Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a $9-billion increase in Canada's defence spending, bringing the total to over $62-billion and reaching NATO's 2% of GDP target, which Canada committed to in 2006. This move, partly achieved through reclassifying spending, comes ahead of a NATO summit where a new 3.5% target will be discussed. The article, an opinion piece, expresses skepticism about the sudden reversal and emphasizes the need for better spending practices, focusing on improving existing military capacity rather than just expansion.
Opinion: Twenty years late, Canada hits the old NATO target, just in time to fall short of the new one
Opinion
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a $9-billion increase in Canada's defence spending, bringing the total to over $62-billion and reaching NATO's 2% of GDP target, which Canada committed to in 2006. This move, partly achieved through reclassifying spending, comes ahead of a NATO summit where a new 3.5% target will be discussed. The article, an opinion piece, expresses skepticism about the sudden reversal and emphasizes the need for better spending practices, focusing on improving existing military capacity rather than just expansion.
Trending- 1 2006: Canada first committed to NATO's 2% of GDP target.
- 2 As recently as 2023: Justin Trudeau reportedly told NATO officials Canada would 'never' get to 2%.
- 3 Monday (June 9th): Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the defence spending increase.
- 4 Later this month: NATO summit in The Hague.
- Canada meets its long-standing NATO defence spending target
- Potential for improved military readiness
- Increased scrutiny on how defence funds are spent
- Ongoing debate about procurement practices
What: Canada announced a significant increase in defence spending to meet NATO's 2% of GDP target.
When: Announced on Monday (June 9th); target committed to in 2006; previously pencilled in for 2030; NATO summit later this month; as recently as 2023.
Where: Canada, The Hague (NATO summit location).
Why: To fulfill Canada's commitment to NATO, improve its standing among allies, and address the growing aggressiveness of Russia, China, and their allies, as well as the unreliability of the United States.
How: Prime Minister Mark Carney announced $9-billion in new spending, including reclassifying the Canadian Coast Guard and other government department spending as defence-related. Much of the new money is intended for improving existing capacity (military pay, infrastructure repair) rather than new acquisitions.