Canada does Trump’s bidding with massive new defence spending.

SajjanDefence Minister Harjit Sajjan released Canada’s new defence policy today and here are the highlights:

–          A 70% increase in defence spending over the next 10 years

–          A staggering 62 billion dollar increase over the next 20 years

–          An increase in the number of fighter jets to be purchased from 65 (under Harper) to 88

–          An increase in personnel in both the regular and reserve forces

–           The acquisition of armed drones for “precision targeting”.

 

The Trudeau Liberals did not campaign on, and have no mandate for, significant increases in the defence budget. There has been no change in the international security environment since their election to justify such astronomical increases. The only change has been the election of Donald Trump.

While there are positive elements of the new policy – particularly Canada’s engagement in support of UN peace operations – the new funding envelope is nothing short of a total capitulation to the American bully, President Trump.

 

See the Friday, June 9th blog for more detailed analysis of the policy and its implications for Canada.

Tags: Canada's Defence Policy, Canadian Armed Forces, Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, Defence spending, Department of National Defence, F-35 fighter jet, Liberal MP Marc Garneau, NATO, Peace operations, personnel, Strong Secure Engaged