National Times Bureau, June 9: In a strategic shift ahead of two high-stakes summits, Canada will boost its defence spending to 2% of GDP in the current fiscal year, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced marking the first time Canada meets NATO’s defence benchmark since the Cold War.
Speaking ahead of the upcoming G7 summit (June 15–17) and NATO gathering in The Hague (June 24–25), Carney confirmed that Canada’s military spending would jump from just 1.4% in 2024 to the alliance’s minimum target five years ahead of schedule. The move signals both a response to global security threats and a pre-emptive answer to allies’ calls, particularly from Washington, for fairer cost-sharing within NATO.
Canada’s increased defence investment will prioritize:
Modern naval ships, Arctic surveillance systems, and military aircraft
Large-scale ammunition production, and upgraded land vehicles and radar systems
Greater recruitment incentives and higher pay for personnel
Carney also confirmed that part of the strategy includes cutting dependence on U.S. military contractors, opting instead for European defence partnerships to diversify supply and boost Canadian autonomy in procurement.
With Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, rising tensions in the Arctic, and global supply chain vulnerabilities, the Canadian government said this military modernization isn’t just symbolic it’s about readiness. Officials also hinted that this investment would create economic opportunities for Canadian industries, enhance resilience, and reinforce national sovereignty.
A senior source revealed that the fiscal plan is expected to not just meet but exceed future NATO targets, potentially answering the alliance’s new discussions of pushing members toward 5% of GDP in long-term defence commitments.
The announcement positions Canada strongly ahead of global diplomatic engagements, sending a clear signal: in a volatile world, Canada is no longer willing to underinvest in its security.
