Did Canada get the short end of the stick in Trump's latest national security strategy? That's the burning question on the minds of many as the U.S. rolls out its plans. While some are quick to argue there's no secret plot to turn Canada into the 51st state, others see both risk and opportunity in the fine print.

Canada's Role in the Golden Dome

Trump's promise to build a 'Golden Dome' to shield the homeland is a big deal. But can you really defend the United States without factoring in Canada? Wilson Beaver, a senior policy advisor at The Heritage Foundation, thinks not. He argues that continental defense is inseparable from U.S. defense, leaving room for Canada to play ball.

Beaver believes there are countless ways for Canada and the U.S. to collaborate on missile defense. But that's not all. He suggests Canada should beef up its Navy and Air Force, and especially its Arctic infrastructure, to keep pace with modern defense needs.

The Arctic: A Strategic Playground

Stephen Nagy, a senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, sees the Arctic as more than just frozen tundra. He views it as a stage for Canada to become an indispensable partner to the U.S. By investing in Arctic surveillance and maritime operations, Canada can monitor Russian and Chinese activity, a move Washington would likely applaud.

Nagy also stresses the importance of strengthening research ties in artificial intelligence and quantum tech, while also building infrastructure in collaboration with Indigenous communities. This, he says, would help counter Chinese influence in the region.

Perception Matters

Beaver points out that the allies who get the best press in Washington are those seen as taking responsibility for their own security. It's a point echoed by Daniel Kochis from the Hudson Institute, who thinks Canada can leverage the Arctic's strategic importance to carve out a niche in NATO burden-sharing.

While Kavanagh, another expert, acknowledges that Washington might not see Canada as a peer ally anytime soon, he believes Canada can still prove itself as an asset. The key? Demonstrating value in Arctic security and missile defense.

The End of a Security Discount

For years, Canada enjoyed what some might call a 'security discount,' relying on the U.S. for defense without making hefty investments of its own. Those days are over, warns Nagy. The U.S. is now telling its allies that they need to carry more of the security load, both within NATO and NORAD contexts.

Canada, once considered a liability due to its lack of Arctic defense spending and susceptibility to Chinese influence, now faces a pivotal moment. It's time to step up or risk being left out in the cold.