Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper on June 2, 2007. (UPI Photo/Grace Chiu).

Flanked by Defense Minister Peter MacKay, Harper said apart from updating aircraft, ships and armored vehicles, the goal was to expand regular and reserve forces up to 100,000, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp., reported from Halifax, Nova Scotia.

"If a country wants to be taken seriously in the world, it must have the capacity to act," Harper said. "Otherwise, you forfeit your right to be a player. You're the one chattering on the sideline that everyone smiles at but no one listens to."

The Conservative leader said part of the long-term goal was also to enhance the military's ability to monitor the Arctic, as global warming opens the waterways and access to oil and natural gas reserves, CTV News said.

Harper said the recruiting drive was "the most pressing priority," as the average age in the military is rising, the CBC said.