Hello, and welcome back.
When people hear the term national security, many immediately think of terrorism, espionage, or military threats.
Those risks remain important.
But today’s security landscape is much broader.
Increasingly, Canada’s national security also depends on the strength of its economy, its research institutions, its technological innovation, and its critical infrastructure.
So why has economic security become part of national security?
Because a country’s long-term strength is measured not only by its military capabilities, but also by its ability to innovate, compete, and protect the knowledge that drives its future.
Research.
Innovation.
Technology.
Intellectual property.
Critical infrastructure.
These have all become strategic national assets.
If sensitive technologies are unlawfully acquired, commercial secrets are stolen, or critical industries are deliberately targeted, the consequences extend well beyond a single business or research project.
They can affect Canada’s competitiveness, economic resilience, and long-term prosperity.
That is why governments around the world increasingly view economic security as an essential component of national security.
At the same time, this does not mean Canada is turning away from international cooperation.
Quite the opposite.
Canada continues to welcome international students, researchers, investors, entrepreneurs, and scientific collaboration from around the world.
International partnerships have helped make Canada one of the world’s leading research and innovation economies.
These connections remain valuable.
The concern arises only when openness is deliberately exploited to obtain sensitive technologies, research, intellectual property, or commercially valuable information through unlawful, deceptive, or covert means.
Once again, the issue is behaviour—not identity.
It is not where someone comes from those matters.
It is whether activities are conducted openly, lawfully, and transparently.
Businesses can strengthen cybersecurity.
Research institutions can improve research security.
Universities can continue to encourage international collaboration while managing potential risks responsibly.
And every one of us can contribute by protecting our personal information, digital security, and professional data.
Economic resilience begins with responsible decisions made at every level of society.
Innovation helps build Canada’s future.
Protecting innovation helps protect Canada’s future as well.
In our next episode, we’ll examine another challenge facing every democratic society.
Why is everyone part of today’s information environment?
Thank you for watching.
Together, let’s safeguard Canada.
This series is intended for public education. It draws upon publicly available information from Canadian legislation, government publications, public inquiries, and other open sources. It does not represent the views of any government institution.