Close X
Friday, November 1, 2024
ADVT 
International

Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan Hints At New Money For Military After Meeting U.S. Counterpart

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 07 Feb, 2017 01:37 PM
    OTTAWA — Canada's defence minister is hinting at new money for the military following a much-anticipated meeting with his U.S. counterpart in Washington this week.
     
    But Harjit Sajjan says what's equally important is what countries do with their military, a line successive federal governments have used to defend Canada's paltry defence spending.
     
    The comments come one day after Sajjan sat down with U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis in Washington, the first such meeting between a Canadian minister and a member of the Trump administration.
     
    Trump has repeatedly blasted NATO allies for not spending enough on their own defence, a message he repeated Monday even as Sajjan was meeting with Mattis.
     
    The Liberal government is currently drawing up a new defence policy that sources say will start inching Canadian defence spending closer to NATO's target of two per cent of GDP.
     
    But they also say even with the additional funding, Canada will fall far short of that goal.
     
    Canada's current defence budget of $20 billion accounts for less than one per cent of GDP, meaning the government would have to double spending to reach NATO's target.
     
    Sajjan says he and Mattis also discussed Canada's plan to send peacekeepers to Africa, though he isn't saying whether the government is closer to deciding on a specific mission.

    MORE International ARTICLES

    Donald Trump Picks Indian-American Ajit Pai To Head Communications Commission

    Donald Trump Picks Indian-American Ajit Pai To Head Communications Commission
    US President Donald Trump has picked Ajit Vardaraj Pai, an outspoken opponent of new net neutrality, to head the crucial Federal Communications Commission, making him the fourth Indian-American in the administration at the senior level.

    Donald Trump Picks Indian-American Ajit Pai To Head Communications Commission

    Sikhs Seek To Convert Former Church Into Gurdwara In Australia

    Sikhs Seek To Convert Former Church Into Gurdwara In Australia
    With an aim to establish their first place of worship in Geelong city of Australia's Victoria state, Sikh leaders here are seeking to convert a former church building into a gurdwara to host daily prayers and weekly gatherings, the media reported.

    Sikhs Seek To Convert Former Church Into Gurdwara In Australia

    5 Sikhs Inducted Into US Army With Religious Accommodation

    5 Sikhs Inducted Into US Army With Religious Accommodation
    Its the largest induction of Sikhs in US army after Defense Department banned visible articles of faith

    5 Sikhs Inducted Into US Army With Religious Accommodation

    Donald Trump Speaks To PM Modi For The First Time As US President, Has A 'Great Conversation'

    Donald Trump Speaks To PM Modi For The First Time As US President, Has A 'Great Conversation'
    White House Spokesperson Sean Spicer said details of their conversation that took place around 11 p.m. (IST) would be provided soon.

    Donald Trump Speaks To PM Modi For The First Time As US President, Has A 'Great Conversation'

    Trump Open To Conducting Joint Strikes On IS With Russia: White House

    Trump Open To Conducting Joint Strikes On IS With Russia: White House
    The White House said on Monday that US President Donald Trump is open to conducting joint strikes with Russia on Islamic State (IS) terrorists.

    Trump Open To Conducting Joint Strikes On IS With Russia: White House

    Indian-origin Man Jailed For Money-Laundering In UK

    Indian-origin Man Jailed For Money-Laundering In UK
    Nirmal Tanna had been convicted by a jury at Leicester Crown Court in September 2016 in his absence on money laundering charges dating back to 2012.

    Indian-origin Man Jailed For Money-Laundering In UK