KONTAN.CO.ID - JAKARTA. OTTAWA. The Canadian government has taken drastic measures to bolster its economic sovereignty and national defense. In a pivotal speech, it was affirmed that the era in which the Canadian military sent 70 percent of every defense budget dollar to the United States (US) has officially ended. 

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney revealed this in a speech at the Liberal National Convention 2026, on April 12, 2026, which was uploaded on his personal YouTube account. In its place, the Canadian government will automatically implement a "Buy Canadian Products" policy for every federal budget expenditure.

"We will build a strong Canada with Canadian steel, Canadian aluminum, Canadian wood, and most importantly, Canadian workers," Carney emphasized in his speech. 

TikTok, Tokopedia, TikTok Shop Hadirkan Ramadan Ekstra Seru, Gerakkan Ekonomi Lokal

Watch: BREAKING NEWS! US-IRAN NEGOTIATIONS FAIL TO REACH AGREEMENT

This move is a pragmatic response amidst a crumbling international order and the threat of foreign tariff policies implemented by the United States under President Donald Trump.

Massive Investment and Strategic Projects

Without hesitation, PM Carney claims Canada has announced 14 nation-building initiatives backed by new investments exceeding US$ 100 billion or equivalent to Rp 1,570 trillion. 

This project is projected to absorb more than half a million jobs. In addition, the new defense industry strategy is expected to catalyze investments up to half a trillion dollars or US$ 500 billion, which will strengthen the aerospace sector to the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI), while creating 125,000 new jobs.

In the trade sector, the Canadian PM stated, his party targets market diversification with the ambition to double non-US exports in the next decade. The value reaches US$ 300 billion in the form of new orders for Canadian resources and manufactured goods.

Bureaucratic Efficiency and Social Support

To fund this grand ambition, the government saves taxpayer budget of $60 billion through increased bureaucratic productivity. 

At the same time, the burden on the middle class is alleviated through tax cuts for 22 million citizens and the launch of a Food Assistance Program for 12 million citizens most affected by inflation.

The domestic tourism sector also reported a brilliant performance with new records:

First, an increase of 50,000 train trips. Second, a 13% increase in national park visits. Third, a surge in national museum visits by up to 15%.

Baca Juga: Trump Ngambek! Tolak Mentah-Mentah Bertemu PM Kanada Mark Carney, Ini Penyebabnya

AI Vision for All

Facing technological transformation, Canada is committed to managing AI so that it benefits not just a select few. 

The main focus is the application of AI in health services to cut waiting times, as well as efficiency in the government sector.

This bold step marks the return of Canada's ambitious spirit to chart an independent path—from the development of new trade corridors in the McKenzie Valley to space missions to the moon. 

"We no longer rely solely on the strength of our values. We are also building value from our strength," he concluded.