TORONTO — Canada is on track to meet NATO’s defense spending benchmark by the beginning of next year, shifting its military expenditure away from its significant dependence on the United States. This shift, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Monday, comes as he declared the United States no longer holds a predominant position globally.
With this change, Canada will achieve the NATO-specified defense spending objective of 2% of its gross domestic product, a goal previously slated for completion five years later. Carney highlighted the nation’s current military infrastructure’s limitations, noting, “Our military infrastructure and equipment are outdated, restricting our readiness. Presently, only one of our four submarines is operational, and less than half of our maritime and land vehicles are in service. More critically, we rely too heavily on the U.S.”
According to NATO’s calculations, Canada is currently spending around 1.45% of its GDP on defense, failing to meet the 2% standard set by NATO member nations. Initially, Canada’s plan was to reach the goal by the end of the next decade. “While our primary aim is safeguarding Canadians, it’s not about meeting NATO financial metrics,” Carney expressed to attendees at the University of Toronto.
As Canada prepares to welcome U.S. President Donald Trump and global leaders at the upcoming Group of Seven summit in Alberta from June 15-17, and preceding the European NATO conference, allies are considering surpassing the stipulated 2% defense contribution. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte revealed that many U.S. allies support President Trump’s ambition for them to dedicate 5% of their GDP to defense. Furthermore, they are contemplating intensified security financing.
Carney affirmed, “We are meeting the 2% threshold, consistent with NATO’s current target,” during a subsequent news briefing. “However, future discussions at the NATO summit will focus on augmenting defense spending and its scheduling.” The prime minister is also taking steps to broaden Canada’s military procurement strategy by fostering stronger ties with the European Union, thereby diversifying away from the U.S. defense market.
Addressing the reliance on American markets, Carney declared, “It’s time to allocate less of our defense spending to America.” He outlined ambitious plans to invest in enhancing Canada’s military capabilities—ranging from new submarines and aircraft to advanced radar and sensor systems—emphasizing the country’s Arctic and maritime monitoring initiatives.
Canada is actively exploring options to reduce its security dependence on the U.S. in coordination with the European Union. This includes weighing alternatives to procuring American F-35 fighter jets by considering European offers. Reflecting on historical ties, Carney noted Canada’s close alignment with the U.S. throughout the Cold War and its aftermath when the U.S. wielded considerable global influence. However, he observed that “this predominance is no longer the reality,” while addressing an audience in French, one of Canada’s official languages.
Carney acknowledged the strategic shift experienced after the Berlin Wall’s 1989 downfall, as the U.S. emerged as the supreme global force, exerting a significant pull. “However, the U.S. is now monetizing its prior dominance, imposing charges for market access and scaling back its security contributions,” the prime minister remarked.
Amid calls from Trump for Canada to join the U.S. as its 51st state—a proposal that angered many Canadians—Carney emphasized intent to oppose the U.S. administration’s increasingly aggressive stance. “A new form of imperialism is arising,” he warned.
Highlighting the shifting security landscape, Carney insisted Canada’s geographical advantage may not be the safeguard it once was and announced an addition of $9 billion Canadian (equivalent to US$6.6 billion) in defense funding.This year’s changes include integrating the Canadian Coast Guard into the national military infrastructure.
Reflecting on the broader geopolitical climate since Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Carney stressed the determination of Canada and European partners to significantly bolster their defensive capabilities by enhancing military forces, weaponries, and ammunition stockpiles.