The Honourable Bill Blair, Canada’s Minister of National Defence, wrapped up a highly productive visit to Washington, D.C on 11 July. Important discussions with Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, Chief of Staff General Wayne Eyre, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were part of this visit. Together, they attended the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Leaders’ Summit.
Canada’s Defence Spending Goals
At the Summit, Canada made an important announcement. According to Prime Minister Trudeau and Minister Blair, Canada wants to spend 2% of its GDP on defense by 2032, in order to reach NATO’s target. Minister Blair described this goal as credible, responsible, and achievable. This timeline will allow Canada to increase its spending and procurement capabilities in a realistic way.
The plan, outlined in Canada’s defence policy “Our North, Strong and Free,” focuses on ten key capabilities. Canada will explore options to invest in these capabilities. The goal is to achieve the 2% target with the right mix of investments on a clear timeline.
New Investments in Military Equipment
As part of this pledge, Canada is making significant investments. Minister Blair announced the start of a procurement process for up to 12 conventionally powered. This is under-ice capability submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy. This is a major step in enhancing Canada’s naval capabilities.
Enhanced Trilateral Partnership
A new trilateral alliance between Finland, the US, and Canada was also revealed. This partnership, known as the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE Pact). It aims to strengthen cooperation between these three nations.
Support for Ukraine
In Washington, Minister Blair reiterated Canada’s strong support for Ukraine. Canada has committed an additional $500 million in military assistance to Ukraine. This brings the total Canadian military aid to Ukraine for this year to $1.1 billion.
This new funding includes nearly $444 million for military equipment, assistance, and training for the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). Additionally, it contains more than $56 million for the NATO Trust Fund for Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP). This will support Ukraine’s security and defence sector. Canadian funding will alsohelp women in the AFU.
Canada is also supporting the launch of NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) in Wiesbaden, Germany. This initiative will coordinate military training, equipment, and logistical support for Ukraine. Canada is also allocating up to $389 million to enhance F-16 pilot training. Air Force Capability Coalition through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.
In addition, Canada has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ukraine Defense Contact Group Drone Capability Coalition. This MOU emphasizes Canada’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s drone capabilities. Canada also signed the Ukraine Compact, which reaffirms support for Ukraine’s self-defence and deterrence.
Strengthening Maritime Security
Minister Blair had meetings with Bjørn Arild Gram, the minister of Norwegian defense, and Boris Pistorius, the minister of defense for Germany. The three ministers signed a trilateral Letter of Intent to establish a strategic partnership. It was aimed at enhancing maritime security cooperation in the North Atlantic.
Highlighting Canada’s Defence Policy
During his visit, Minister Blair took the opportunity to emphasize Canada’s new defence policy. On July 8, he addressed the Foreign Policy Security Forum regarding Canada’s initiatives in Arctic and Northern security. He alos attended the official accreditation ceremony for the NATO Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence (CCASCOE) in Montrea. Along with the other NATO leaders. He participated on a panel discussing Nordic security at the NATO Public Forum on July 10. Blair also attended a working dinner organised by the Warsaw Security Forum.
Canada’s Ongoing NATO Contributions
Caada remains a dedicated NATO member. NATO provides security to over one billion people, including Canadians, through its collective defence principles. Canada is committed to meeting its defence spending pledge and contributing to NATO’s mission.
Currently, Canada supports NATO operations in various ways. This includes Operation REASSURANCE, Canada’s largest international military operation. About 1,500 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members are deployed, leading a multinational Battlegroup in Latvia. Canada also leads Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) in the Mediterranean Sea.
In addition, Canada hosts the NATO Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence in Montreal. And the Halifax-based Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic North American Regional Office of NATO.
Future Investments in Defence
In its 2024 Budget, Canada announced $8.1 billion in new defence spending over five years. It will be increased to $73 billion over 20 years. This investment builds on previous commitments to support the CAF, enhance defence capabilities, and address global challenges.
Canada has given Ukraine more than $19.5 billion in funding since 2022. This includes $4.5 billion in military aid and equipment, as well as financial, humanitarian, and development assistance. Canada’s firm commitments at the NATO Summit underscore its dedication to global security and defence.