National

NATO estimate of Canadian defence spending dips

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 31 Mar, 2022 12:00 PM

OTTAWA - New NATO figures suggest Canada is even farther from meeting the military alliance's spending target than previously believed.

NATO estimated last June that Canada would spend about 1.39 per cent of its national GDP on defence in 2021.

But in a report released today the alliance has lowered that figure, estimating Canada spent only about 1.36 per cent of GDP on its military last year.

While the difference appears miniscule, it nonetheless moves Canada farther from the two per cent spending target that all NATO members agreed to in 2014 and reaffirmed during a special meeting last week.

Defence Minister Anita Anand says this morning that the government has committed to increase defence spending, noting a federal budget will be presented next week.

The Royal Canadian Air Force is currently in action alongside its NATO allies during Ex FRISIAN FLAG 🇳🇱 in the Netherlands where they train together at command, crew, maintainer and support team levels. pic.twitter.com/5KfRNCtmJn
— Royal Canadian Air Force (@RCAF_ARC) March 31, 2022

It also comes as most allies are moving in the other direction, with only four of the 29 other NATO members set to spend less of their GDP on defence than Canada.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Most B.C. COVID cases are in 20- to 40-year-olds with one or fewer doses: top doctor

British Columbia's top doctor says the surge in COVID-19 cases is fuelled by those between the ages of 20 and 40 who are unvaccinated or have only had one dose.

Most B.C. COVID cases are in 20- to 40-year-olds with one or fewer doses: top doctor

Have your say on B.C.’s permanent paid sick leave

British Columbians are invited to provide input into the development of made-in-B.C. permanent paid sick leave to support workers and protect workplaces.

Have your say on B.C.’s permanent paid sick leave

Vancouver Police identify a 40 year old as victim of its 11th homicide

Bailey was shot inside the London Hotel at around 5 a.m. on July 20. Two suspects fled the area prior to police arrival. VPD investigators believe the incident was targeted. The investigation is active and ongoing.

Vancouver Police identify a 40 year old as victim of its 11th homicide

Mandatory vaccination possible for federal workers

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he is considering making COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for some federally regulated workplaces such as airlines. It is the first time Trudeau has openly supported any form of compulsory vaccinations.

Mandatory vaccination possible for federal workers

Falkland, B.C., evacuated as wildfire threatens

The wildfire service says fire danger in the southern Interior is ranked high to extreme and strong winds forecast over the White Rock Lake fire have the potential to cause further flare-ups through the day.

Falkland, B.C., evacuated as wildfire threatens

Ottawa won't share details on Afghan refugees

Speaking to a virtual news conference today, Mendicino says the government is dealing with urgent and volatile circumstances in Afghanistan as the international coalition forces led by the United States continue to withdraw from the country and the Taliban gain ground.