Thursday, February 20, 2025

Canada’s New Defence Chief Eyes Accelerated Spending to Meet NATO Goals

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Canada’s Chief of the Defence Staff, Gen. Jennie Carignan, stated that it is “absolutely possible” for the country to meet its NATO defence spending target of 2% of GDP before the current 2032 deadline. Speaking in an interview on CTV Power Play, Carignan emphasized that her team has been working to accelerate defence investments to modernize the military and avoid inflation-driven cost increases.

Canada, which currently spends an estimated 1.37% of GDP on defence, remains one of the few NATO nations yet to meet the alliance’s decade-old target. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau committed last summer to achieving the 2% threshold by 2032, but Carignan said steps are being taken to pull that timeline forward. Although specific details remain uncertain, Carignan confirmed that plans have been presented to the federal government to address gaps in spending and capabilities.

Heightened Urgency Amid Trump’s NATO Criticism
The re-election of U.S. President Donald Trump has added pressure for Canada to meet its NATO obligations. Trump, who has repeatedly criticized member nations for lagging defence spending, has suggested raising the alliance’s spending target to 5% and has made controversial remarks about potentially withdrawing U.S. support. Earlier this month, he even floated the idea of using “economic force” to annex Canada.

Carignan acknowledged the urgency of these challenges but reassured that NATO’s military collaboration remains “very solid.” She emphasized the importance of collective readiness and said Canada is prepared to adapt to any shifts in the political landscape.

Provincial Leaders Push for Faster Spending
Provincial leaders, including Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, have voiced their support for accelerating defence investments. Both see meeting NATO targets as a way to strengthen Canada’s position amid trade and security threats posed by the U.S.

Ford, chair of the Council of the Federation, highlighted the collective resolve among premiers to prioritize defence spending to safeguard Canada’s economic and security interests.

Balancing Immediate and Long-Term Objectives
Carignan noted that while some technological advancements require longer timelines, immediate investments could advance Canada’s defence transformation. The focus, she said, is on balancing short-term readiness with long-term modernization.

As geopolitical tensions and economic pressures mount, the push to expedite Canada’s defence spending underscores the critical need for collaboration between federal and provincial leaders to meet international commitments and protect national interests.

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