Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair stated that Canada could achieve NATO's military spending target of two percent of GDP within two years, a significant acceleration from the previously announced timeline of 2032. This comes amidst ongoing criticism from US President Donald Trump regarding Canada's defence expenditures.
Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair has stated that the country could achieve NATO 's military spending benchmark of two percent of its gross domestic product within two years. This accelerated timeline, aiming to reach the target by 2027, signifies a significant shift from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's previous commitment of 2032.
Blair emphasized that this push towards increased defence spending is driven by Canada's national interests and not solely in response to US President Donald Trump's recent criticisms regarding Canada's military expenditures. \Trump, during his address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, reiterated his demands for all NATO allies, including Canada, to increase their military spending to five percent of GDP. He also made controversial remarks, suggesting that Canada would be better off as a US state. \Blair acknowledged that the timeline for reaching the two percent target hinges on the government securing the necessary funding. He asserted that the efforts to accelerate defence spending are a result of longstanding strategic planning and not solely prompted by Trump's pronouncements. Blair's office clarified that this accelerated timeline involves expediting individual projects, such as contracts for submarines, ammunition, and support services for personnel like housing and childcare. The Canadian Armed Forces, currently grappling with a staffing shortage, will also require sufficient personnel to effectively utilize the enhanced resources. \Canadian Armed Forces Chief of the Defence Staff, Gen. Jennie Carignan, confirmed that the military currently possesses the funding required to initiate the process of moving closer to the NATO spending target. However, she stressed that this allocation remains under constant evaluation. Carignan emphasized the urgency of investing in military capabilities sooner rather than later, as delays would result in diminished purchasing power for the same amount of expenditure. She highlighted the need for rapid action to secure essential platforms and equipment
CANADA NATO MILITARY SPENDING DONALD TRUMP BILL BLAIR JUSTIN TRUDEAU DEFENCE MINISTER WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM
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