Canada Committed to Meeting NATO Spending Target
Canada is making a determined effort to accelerate its defence spending to meet the two per cent of GDP commitment required by NATO, Defence Minister Bill Blair stated while attending meetings in Brussels with NATO allies and the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.
Blair’s comments come amid renewed criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly voiced concerns over Canada’s defence contributions. Trump recently suggested that Canada should become the “51st state” due to its failure to meet NATO’s spending benchmark—remarks that Blair dismissed as “disrespectful and concerning.”
Despite falling short of NATO’s spending target, Blair emphasized that Canada remains a dedicated and active partner in continental defence, pointing to its significant contributions to NORAD modernization. Canada has already committed nearly $38.6 billion toward upgrading the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), a binational military alliance that plays a key role in defending North American airspace.
“NORAD is an incredibly effective alliance where Canada and the United States work together seamlessly to protect the continent,” Blair stated, reinforcing that Canada’s contributions to collective security extend beyond simple spending figures.
Canada has faced ongoing pressure from NATO allies, particularly the United States, to boost its military spending. While more than 20 NATO member states have now met or exceeded the two per cent target, Canada remains below the threshold. However, the federal government has been working to accelerate defence investments in areas such as military equipment, cybersecurity, and strategic infrastructure.
Blair’s assurances signal that Canada is committed to strengthening its defence capabilities while maintaining its position as a key NATO ally.