Canada is on a “clear path” to hit NATO’s defence spending target over the coming years, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, as pressure ramps up on Ottawa in the wake of the U.S. election.
Addressing the annual NATO parliamentary assembly in Montreal on Monday, Trudeau said Canada has so far made sure that its investments in targeted NATO spending “are as concrete as possible,” but added that more needs to be done.
“We are on a clear path to reach two per cent in the coming years because we know that the world is changing and Canada, along with our allies, needs to be ready for it,” Trudeau said.
Canada is one of just eight NATO members not meeting the alliance’s benchmark of spending at least two per cent of GDP on defence, but has pledged to get there by 2032.
Story continues below advertisement
Trudeau said Canada added $175 billion in targeted spending. Canada’s updated defence policy forecasts spending will rise from 1.37 per cent of GDP currently to 1.76 per cent by 2030.
The parliamentary budget officer, however, has said Canada’s plan to hit NATO’s defence spending target remains unclear and the current forecast for increasing military spending is based on “erroneous” economic projections.
“One of the challenges we’ve always had with the two per cent is that doesn’t really matter what you spend it on, what matters is that you just reach that limit and Canada has never felt that way,” Trudeau said.
“We’ve made sure that our investments are as concrete as possible, and contributing to the capacity of Canadians to continue to be involved in leading in so many different NATO aspects.”
Story continues below advertisement
“We have to do more, and we are doing more, but particularly stepping up in the Arctic, stepping up in some of the most important challenges we’re facing is something that all NATO countries can continue to count on Canada for.”
Neiman said Canada falling behind in its defence goals also doesn’t bode well for its economy.
“If Canada doesn’t follow suit with its key allies, then we’re going to be left behind,” he said in an interview with Global News.
“We’re going to be excluded from important geopolitical clubs and we’re also going to miss the opportunity to grow our economy and to create good jobs for Canadian workers.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said Canada needs to make sure its higher defence spending supports the Canadian economy.
“As we step up our defence spending, we have to be sure that yes, it is about supporting our military in these times of real global challenge, that it is about being a good ally to our allies around the world, but also that our defence spending is married to our economic policy in a way that countries that have high defence spending already accomplish,” Freeland told reporters in Ottawa on Monday.
“So, that’s work that we are doing now and that’s something that Canada needs to get serious about.”
Over the weekend, anti-NATO and pro-Palestinian protesters gathered in Montreal.
Story continues below advertisement
About 80 people attended Saturday’s anti-NATO protest, demanding Canada withdraw from the alliance, in the city’s downtown area, organized by Le Mouvement Québécois pour la Paix. Protesters were holding signs that read “Canada out of NATO” and chanting “Solidarity with Palestine.”
On Friday, a demonstration organized by different groups also resulted in arrests, burned cars and shattered windows.
Trudeau joined Canadian ministers and politicians in condemning the violence, saying it was “absolutely unacceptable.”
“As a democracy, as a country that will always defend the freedom of speech, it’s important for people to be able to go out and protest and express their anger, their disagreements in free and comfortable ways, but there is never any room for antisemitism, for hatred, for discrimination, for violence,” he said on Monday.
“We expect all those responsible to be pursued and punished under the full extent of the law and we expect the authorities to do their work.”
Conclusion:
Canada’s defence spending is a crucial aspect of its relationship with NATO and its allies. The country’s commitment to increasing its defence spending is a positive step towards meeting its NATO obligations and strengthening its position in the global community.
FAQs:
* What is Canada’s current defence spending?
Canada’s current defence spending is 1.37 per cent of GDP.
* What is Canada’s goal for defence spending?
Canada’s goal is to increase its defence spending to 2 per cent of GDP by 2032.
* Why is Canada’s defence spending important?
Canada’s defence spending is important because it allows the country to contribute to NATO’s collective defence and to maintain its position as a responsible member of the international community.
About The Author
