'Upward trajectory' on NATO, Norad spending: Anand

WASHINGTON - Canada's defence minister says the federal government is on an "upward trajectory" when it comes to meeting its NATO spending targets and modernizing Norad.

But Anita Anand still isn't providing a timeline — and defence sector experts say Canada risks letting the United States capitalize on what they call a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

Anand took part today in a virtual conference hosted by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, including a question-and-answer session with president Perrin Beatty.

Ready, set, go! Today’s #ExecutiveSeries event is starting now with a keynote address from @AnitaAnandMP. Tune in here: https://t.co/TZ2LTXBJbA pic.twitter.com/b687frx9lz

— Canadian Chamber of Commerce (@CdnChamberofCom) May 18, 2022

She refused to be pinned down on whether and when Canada will meet the NATO spending target of two per cent of GDP, agreed upon by all members in 2014.

Anand also says she's in the process of working on the "unwritten chapter" of Canada's defence strategy: modernizing the outdated continental defence system it shares with the U.S.

She says Canada intends to work closely with domestic defence contractors in order to develop a "robust plan" in conjunction with the Pentagon.