Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to announce that Canada will meet NATO's benchmark target of two per cent of its GDP for defence spending by the end of the current fiscal year in March. The plan includes a new defence industrial strategy focusing on homegrown production, acquisition of more drones, armoured vehicles, aircraft, and underwater sensors, a pay raise for military members, and the integration of the Canadian Coast Guard into the Department of National Defence.
Carney to announce Canada will meet 2% NATO spending target by March
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AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to announce that Canada will meet NATO's benchmark target of two per cent of its GDP for defence spending by the end of the current fiscal year in March. The plan includes a new defence industrial strategy focusing on homegrown production, acquisition of more drones, armoured vehicles, aircraft, and underwater sensors, a pay raise for military members, and the integration of the Canadian Coast Guard into the Department of National Defence.
Trending- 1 2014: NATO allies first agreed upon the two per cent GDP defence spending goal.
- 2 Last year (2024): Leaders' summit in Washington, U.S. Congress criticized Canada for not meeting the goal.
- 3 June 1, 2025: George Robertson stated on CBC's Rosemary Baron Live that Industry Minister Mélanie Joly assured him Canada would reach the alliance goal.
- 4 Last week (early June 2025): Defence Minister David McGuinty signalled Carney would address Canada's defence spending targets before the upcoming leaders' summit in The Hague.
- 5 This morning (June 9, 2025): Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to announce the plan in Toronto.
- 6 March (end of current fiscal year): Canada plans to meet the two per cent NATO benchmark target.
- Canada will meet NATO's 2% GDP defence spending target.
- Increased military spending and capabilities for Canada.
- Integration of Canadian Coast Guard into Department of National Defence.
- Potential strengthening of Canada's defence industry through homegrown production.
- Improved relations with NATO allies regarding defence contributions.
What: Prime Minister Mark Carney will announce Canada's plan to meet NATO's two per cent GDP defence spending target. This involves a new defence industrial strategy, acquisition of military equipment (drones, armoured vehicles, aircraft, underwater sensors), military pay raises, and folding the Canadian Coast Guard into the Department of National Defence.
When: Announcement expected this morning (June 9, 2025) in Toronto. The target is to be met by the end of the current fiscal year (March). The NATO goal was first agreed upon in 2014. George Robertson spoke on June 1, 2025.
Where: Toronto, Canada (announcement location). NATO headquarters in Brussels. Last year's leaders' summit was in Washington. The upcoming leaders' summit is in The Hague. The new acquisitions aim to increase surveillance capabilities in the Arctic.
Why: Canada aims to meet the NATO defence spending target to address long-standing criticism from allies, particularly the U.S. Congress, for not having a clear plan to reach the goal. The move also seeks to enhance Canada's military capabilities, especially surveillance in the Arctic, and streamline defence operations by integrating the Coast Guard.
How: The government will outline a pathway to the two per cent goal through a new defence industrial strategy focusing on homegrown production. This includes purchasing more drones, armoured vehicles, aircraft, and underwater sensors. Additionally, military members will receive a pay raise, and the Canadian Coast Guard will be integrated into the Department of National Defence.