Based on size in terms of land mass and numbers in terms of population as well as number of personnel in the Canadian Armed Forces, no, Canada cannot defend its borders by itself.  That’s been long understood.  But that is the purpose of NATO.  Or it was. in 1949, a dozen countries founded NATO to maintain peace and freedom. That has now grown to 32 members. Meanwhile, using the World Economic Forum as his backdrop U.S. President Donald Trump launched his Board of Peace among the which, of 35 countries so far, is populated by nations such as Israel, Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.  Long time allies of the U.S. like U.K. and France have rejected the invitation and Donald Trump said yesterday that he is withdrawing Canada’s invite.  Why are the more traditional allies wary? Well, it seems some aspects of the Board of Peace may be contrary to the United Nations charter.  Oh yeah and Trump invited Putin who’s giving it thought but one of the requirements to secure a spot on this committee is not only that it has to be by invite, from Trump, it comes with a $1 billion U.S. price tag.  Huh.  Where exactly is that money going?  His whole concept that they’re the biggest, the strongest, the wealthiest, and should be in charge all – speaks to his personal doctrine, I’m sure. But in addition to violating international law and the sovereignty of other countries, it flies in the face of the collective security offered by NATO created to combat exactly that mentality after bringing down Hitler in World War II.