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Russian aggression and cyber-warfare key issues for Canada to confront: Sajjan
HALIFAX — Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan says Russia's disruptive behaviour on the world stage is a key concern for Canada.
Sajjan made the remark Friday at the opening of the Halifax International Security Forum, a three-day event that has attracted security experts and politicians from around the world.
The minister cited Russia's annexation of Crimea and its aggressive posture toward neighbouring Georgia as examples of a worrisome trend.
"The disruptive nature that Russia has taken, it goes against the rules-based order that we're used to," he told a news conference at a downtown hotel.
He said the recent commemorations marking the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War serve as a poignant reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions.
"It's even more important now that nations act in a responsible manner; that we do not provoke," he said.
"Unfortunately, because of the actions that Russia has taken, we do need to make sure we send a strong message of deterrence, and with NATO we are doing that."
Canada has taken a particular interest in confronting Russia's use of so-called hybrid warfare, which blends conventional warfare and cyber-warfare to destabilize democracies, Sajjan said.
Peter Van Praagh, president of the Halifax International Security Forum, said Russia's internal struggles have had an impact on the rest of the world.
"Russia is a great country historically, but Russia is also a failing country, simultaneously," Van Praagh told reporters.
"Russia is struggling with both of those things going on at the same time."
On Saturday, a panel of experts will take part in a discussion titled: "Beijing's Cravings, Kremlin's Gremlins: Freedom's Foes."
"Russia doesn't have the same advanced tools that Canada and NATO has," Van Praagh said. "Russia is using different tools to exert influence ... We can't allow Russia or any other country to interfere in the operations of domestic democracies."
The conference, which has attracted 300 delegates from 70 countries, is being held in conjunction with a meeting of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.
Van Praagh also cited the end of the First World War 100 years ago, saying delegates to the conference will be keeping that key event in mind.
"Looking at 1918 through the prism of 100 years is a good reminder of the cost of war," he said. "It is also a reminder of our responsibility to protect our democracy. The work of democracy is never quite complete."
It's the fourth time Sajjan has attended the security conference as defence minister.
He said other key issues that require delegates' attention include the conflicts in Syria and Yemen, ongoing political changes on the Korean peninsula and Canada's renewed role as an international peacekeeper.
"For a decade, (the forum) has been the place to discuss global defence and security issues that define our times," he said.
Among those invited to speak at the forum is U.S. Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Dunford is the highest-ranking military officer in the United States and an adviser to President Donald Trump.
The delegates to the forum are almost exclusively from democratic regimes.
Michael MacDonald, The Canadian Press
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Sandbox CUAS Detect, Defeat Challenge is Now Live! It's time to start looking to the skies! After hosting a Sandbox in 2019 on Countering Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS), IDEaS is inviting innovators to bring their ‘A' game and demonstrate how their solution can detect and/or defeat our team of drones. IDEaS is looking for next-level CUAS prototypes that can solve the Sandbox challenge and be integrated into the broader military command and control system. Innovators invited to participate will receive: Up to 5 days of free personal full-time use of our fully equipped CUAS test range including targets. On-site one-on-one continual interaction with Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and RCMP end-users, and science experts. Opportunity to iteratively test, demonstrate, and improve your technology. Ability to customize and adjust your test plan with the CAF on the fly to optimize your range time. Exposure of your innovation to multiple Canadian & international defence and security trusted partners. Visit the CUAS 2022 Challenge page for all the details you need in order to apply. All application must be submitted prior to 2 PM EST on April 13, 2022. Eric Fournier sits down with Armasuisse Insights to talk all things innovation. Learn what the DG of IDEaS has to say about governmental defence innovation, it's ecosystem, as well as new and exciting opportunities made available to Canadian Innovators through the IDEaS program. Read the full interview here: Looking abroad – Innovation at the Canadian Department of National Defence (admin.ch) Le défi CUAS Détecter et Vaincre 2.0 d'Environnement protégé est maintenant en ligne! Il est temps de se tourner vers le ciel! Après avoir tenu un Environnement protégé en 2019 portant sur la lutte contre les systèmes aériens sans pilote (CUAS), IDEeS invite les innovateurs à présenter leurs meilleures solutions afin de détecter et/ou vaincre notre équipe de drones. IDEeS recherche des prototypes CUAS de niveau supérieur capables de résoudre le défi de l'Environnement protégé et de s'intégrer dans le système militaire plus large de commandement et de contrôle. Les innovateurs invités à participer recevront : Jusqu'à cinq jours d'utilisation personnelle gratuite à temps plein de notre champ de tir pour CUAS entièrement équipée, y compris les cibles. Interaction continue et individuelle sur site avec nos utilisateurs militaires des FAC et nos experts scientifiques. Testez, démontrez et améliorez votre technologie de manière itérative. Personnalisez et ajustez votre plan d'essai avec les FAC sur le champ pour optimiser votre temps d'autonomie. Exhibez votre innovation devant de multiples partenaires canadiens et internationaux en matière de défense et de sécurité. Visitez la page du défi CUAS 2022 pour tous les détails dont vous avez besoin afin de postuler. Toutes les candidatures doivent être soumises avant 14 heures HNE le 13 avril 2022. Eric Fournier partage sa vision de l'innovation avec Armasuisse Insights. Découvrez ce que le DG d'IDEeS a à dire sur l'innovation en matière de défense gouvernementale, sur son écosystème ainsi que sur les nouvelles possibilités intéressantes offertes aux innovateurs canadiens par le biais du programme IDEeS. Lisez l'entrevue complète ici : Regard sur l'étranger – Innovation au ministère de la Défense nationale canadien (admin.ch)