OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is defending Canada's record on military spending by pointing out that the country is stepping up in other ways.
NATO reported this week that Canadian defence spending hit record lows last year, falling to 0.98 per cent of gross domestic product.
That was the lowest level in decades, and less than half the two per cent target agreed by NATO members in 2014.
Appearing alongside the Quebec premier in Montreal, Trudeau pointed to his government's decision to have Canada lead a 1,000-strong multinational force in Eastern Europe as one way the country is pulling its weight.
Trudeau said Canada has a history of doing more than many of its allies.
The prime minister will meet with other NATO leaders in Poland later this week, where the question of defence spending will be a major focus.
