Why Canada must treat its food system as a matter of national defence Rising tensions between Canada and the United States have made increased military investment and a renewed focus on national defence all but inevitable. Food systems and national defenceTrade-dependent countries worldwide are recognizing food security as a matter of national defence. Total defence is a defence policy that emphasizes both traditional military activities and civilian activities, including their food systems. Canadian experts play a key role in global discussions on food systems resilience, with scholars contributing to the United Nations Committee on World Food Security’s Building Resilient Food Systems draft report. Countries like Sweden recognize these efforts as part of national defence — an approach Canada should consider.