Foreign Policy: What Canadians Think About Security, Development and Cooperation 

As Canada renews its foreign policy in response to a changing world, an important question deserves attention: What do Canadians want their country’s role in the world to look like? For Cooperation Canada, ensuring that Canadians’ informed views help shape this direction is essential. 

New research suggests Canadians support a foreign policy that strengthens national security and economic prosperity while maintaining international cooperation, human rights and global development. 

The Foreign Policy by Canadians 2026 study, convened by Global Canada with the Stanford Deliberative Democracy Lab, offers valuable insights. More than 7,400 Canadians participated in an initial survey, with 408 taking part in facilitated deliberations.  

The findings reveal four important messages. 

Stronger Defence and Continued International Development 

Canadians recognize the need to invest in national security. 67% supported spending 3.5% of GDP on the military to meet NATO commitments. 

At the same time, 77% supported maintaining international development assistance alongside increased defence and security spending. 

These findings suggest that stronger defence and continued international development can both command substantial public support. 

Global Health is Part of a Broader Approach to Security 

Canadians also expressed support for international investments that protect lives and strengthen resilience. 

82% supported Canadian leadership in global health, building on Canada’s record in women’s and children’s health. Another 70% supported maintaining global health spending, while 69% backed continued assistance for women and girls in low-income countries. 

These priorities reflect an understanding that Canada’s international engagement extends beyond traditional security concerns. 

International Law and Cooperation Remain Central 

The findings also point to strong support for principled international engagement. 

87% supported continued emphasis on human rights and international law, while 84% favoured building coalitions of like-minded countries to address shared challenges. 

Another 74% supported Canadian leadership in strengthening international institutions, including the United Nations and World Health Organization. 

Together, these findings suggest Canadians see value in both flexible partnerships and strong multilateral institutions. 

Economic Partnerships Should Uphold Canadian Standards 

Canadians support international economic engagement, with clear expectations about responsible business conduct. 

86% supported requiring Canadian companies to uphold the same human-rights standards abroad as at home, while 82% supported equivalent environmental standards. 

Notably, support for prioritizing Canadian companies’ overseas growth through development assistance declined from 76% to 62% after deliberation, indicating greater caution about how development resources should serve commercial objectives. 

What this Means for Canada’s Foreign Policy 

For Cooperation Canada, these findings are particularly relevant as Canada renewed its foreign policy direction. 

They reinforce the case for recognizing international development cooperation as a core pillar of Canadian foreign policy, alongside defence, diplomacy and trade. They also underscore the importance of maintaining poverty-focused assistance, supporting global health and ensuring that Canada’s international partnerships reflect its values. 

As Canada makes important choices about its international role, the informed views of Canadians deserve to be part of the conversation.