war plans by top U.S. national security officials. During a campaign stop in Halifax, Carney stated that it is crucial for Canada to be more self-reliant in its defence capabilities and decision-making.

The leaked information regarding upcoming military strikes in Yemen, shared in a Signal group chat that included a journalist from The Atlantic magazine, raised concerns about operational security. While U.S. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth initially denied the authenticity of the text chain, a spokesperson from the U.S. National Security Council later acknowledged its validity.

Carney, who holds high-level security clearance, acknowledged the inevitability of information leaks but stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in addressing such incidents. He highlighted the evolving security relationship between Canada and the United States and the need for Canada to strengthen its military and intelligence capabilities independently.

As Canada navigates a changing global landscape and a potentially strained relationship with the U.S., experts like Stephanie Carvin emphasize the importance of investing in domestic security measures. Carvin suggests that Canada may need to bolster its military and foreign intelligence efforts to compensate for potential limitations in intelligence sharing with the U.S.

Carney’s campaign announcement at the Irving shipyard in Halifax outlined plans to enhance Canada’s military capabilities, including the construction of new submarines and destroyers. While some proposals, such as prioritizing Canadian steel and aluminum in defence production, were highlighted, details on specific defence purchases like the F-35 fighters were not fully disclosed.

The Liberal leader hinted at forthcoming defence announcements in the party’s platform, which is yet to be released. He underscored the importance of balancing national security needs with economic considerations and ensuring that defence investments benefit Canadian workers and the economy.

Overall, Carney’s emphasis on self-reliance and strategic defence planning reflects a proactive approach to safeguarding Canada’s interests in an increasingly complex and uncertain global environment.