Canada to hit 2% defence Nato spending target, years ahead of schedule, says Carney
‘The threats that Canada faces are multiplying,’ the prime minister said, ‘in a darker, more competitive world’
Canada will hit Nato’s defence spending threshold of two per cent this year, Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Monday, warning that in a “darker” world, Canada must reduce its security dependence on the United States.
“I am announcing today that Canada will achieve Nato’s two per cent target this year, half a decade ahead of schedule,” Carney said during a speech at the University of Toronto.
“The threats that Canada faces are multiplying,” he added.
He also said the nation’s military infrastructure and equipment have aged, “hindering our military preparedness. Only one of our four submarines is seaworthy. Less than half of our maritime fleet and land vehicles are operational. More broadly, we are too reliant on the United States”.
Carney’s pledge followed similar announcements by other Nato nations and comes after consistent pressure by US President Donald Trump for members to spend more on defence.
“In a darker, more competitive world, Canadian leadership will be defined not just by the strength of our values, but also by the value of our strength,” Carney said.
Since taking office in mid-March, he has delivered a series of stark warnings about what he terms the changing nature of US global leadership under Trump.