Following fierce criticism from allies, particularly the United States, the Liberal government said Thursday it wants to meet NATO’s military investment threshold of 2 percent of member states’ gross domestic product by 2032.
The Trudeau government is facing increasing pressure from allies to boost defense spending.
Following fierce criticism from allies, particularly the United States, the Liberal government announced Thursday that it wants to meet NATO’s military investment standard of 2 percent of NATO member states’ gross domestic product by 2032.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the statement at the conclusion of the alliance’s annual summit in Washington.
The prime minister has not specified how his Liberal government plans to achieve that goal, but the defence minister and foreign affairs minister have suggested in recent weeks that defence spending could rise to or even exceed the 2 per cent level, depending on uncosted and unapproved elements of a new defence policy.
The government has committed to regular defence reviews, with the next one due to be held in 2028.
“We continue to seek opportunities to further increase defence spending and advance Canada’s strategic interests,” Trudeau said.
Defence Minister Bill Blair has repeatedly said in recent months that he wants to share a verifiable plan with NATO allies, who have become increasingly vocal about their disappointment with Canada not speeding up its defence investments.
Announcing the timeline without providing details is unlikely to quell criticism from allies, especially at a time when some, including Poland, have called for even higher standards.