Cybersecurity promoted as part of Canadian Indo-Pacific strategy

OTTAWA – On Nov. 27, Canada produced its anticipated Indo-Pacific strategy which outlines among other commitments a strong interest in boosting cybersecurity for the region.

In a press release issued by the Canadian Global Affairs officedescr, it described Canada as a Pacific nation, and stated that the Indo-Pacific region will play a role in Canada's future. The document outlines Canada's roadmap in the area over the course of the next decade beginning with an investment of $2.3 billion in the next five years in areas like economic growth and increased security.

“The future of the Indo-Pacific is our future; we have a role to play in shaping it. To do so, we need to be a true, reliable partner,” said Mélanie Joly, Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs. “Today, we are putting forward a truly Canadian strategy—one that involves every facet of our society. It sends a clear message to the region that Canada is here, and they can trust we are here to stay.”

The news comes on the heels of Canada's participation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit hosted by Cambodia earlier this month. There, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that their partnership would work to diversify trade and promote peace and security in the Indo-Pacific. Even as Canada signals its desire to diversify and expand its global trade partners however, the 26-page strategy document repeatedly makes mention of China's assertive push into the region and signals that it's expanding its understanding of their goals and engaging with their partners to increase security.

It makes direct mention of its cybersecurity goals stating, “Like countries around the world, Canada is concerned by the rise of coercive and irresponsible use of technology. The spread of disinformation, ransomware and other cyber security threats directly affect Canadians, working to destabilize our democracy and our economy. Canada will take a leadership role in combatting these threats, investing in expertise and technology to better protect all Canadians.”

The Indo-Pacific strategy promises that its funding will go towards building capacity in the region including border control and law enforcement. That, it proposes, will increase its ability to detect and respond to cybersecurity threats that target businesses, infrastructure, and industry.

The full document can be read at www.international.gc.ca.