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Five things to know about Canada’s plan to meet the NATO defence spending target
- On June 9, 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney declared that Canada will swiftly raise its defense budget to reach NATO’s goal of allocating two per cent of the country’s GDP within the current fiscal year.
- Canada has long committed to reaching NATO’s defence spending goal but lacked a clear strategy, with pressure increasing after allies agreed in 2023 to establish two per cent of GDP as the baseline level for military expenditures.
- In 2024-25, Canada spent about 1.45 per cent of GDP on defense and planned to add $9.3 billion in 2025-26, raising spending to $62.7 billion to reach two per cent.
- A leaked 2023 Pentagon document quoted former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau saying Canada would not meet the target, while then-Defence Minister Bill Blair sought to accelerate the timeline.
- This increase in defense spending reflects Canada’s commitment to enhancing its military strength, investing in the national defense sector, and moving toward greater independence from U.S. security support ahead of upcoming NATO discussions on raising alliance spending goals.
21 Articles
21 Articles
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On June 9, 2025, Canada’s government, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, announced a major increase in defense spending, committing to reach NATO’s 2% of GDP target this fiscal year. Official sources confirm this move will inject over $9 billion into the Canadian Armed Forces, accelerating a plan initially set for 2032. The government’s strategy […]
Former Conservative defence minister ‘cautiously optimistic’ about new NATO commitment
Canada is vowing to meet NATO’s defence spending commitment this year – five years ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s campaign promise – but critics say they’re waiting to see how it’s rolled out.
Five things to know about Canada's plan to meet the NATO defence spending target
OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney is promising that Canada will quickly boost its defence spending to hit the NATO member target of two per cent of national GDP this year. Canada has long promised to meet the target but has never had a detailed plan to get there. The announcement comes as NATO allies […]
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