U.S. Senators Urge Canada to Meet NATO Spending Target
A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has written a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, urging Canada to meet its NATO spending target. The letter, dated Thursday, highlights the importance of all NATO allies upholding their commitment to spend at least two per cent of GDP on defence.
Canada is currently spending well below the target, at around 1.33 per cent of GDP. The senators emphasize the need for continued investments in NATO to secure the transatlantic alliance for future generations. They call on Canada and other countries falling short of the target to have a plan in place to reach the benchmark as soon as possible.
The letter, signed by 23 senators including Republicans Mitt Romney and Ted Cruz, as well as Democrats Jeanne Shaheen and Tim Kaine, expresses concern over Canada’s projected defence spending. The senators warn that failing to meet obligations to the alliance could have detrimental effects on all NATO allies and the free world.
The issue of NATO spending has been a point of contention, with former President Donald Trump also criticizing allies for not meeting the two per cent target. The U.S. ambassador in Ottawa, David Cohen, praised Canada’s defence policy but emphasized the need for continued investment in defence capabilities.
Trudeau and Defence Minister Bill Blair have acknowledged the need for increased spending, with plans to invest in new equipment such as submarines and long-range missiles. The Defence Department’s budget is set to increase over the next five years, with a total of $73 billion allocated by 2044.
As the 2024 NATO Summit approaches, the pressure is on for Canada and other allies to ramp up their defence spending to meet the agreed-upon target. The letter from U.S. senators serves as a reminder of the importance of collective investment in NATO to ensure the security and stability of the alliance.
