A group of U.S. senators recently sent a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urging Canada to meet NATO’s target of spending at least two percent of its GDP on defense. The letter, signed by 23 senators, warns that Canada risks failing to uphold its commitments to the alliance, especially in the face of severe threats. Canada’s defense policy update projects $7.9 billion in new spending on the Canadian Armed Forces over the next five years, bringing defense spending to 1.76 percent of GDP by the 2029-30 fiscal year. The Liberal government has not definitively stated whether Canada will ever reach the two percent benchmark, which was reaffirmed in last year’s summit agreement.
Defense Minister Bill Blair has hinted at further spending beyond the new defense policy, such as the purchase of a new submarine fleet, which could potentially push Canada’s defense spending beyond 1.76 percent. The focus on the two percent target comes as Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine and tests the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons, posing a direct threat to NATO countries. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has also raised concerns by vowing not to defend members who do not meet their spending commitments, while British Foreign Secretary David Cameron suggests raising the spending target to 2.5 percent of GDP to address the current global threat environment.
The letter to Trudeau was spearheaded by Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Thom Tillis, who co-chair the U.S. Senate NATO Observer Group. The senators commend Canada for its role in supporting NATO military operations, such as the multinational battlegroup in Latvia, but express concern about the need for modernizing NORAD, which requires cooperation from the Canadian government. Ottawa has pledged billions for modernizing the U.S.-Canada continental defense organization, purchasing F-35 fighter jets, and building new naval ships. The letter emphasizes the importance of every NATO member meeting the two percent defense spending threshold to defend democracy, preserve security, and expand opportunities.
Global News has reached out to the Prime Minister’s Office for comment on the letter, which marks a rare direct appeal from Canadian allies to the Prime Minister. American lawmakers have previously criticized Canada’s defense spending shortfalls, with Senator Dan Sullivan expressing frustration during a confirmation hearing about Canada’s budget. Defense Minister Bill Blair has indicated that the new defense policy update will help Canada reach the two percent NATO commitment. The senators expect the U.S., Canada, and all NATO allies to have a plan to reach the two percent benchmark at the upcoming 2024 NATO Summit, emphasizing the importance of a robust partnership to achieve the alliance’s identified benchmarks.
