World Report CANADA - FRANCE - UK
Jan 18, 2026
Dan Karpinchuk, a field reporter, discusses Canada's ambitious plan to create a 300,000-strong civil defence force in response to shifting security concerns. Rory Mulholland reports from Marseille, revealing the harrowing impact of drug-related violence and how children are drawn into gang culture. Meanwhile, Russell Padmore sheds light on the UK’s exclusion from an EU defence funding programme, detailing the implications for Britain's arms industry and procurement challenges. Together, these insights paint a vivid picture of current defence issues in Canada, France, and the UK.
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Mass Volunteer Force Proposal
- Canada is planning a voluntary civil defence force of at least 300,000 to bolster readiness for disasters and high-intensity threats.
- Training would be minimal initially, with many recruits serving five days a year and ages from 16 to 65 accepted.
New Threat Modelling Includes The U.S.
- Planners now include possible American intentions alongside threats from China and Russia when modelling risks to Canada.
- Shifts in U.S. rhetoric and actions have changed Canadian thinking about previously unthinkable military scenarios.
Start By Mobilising Public Servants
- Prioritise recruiting volunteer public servants at federal and provincial levels to build the supplementary force quickly.
- Leverage existing civil service personnel as the initial pool for training and mobilisation.