Colin MacLeod is the author of the provocative book “The Case for Alberta’s Independence,” and the force behind @cnm5000 on X.As many Albertans consider an independent nation, the question of Alberta’s military capacity often arises. Our capacity to maintain adequate defence isn’t actually about whether we could establish functional military capabilities — it’s about understanding what modern defence realistically requires for a jurisdiction in our unique position.Let’s start with the asset baseline. Alberta represents roughly 11.6% of Canada’s population, so a proportional transfer of existing Canadian Forces assets would be entirely reasonable in any independence scenario. Canada’s 2024 defence budget sits at approximately $33.8 billion. A population-based allocation would theoretically entitle Alberta to approximately $3.9 billion in existing military infrastructure, equipment, and resources. This includes everything from vehicles and communications equipment to training facilities. CFB Edmonton and CFB Suffield are already located in Alberta, providing substantial existing infrastructure that wouldn’t need to be built from scratch.But here’s what critics miss: Alberta wouldn’t need to replicate Canada’s entire military structure. Our strategic requirements would be fundamentally different.Switzerland offers perhaps the most instructive example. With a population of 8.7 million, Switzerland maintains a highly capable defence force on an annual budget of approximately $6.2 billion USD. Their system relies on mandatory service — typically 18-21 weeks of basic training followed by annual refresher courses until age 30-34. After service, citizens keep their equipment at home and can be mobilized rapidly.This approach costs roughly $712 per capita annually. For Alberta’s 4.8 million people, a comparable system would run approximately $3.4 billion CAD — entirely manageable for a province with substantial resource revenues. Switzerland doesn’t maintain large standing armies with expensive overseas bases. Instead, they focus on territorial defence, civil protection, and the maintenance of a credible deterrent. They’ve avoided conflict for over 200 years, not through massive military spending, but through smart defence policy..Perhaps even more relevant is Singapore. With just 5.7 million people — barely larger than Alberta — Singapore fields one of the most respected militaries in Asia. Their model demonstrates exactly what Alberta could achieve: a focus on quality, training, and strategic partnerships rather than expensive heavy equipment.Singapore maintains approximately 51,000-71,000 active personnel and a staggering 252,500 trained reservists through mandatory national service (two years for all men). Their defence budget of roughly $12-14 billion represents about $2,500 per capita — significant, but manageable for an economy built on strategic resources and trade.What makes Singapore’s military punch above its weight isn’t aircraft carriers or tanks — it’s exceptional training, technological sophistication, and what they call the “poison shrimp” doctrine: making any potential aggressor conclude that attacking would cost far more than any possible gain. They’ve achieved this through intensive, high-quality training programs, strategic partnerships with the US, Australia, and Israel for training and intelligence, a focus on defensive capabilities rather than power projection, and a highly motivated, well-educated citizen reserve force.Alberta could easily replicate that, albeit in smaller numbers. Singapore demonstrates that a small jurisdiction can field a capable, respected military without incurring high costs or attempting to match larger neighbours in heavy equipment. Their emphasis on ground forces, air defence, and rapid mobilization mirrors exactly what Alberta would need.For Alberta, a realistic military structure might include a professional core of 2,000-3,000 full-time personnel, a well-trained reserve or militia of 5,000-8,000 capable of rapid deployment, and mandatory service that provides basic training to all citizens while identifying those suited for specialized roles..Deploying 3,000 well-trained ground personnel for peacekeeping or alliance support would be entirely feasible with this structure. The key is recognizing that 3,000 highly trained, well-equipped soldiers constitute a significant symbolic contribution to allied operations. Canada currently contributes similar or smaller numbers to most international missions. These aren’t token gestures — they’re meaningful participation that maintains diplomatic relationships and demonstrates commitment to shared security interests.New Zealand, with just 5 million people, regularly contributes to international operations, with a defence force of about 9,500 active personnel and a budget of roughly NZD 3.5 billion ($2.9 billion CAD). They’re respected partners in regional security despite their modest size.Here’s the crucial point: Alberta faces virtually no conventional military threats. We’re in North America, bordered by friendly jurisdictions, thousands of kilometres from hostile states. We don’t need aircraft carriers, submarines, or heavy armour divisions.Our primary defence requirements include border security and law enforcement support, which necessitates light vehicles, surveillance technology, and trained personnel. Additionally, we need equipment and organization for disaster response to effectively handle floods, fires, and civil emergencies. Cybersecurity defence is crucial as modern conflicts are increasingly digital. Furthermore, we require limited air surveillance to monitor our airspace in coordination with NORAD.The expensive military equipment — fighter jets, naval vessels, heavy artillery, and large air transport capacity — is just not relevant to our geography or threat environment..This brings us to the most important factor: continental defence partnerships. Alberta would undoubtedly maintain close security cooperation with both Canada and, especially, the United States. The US has a profound strategic interest in North American stability. Through NORAD and similar defence agreements yet to be formed, Alberta could contribute to continental aerospace defence without bearing sole responsibility for procuring expensive fighter aircraft or radar installations.The US maintains mutual defence agreements with nations far less strategically important than Alberta, which would control significant energy infrastructure vital to American energy security. Singapore’s close defence relationship with the United States — despite being on the other side of the world — demonstrates that strategic value matters more than size. Alberta’s geographic position, resource wealth, and cultural alignment would make it an obvious defence partner.A properly structured Alberta defence force focused on realistic needs would cost roughly $2.5-4 billion annually — less than 1% of the province’s current GDP of approximately $470 billion. Switzerland spends 0.7% of its GDP on defence. Singapore spends about 2.5%. New Zealand spends about 1.5%. These aren’t economic burdens; they’re manageable investments in sovereignty and security.Mandatory service, while controversial, would provide additional societal benefits: youth skills training, civic education, emergency preparedness, and social cohesion across economic classes. The Swiss and Singaporean experiences show that this need not be economically disruptive when properly structured around actual needs rather than outdated Cold War models. Both countries have thriving economies alongside conscription systems that create highly capable reserve forces.The Singapore model proves what matters most: not the number of tanks or fighter jets, but the quality of training, the sophistication of partnerships, and the credibility of commitment. A force of 3,000 Alberta soldiers, trained to Singapore or Swiss standards, would command far more respect than 10,000 poorly equipped conscripts..Most senior military personnel would agree that modern military effectiveness is derived from several key factors. Firstly, professional training and continuous skill development are essential for maintaining a competent and adaptable force. Secondly, interoperability with allied forces through joint exercises enhances the ability to operate cohesively in international contexts. Thirdly, technological competence and cyber capabilities are crucial in an era where digital warfare is increasingly prevalent. Additionally, high morale and civic commitment to service are vital for sustaining the dedication and resilience of military personnel. Lastly, a strategic focus on realistic defensive needs ensures that resources are allocated effectively to address current and potential threats.Alberta could certainly meet these indicators of military quality. We have a well-educated population, an intensive hi-tech industry, strong civic institutions, existing military infrastructure, and clear strategic value to continental partners. The path to viable defence isn’t about matching Canada’s total military capacity: it’s about building the right force for our specific situation.This isn’t theoretical speculation — it’s the proven model of successful small nations worldwide. They’ve demonstrated that geographic size matters far less than strategic clarity, training quality, and partnership cultivation. Alberta possesses natural advantages that these nations lack: its location in the world’s most stable region, energy resources that ensure strategic importance, and proximity to the world’s most powerful military.The military viability question isn’t whether Alberta could defend itself — the evidence is clear that it could field a military capability that would be both symbolically significant and practically effective.Colin MacLeod is the author of the provocative book “The Case for Alberta’s Independence,” and the force behind @cnm5000 on X.
