Annual defence spending by the federal government will rise by just under 14-billion dollars over the next decade.

That from Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, who unveiled the long-awaited vision for expanding the Canadian Armed Forces.

(Sajjan, left, and Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Jonathan Vance /

Adrian Wyld / Canadian Press)

Sajjan said ”If we’re serious about our role in the world, we must be serious about funding our military.  And we are.”

Conservative political commentator Michael Taube, once Stephen Harper’s speechwriter, reacted by telling Zoomer Radio’s ”Fight Back” with guest host Jane Brown, there are a number of countries that feel Donald Trump’s moving the U.S. into an isolationist period.

”For that reason, I think that the countries like Canada realize that they’re now going to have to work amongst themselves or work for themselves to ensure that their position in the world remains strong and that the safety and security of the Canadian nation also remain a high priority.”

While some of the money will start flowing right away, the defence policy document shows the taps are not expected to open all the way until following the next election in 20-19.

Officials say the delay is necessary until after the next election so as to make sure money is available for when it’s needed, as the government moves to replace old equipment and add more personnel and capabilities.

Taube wonders where the money’s going to come from.

The defence minister did not spell out if the additional spending would be financed by higher deficits or spending cuts elsewhere.