National

NATO leaders agree to spend at least two per cent of their countries' GDP on defence

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 11 Jul, 2023 10:05 AM

NATO leaders have pledged to spend more on national defence, even as Canada and others are failing to meet the previous target.

A statement released this afternoon in Vilnius, Lithuania, says NATO members pledge to make two per cent of GDP the minimum spend each year, with one-fifth of that going to equipment.

The allies say they acknowledge that more is needed urgently to meet their commitments as members of the military alliance.

Only about a third of the 31 members are spending two per cent or more on defence.

Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas says her message to allies is that the threat from Russia is real and that more is needed.

She and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met earlier today, and she thanked him for Canada's commitment to send more troops and more money to a NATO mission in Latvia.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

David Johnston is foreign interference rapporteur

Johnston has been asked to look into allegations of foreign meddling in Canada's last two federal elections and recommend what the Liberal government should do about it. That could include a public inquiry, which opposition parties have been calling for, or some other form of investigation.

David Johnston is foreign interference rapporteur

Suspect on the Loose in West Vancouver Armed Robbery

The suspect entered the gas station, produced a handgun, pointed the handgun at the cashier and demanded money. The suspect obtained an undisclosed amount of cash from the cash register before fleeing on foot.

Suspect on the Loose in West Vancouver Armed Robbery

Abbotsford Police car targeted and shot at with a pellet gun

As officers approached the group in their unmarked police vehicle, a female emerged from the group and pointed a firearm toward the officer's vehicle and fired, striking the police vehicle's windshield, and causing minor damage.

Abbotsford Police car targeted and shot at with a pellet gun

Collision in New Westminster leaves one dead

The collision has caused a local power outage and city crews have been on scene. If motorists encounter an intersection with no power, they are asked to treat the intersection as a four way stop.

Collision in New Westminster leaves one dead

Vancouver Folk Festival will return for 2023

A statement on the festival's website says it will be held July 14 to 16 at its usual location in Vancouver's Jericho Beach Park. Last year's scaled back festival will be used as a template to plan this year's program, with fewer stages and amenities than were offered before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vancouver Folk Festival will return for 2023

Burnaby RCMP investigation leads to major drug bust at a home close to a school and a daycare

Two magazines seized from this residence had the capacity to hold 27 and 50 rounds. Along with the drugs and weapons, around $10,000 in cash, a large amount of drug packaging, equipment for re-pressing drugs and two vehicles were seized.