Canada has unveiled a new strategy for its defense industry aimed at boosting domestic production and reducing reliance on U.S. weapons systems and supplies.
Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney has introduced a new national defense strategy known as the 'Buy Canadian' plan, which seeks to bolster domestic production within the defense industry, thereby reducing the country's dependence on American military systems. This initiative is expected to create 125,000 jobs over the next decade and aims to address long-standing gaps in military investment. While emphasizing the importance of continued cooperation with Washington, especially under the NORAD agreement, Carney indicated that the current level of dependence poses vulnerabilities to national security.
To support this new strategy, Ottawa is committing to doubling its military expenditures by the end of the decade, with plans to add approximately 80 billion Canadian dollars within the next five years. Additionally, the government aims to allocate another 45 billion annually in line with NATO commitments, intending for defense spending to reach 2% of Canada's GDP this year and 5% by 2035. This substantial investment underscores the urgency felt by the Canadian government in boosting defense capabilities and enhancing national security.
The proposed policy also calls for enhanced partnerships within the defense sector and potentially with trusted allies beyond the United States. This shift indicates a broader strategic recalibration in how Canada views its defense needs and its role within global security frameworks, reflecting a growing trend among nations to reassess their military dependencies and foster greater autonomy in defense production.
