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

254 COVID19 cases for Tuesday

There are 419 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 and 63 are in intensive care. In the past 24 hours, one new death (Fraser Health) has been reported, for an overall total of 2,915.

254 COVID19 cases for Tuesday

More work needed to prevent fraud: B.C. auditor

Michael Pickup says in a news release that fraud risk management in the province is decentralized and shared by ministries as well as the Office of the Comptroller General, which provides oversight and support.

More work needed to prevent fraud: B.C. auditor

Lululemon founder starting new venture to find cure for type of muscular dystrophy

Chip Wilson was diagnosed with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy when he was 32, saying it has contributed to his muscle loss and he expects to not be able to walk without help in eight years. He says the funding will go toward finding a cure for the disorder by the end of 2027.

Lululemon founder starting new venture to find cure for type of muscular dystrophy

Trudeau, NATO stage rebuke of Russia in Latvia

The prime minister promised Baltic leaders on a whirlwind trip to Latvia that Canada will stand with them to fight Russia's military aggression against Ukraine and its cyberattacks on their countries.

Trudeau, NATO stage rebuke of Russia in Latvia

Feds fine passengers on Sunwing party flight

A half-dozen passengers who were not fully vaccinated when they boarded have now received penalties that could reach a maximum of $5,000 each, Transport Canada said. Under COVID-19 rules, all passengers must be fully vaccinated to board a flight departing the country.

Feds fine passengers on Sunwing party flight

B.C. promises blanket internet coverage by 2027

In a news release, the province says the plan means many First Nations communities will have high-speed internet access for the first time. B.C. is promising that every home and community will have the service by 2027, which was also promised in the budget announced last month.