Canada’s defence budget questioned at NATO

HALIFAX— The deputy minister of national defence has told a NATO meeting in Halifax that Canada is satisfied it is spending what it requires to meet its alliance and other military commitments.

Jody Thomas held fast to the government’s stance on defence spending on Saturday, despite some pointed questioning about Canada’s commitment following her presentation before NATO’s defence and security committee.

U.S. Republican congressman Michael Turner, the committee’s acting chairman, asked whether Canada intends to table a plan for meeting the 2 per cent of GDP standard for defence spending that was agreed to by alliance members at a summit in Wales in 2014.

“Many of the nations that are here are either meeting their 2 per cent or have in place a plan to reach the 2 per cent,” said Turner. “Canada is one of those countries who has not yet put forward a commitment to reach the 2 per cent, although that is a commitment that Canada joined in making at Wales.”

Thomas stuck to the Liberal government’s line, saying Canada intends to increase its defence budget by 1.46 per cent by the end of 2024.

“Canada’s defence budget is growing by 70 per cent as a result of Strong, Secure, Engaged (Canada’s defence policy),” said Thomas. “We also, on the ground, are leading a significant number of operations, and we have never not participated in a NATO commitment or operation.”

She also reiterated that Canada believes it contributes to the alliance in a “qualitative” way through an active participation in the alliance.

“The defence budget is a significant increase in funding for national defence and our prime minister is very satisfied with that contribution.”

But Bob Stewart, a member of the U.K. delegation, reminded Thomas that Canada agreed to the commitment, adding that it’s “crucial” it be honoured.

Stewart, a Conservative MP, then questioned Canada’s current defence spending commitment.