According to Prime Minister Mark Carney, Canada plans to meet NATO’s goal of spending two percent of its GDP on defense this fiscal year. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance the nation’s defense and security budget.
Carney announced this on Monday, claiming the country would hit the target “five years earlier than expected,” while also ramping up future investments.
“We will alter how we equip and support our military personnel,” he stated. “Our focus will be on preparing them to function in new and different environments, ensuring that we can safeguard all aspects of our territory—from the ocean floor and Arctic regions to cyberspace.”
The strategy includes four main areas: investing in military personnel and their equipment, enhancing military capabilities, bolstering the defense industry, and diversifying international partnerships.
“This plan aims to make Canada strong domestically and a trustworthy partner internationally,” he emphasized. “We will ensure efficient utilization of every dollar spent, with a focus on manufacturing and supply chains based in Canada.”
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Carney mentioned that the strategy would ensure enhanced protection for Canada’s North through a consistent year-round presence across land, sea, and air, along with expanding the security role of the Canadian Coast Guard.
Additionally, he announced the establishment of Borealis, the Bureau of Research, Engineering, and Advanced Leadership in Innovation and Science, to accompany this “new strategic approach.”
This announcement follows a recent meeting among NATO defense ministers, which endorsed higher spending goals, potentially reaching five percent of GDP, a commitment likely to be echoed in the upcoming leaders summit.
Currently, no countries, including the U.S., which has seen calls from President Trump for increased spending, meet such standards.
According to NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte’s latest report, Canada’s defense spending is thought to have reached 1.45 percent last year.
Further updates to follow.
—with files from The Canadian Press
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