Doha: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced today a new multi-billion-dollar military spending plan aimed at meeting NATO requirements and achieving the alliances target of allocating 2 percent of GDP to defense this year. Speaking from a military base, Carney emphasized Canada’s commitment to boosting its military readiness in response to emerging global threats.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Canadian government is allocating 2 billion Canadian dollars to improve soldiers’ pay, including a 20 percent increase for the lowest military ranks. This funding is part of a total of 9 billion Canadian dollars in new military investments planned for this year. Carney outlined that the 2024 spending will also focus on modernizing combat capabilities through the purchase of armored vehicles, drones, and advanced support systems.
Carney further announced a long-term strategic commitment to reach defense spending equivalent to 5 percent of Canada’s annual GDP by 2035. This pledge is aimed at strengthening the country’s defense capabilities over the coming years. Since taking office in April, Carney has highlighted the inadequacies in the Canadian military’s equipment and resources and warned of the potential risks if defense capabilities are not modernized promptly.
The announcement arrives amid increasing pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has been urging NATO members to commit 5 percent of their GDP to defense. Trump has cautioned that the United States may limit its protection of countries that do not allocate sufficient funding to their armed forces.