Canada Mobilizes a People's Army

The government has finally laid its cards on the table. The threat against our nation is real. That is why the Department of National Defence (DND) announced its plans to establish a 300,000-person citizens’ army.

This would be one of the largest civilian reserve mobilization efforts in recent Canadian history.

Details are vague, but the plan seems open to people not of traditional military age and those who might not normally meet the rigorous basic training standards of the regular army.

The government politely explained that this citizens’ army would be used to help fight forest fires and other emergencies. And yes, that work will matter but in reality, the government is sending a message to Donald Trump.

This will be a volunteer army trained in weapons and the use of drones. Canadians have watched the horrific war in Ukraine and understand the danger of hoping for the best in dealing with an aggressive neighbour. The release of the Trump doctrine lays out how serious MAGA is in taking down global democracies and reducing Canada to a vassal state.

Since I first reported on the citizens’ army on the Meidas Canada Network, we have been inundated with positive responses from across the country. I’m not surprised. I have sensed a widespread determination to protect our nation from the day I launched The Resistance on Substack.

The government is now moving from tiptoeing around the thug to making long-term preparations. DND has announced an ambitious plan to raise military readiness with 185,000 soldiers and 100,000 reservists. But the move to establish a 300,000-strong civilian defence force shows us just how seriously the government is taking the threat to our sovereignty.

I have been thinking a great deal about how a proactive civilian defence plan would work. Here’s what I would recommend:

1. Choose an inspiring name rooted in Canadian pride and patriotism - perhaps the Maple Leaf Battalion.

2. Build from the bottom up. Decentralized local networks of resistance will foster esprit de corps and can respond quickly in the event of a local emergency.

3. Equip members properly with a uniform and access to a weapon so they can carry out their responsibilities confidently and safely.

4. Draw on the expertise already in our communities: involve health care and front-line workers, community planners, retired military and police.

5. Invite the Canadian Rangers to play a role in establishing local training programs and consider a Junior Rangers-style program for our young people.

6. Prioritize training in first aid, communications and logistics that can be used at the local level in case of emergency.

7. Bring in Ukrainian trainers to help with drone skills and civilian-defence expertise.

8. Give the battalions a strong social media presence to highlight local service and build national unity.

---

I have spent my whole life working for peace and the de-escalation of conflict. But I fully back Prime Minister Carney on this issue because the threat is unmistakable.

This is an unprecedented moment in our nation’s history. A people’s army is a nonviolent demonstration of resolve. By building networks of grassroots resistance, Canadians are showing our determination to defy the MAGA pressure.

But should an increasingly erratic or desperate Donald Trump choose to cross the line, we need to be ready.

---