Canada's Defense Spending Surge: Trudeau Commits to NATO Target by 2032

Canada will increase defense spending to the NATO target of 2% of GDP by 2032 under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Facing pressure from the U.S., Canada aims to elevate current spending from 1.4% of GDP. The announcement has faced domestic opposition, with critics questioning the plan's feasibility.

Canada will increase defense spending to the NATO target of 2% of gross domestic product by 2032, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Thursday, marking his first explicit commitment to a timeline under mounting pressure from the United States. Trudeau emphasized that Canada fully expects to reach this goal.

Currently allocating about 1.4% of GDP to defense, Canada plans to boost military spending to 1.76% by 2030, as outlined in a recent policy update. The commitment comes amid increasing criticism from U.S. lawmakers, with House Speaker Mike Johnson accusing Canada of relying on American defense capabilities.

Although met with skepticism from domestic critics, including the Conservative Party, who argue the plan lacks feasibility, Trudeau's administration affirms its approach focuses on strategic resource utilization rather than merely meeting headline targets. While the next federal election looms in 2025, Trudeau's government is set to further review and adjust military needs in future policy updates.