Canada wants to learn from Finland

National security has been on Canadians’ minds lately.

Finland and Canada have a lot in common. The two countries share a similar geopolitical position: a long land border with an unpredictable and powerful neighbour, an Arctic location and a sparse population.

These days, national security issues have become top of mind for Canadians.

Many have woken up to the idea that they can no longer rely on the United States to guarantee their defence. As part of that discussion, Finland’s ability to cope as Russia’s neighbour has come under the spotlight.

“Finland, you’ve been living next to this monstrosity your entire existence. That’s why we’re trying to learn from you,” Stephen Marche told Yle.

Marche is known in Canada as an active voice in public debate. Before the start of US President Donald Trump‘s second term, he published The Next Civil War. In it, he lays out five plausible scenarios that could push the United States into a civil war, or at least to its brink.

Canada is now looking to Finland as a template for strengthening its defence. The Liberal-led government views Finland’s defence model as an example Canada should aspire to.

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand visited Finland in August to study the country’s defence strategies.

While Canada is increasing its defence spending, the country used just 1.5 percent of its GDP on the armed forces last year, which proportionally is far less than Finland.

“Of course it’s utopian to think Canada could simply copy the Finnish model. But I do think Canada should aim in that direction,” Marche noted.

Related stories from around the North: 

Canada: Sanctions-evading Russian oil ships could pollute the Arctic, PM’s adviser warns, The Canadian Press

Denmark: Denmark, Greenland agree to build naval wharf in Nuuk amid growing Arctic focus, Eye on the Arctic

Finland: Finland pushes EU drone wall as northern countries’ security investments expand, Eye on the Arctic

Iceland: Europe’s Von der Leyen strengthens Arctic security ties with Iceland during visit, Eye on the Arctic

Norway: German naval ships firing at Norwegian Arctic test range, The Independent Barents Observer 

Russia: Russia trains coastal attack scenario 30 km from border with Norway, The Associated Press

Sweden: Sweden to lead NATO force in challenging Arctic region, Radio Sweden

United States: Russian warplanes detected flying near Alaska for ninth time this year, US military says, Eye on the Arctic