Canada's new 'Our North, Strong and Free' defence policy explained

Announced Monday by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Canadian Forces Base Trenton in Ontario, the spending is expected to total just over $8 billion over the next five years and $73 billion in the next two decades for new equipment and infrastructure, including improvements to Canadian air and sea fleets, communications technologies and services for military personnel.

Canada is on track to spend tens of billions more on defence in the coming years, as the federal government points to climate change, increasingly aggressive international rivalries and new sovereignty risks in the high Arctic as key challenges to tackle.

Announced Monday by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Canadian Forces Base Trenton in Ontario, the spending is expected to total just over $8 billion over the next five years and $73 billion in the next two decades for new equipment and infrastructure, including improvements to Canadian air and sea fleets, communications technologies and services for military personnel.

"This is about preserving our values of democracy, freedom, peace, and fairness for the next generation of Canadians, so they can enjoy the same security and prosperity that was given to us by our parents and grandparents," a release from the Prime Minister's Office said.

"Growing challenges to the international order that has long protected Canada's prosperity and security, the rising impact of climate change, and the rapid pace of technological change is all affecting Canada's national interests."

Here's a breakdown of where the new money is planned to go by 2044, according to releases from the federal government:

Equipment: $28.3 billion

Infrastructure: $41.6 billion