Canada, known for its leadership in mining, is at a pivotal moment regarding critical minerals. The country has expressed concerns about falling behind in a sector it once dominated. Recent geopolitical tensions have highlighted the urgency of this situation. On April 4, following tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump, China took significant action that could disrupt the global supply of critical minerals and rare earth elements. This move has raised alarms in the Western world, including among U.S. officials, about the reliance on China for essential materials needed for defense and other supply chains. As NATO and allied nations increase defense spending to five percent of GDP, the demand for critical minerals is surging. These minerals are vital for various applications, including military technology and civilian products. The late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping once stated, "The Middle East has oil, China has rare earths," which underscored China's strategic focus on dominating this sector. In the past, Western nations opted for economic interdependence with China, believing it would lead to mutual benefits. However, as China's economy has grown, so have its military ambitions, raising concerns about its global influence. The Belt and Road Initiative has allowed China to forge strategic partnerships, enhancing its access to raw materials and expanding its soft power. The West's neglect of its mineral supply chains has become evident, particularly after Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. Many assumed that Russia would not fully invade Ukraine due to its economic ties with the West. Similarly, there was a belief that China would not weaponize its control over critical minerals. In response to these challenges, the U.S. is making strategic investments to reduce its dependence on Chinese supply chains. This includes funding Canadian mining companies to secure essential mineral resources. However, Canada, as a middle power, cannot tackle this issue alone. The Canadian government has initiated several measures, including the Critical Minerals Action Plan (CMAP) and a new $2 billion Critical Minerals Sovereign Fund. While these initiatives are steps in the right direction, Canada faces significant challenges in scaling up its mining operations. The country must not only focus on extracting minerals but also on processing them domestically. Currently, much of the processing is done in China, which undermines the efforts to establish a self-sufficient supply chain. To expedite the process, the federal government and some provinces are working to fast-track approvals and permitting for mining projects. The success of these initiatives will depend on their implementation and the ability to attract private investment. Canada will need to collaborate with international partners, including Australia, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, and the U.K., to address this pressing challenge. Innovative financial solutions from both public and private sectors will be essential to meet the growing demand for critical minerals. As the situation evolves, Canadians are beginning to recognize the scale of the challenge ahead. Addressing the reliance on a strategic competitor for essential resources is crucial for ensuring economic stability and national security.