Severe criticisms since 1945 have been directed against Canadian defense policies. These criticisms are addressed both to the choice of strategic priorities and allocation of resources.

This article has two main objectives: to underline the dilemmas of policy-making in defense, and to demonstrate the necessity for developing a new procedure for defining priorities. The article proposes a model of theoretical analysis and applies it to the strategic variables which are most influential in determining contemporary Canadian defense policy. The analysis reveals the weaknesses and deficiences of the present decisional system. Procedures which would promote coherent policies, and the creation of a security council, are recommended as means to the development of a realistic defense policy.