The finance minister promised that, over the next five years, Canada's military would benefit from "the largest increase in defence spending in 20 years, worth more than 12.8 billion dollars (10.3 billion US) in cash terms."

On top of that, Goodale said, one billion dollars (820 million US) will be earmarked for improving security at Canadian diplomatic missions abroad, emergency planning and response, transportation and border security and the fight against organized crime.

In the defence package, three billion dollars (2.4 billion US) will pay for the increase of 5,000 regular troops and 3,000 reservists already announced by the government; 3.2 billion dollars (2.6 billion US) to improve training of Canada's forces, repairing infrastructure, and stepping up the provision of supplies and repairs which have been the subject of complaint by the military for several years.

Some 2.7 billion dollars (2.1 billion US) will go to purchasing new medium-capacity helicopters, trucks and utility aircraft for Canada's anti-terrorism unit known as JTF-2w (Joint Task Force-2).

Domestically, the budget provides 222 million dollars (179 million US) for increased security on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway, which border the United States, and for increased police presence in Canada's ports.

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