WhatsApp Channel Join Now Toronto, June 10, 2025 — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney declared on Monday that Canada will achieve NATO’s 2% GDP defense spending target by early 2026, years ahead of its prior timeline, while emphasizing a strategic pivot to reduce reliance on U.S. defense resources. The announcement comes as Canada prepares to host U.S. President Donald Trump and other G7 leaders in Alberta from June 15-17, followed by a NATO summit in Europe.
According to Reuters on June 9, 2025, Carney highlighted Canada’s aging military infrastructure, noting that only one of its four submarines is operational and less than half of its maritime and land vehicles are functional. “Our military readiness has been compromised by outdated equipment,” Carney said in a speech at the University of Toronto. “We must diversify our defense investments and reduce our dependence on the United States.”
NATO data, as reported by the Associated Press on June 8, 2025, indicates Canada currently spends 1.45% of its GDP on defense, below the alliance’s 2% benchmark. Carney’s accelerated plan advances Canada’s previous commitment to meet the target by 2030. “Our priority is the safety of Canadians, not just meeting NATO’s expectations,” he stated at a subsequent press conference, per CNN’s coverage on June 10, 2025.
Carney also signaled intentions to deepen defense ties with the European Union, exploring alternatives to U.S.-made equipment like the F-35 fighter jets. “Three-quarters of our defense spending has gone to the U.S.,” he said, according to the Associated Press. “We will invest in new submarines, aircraft, ships, and advanced technologies like drones and Arctic sensors, sourcing more from Europe.”
The prime minister’s remarks reflect a broader shift in Canada’s foreign policy. “The U.S. was our closest ally when it led the global stage post-Cold War,” Carney said in French, as quoted by Reuters. “Today, its dominance is waning, and we face new global challenges.” He referenced U.S. President Trump’s recent calls for increased allied defense spending, with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte noting last week that many allies support raising the target to 5% of GDP, per a CNN report on June 5, 2025.
Tensions with the U.S. have grown following Trump’s provocative suggestion that Canada become the 51st U.S. state, a comment that fueled Carney’s election campaign, according to the Associated Press. Carney warned of “a new imperialism” and stressed that Canada’s geographic isolation no longer guarantees security. To bolster defenses, Canada will integrate its Coast Guard into the military and allocate an additional CAD $9 billion (USD $6.6 billion) to defense this year, as reported by Reuters.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Canada and European allies have ramped up military investments, a trend Carney said will continue. Discussions on further NATO spending increases are expected at the upcoming summit.
Source Statement: This report is based on verified updates from the Associated Press, CNN, Reuters, and other reputable news organizations as of June 10, 2025.
WhatsApp Channel Join Now 
