STANFORD, Calif. — The defence minister says there's a greater need for partnership between the Canadian and U.S. military in uncertain economic and political times.

But at the same time, Peter MacKay says NATO's global partnership is in need of reform to best solve the problems caused by an increasingly complex security situation.

In a set of speeches at Stanford University in California, MacKay said dealing with security is compounded by economic challenges facing all governments.

And he says that means difficult budget and capability choices which make partnerships all the more important.

MacKay says there's also need to reform existing partnerships, like NATO, so more resources are put into operational capabilities.

His speeches come as MacKay's department is expected to face major cuts in the next federal budget.