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:
- Creating a 120,000-strong National Civil Defence Corps to strengthen Canada’s resilience and sovereignty
- Providing meaningful employment while building national preparedness for emergencies
- Addressing multiple threats simultaneously: climate disasters, infrastructure protection, and national security
“The world is changing, and Canada can no longer afford to be complacent,” said Green Party Co-Leader Jonathan Pedneault. “Whether it’s 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—not 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.”
The Green Party’s plan includes:
- The provision of universal civil defence training, ensuring all Canadians—regardless of age or background—have access to basic emergency preparedness skills, including first aid, crisis response, and cybersecurity awareness.
- An optional advanced defence skills track, where tens of thousands of Canadians can learn search-and-rescue, survival techniques, tactical first aid, and firearms safety—not just for security, but also for strengthening their ability to protect and support their communities.
- Expanding Canada’s reserve forces by 20,000 members, bringing civilian readiness up to the standards of our democratic allies and ensuring that Canadians have the tools they need to respond to national emergencies.
- Transforming the Canadian Service Corps into a full-fledged national youth service program, providing young Canadians with paid placements in emergency services, environmental protection, infrastructure resilience, and trades.
- Strengthening Arctic sovereignty through Indigenous leadership, with increased funding for Canadian Rangers and local defence initiatives led by Inuit, Dene, Gwich’in, and other Indigenous nations.
“This is not a call to militarization—it is a call to readiness, community, and national unity,” said Green Party Co-Leader Elizabeth May. “We 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—not 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.”
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.
“Investing in preparedness means investing in people,” added Pedneault. “This program will build national pride, strengthen local communities, and ensure that no Canadian is left behind when disaster strikes. It’s time to stop waiting for others to protect us. It’s time to step up and protect ourselves.”
With growing uncertainty over Canada’s 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.
“Trump has made it clear—under his leadership, Canada will not be treated as a trusted ally,” said May. “That 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’s about strengthening our communities, preparing for the next climate disaster, and ensuring a future where we stand together, stronger than ever.”
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.
Let us prepare together so we can stand stronger together.
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For more information or to arrange an interview :
Fabrice Lachance Nové
Press secretary
514-463-0021
Rod Legget
Senior Advisor, Strategic Communications
613-203-1524