The international environment continues to evolve, and the future remains complex, unstable, and unpredictable. Ultimately, a strong Canadian Forces remains a sound investment for Canadians. The world continues to change and the Canadian Forces must continue to change with it. As recent events in Kosovo have shown, the world order we have known since World War II is gone. Peacekeeping is giving way to peacebuilding and peacemaking.
Operations are more diverse, and potentially, more dangerous.
And, new technologies are creating new opportunities and new risks. In this environment, we must maintain our ability as a country to protect and promote the things we value. We must work in partnership with Canadians and our allies to ensure that Canada is prepared to defend its interests and contribute to international peace and security when needed. For me, this means making the balanced and prudent investments in personnel, education and training, equipment and leadership needed to maintain our operational effectiveness as a combat-capable military force that is able to deploy rapidly and interoperate with Canada's principal allies. And the men and women of the Canadian Forces have continued to deliver when called upon to serve at home and abroad.