Canada Eyes Joining European Defence Plan Amid Rising Global Tensions

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says he wants Canada to join a big European defence plan by July 1.

He told CBC on Tuesday that Canada hopes to join ReArm Europe. This plan would raise defence spending in Europe over the next five years. The goal is to depend less on the U.S.

“Seventy-five cents of every Canadian defence dollar goes to the U.S. That’s not smart,” Carney said.

This comes at a time when Canada’s relationship with the U.S. is tense. U.S. President Donald Trump has made threats. Still, Carney says he is open to joining a missile defence system backed by Trump.

The next day, Defence Minister David McGuinty spoke at a military trade show. He said Canada needs to build up its defence fast due to rising global threats.

“The world is more dangerous and uncertain,” McGuinty said. He pointed to Russia’s war in Ukraine and China’s growing power. He also said Canada must protect the Arctic, where other countries are testing Canada’s control.

Defence was also a key topic in Tuesday’s Speech from the Throne. This speech opens the new session of Parliament and shares the government’s plans.

King Charles III, Canada’s monarch, gave the speech during his visit to Canada. His visit focused on Canada’s identity and independence.

The speech promised to rebuild and invest in the military. It also said Canada would grow ties with Europe and might join ReArm Europe.

NATO leader Mark Rutte also spoke this week. He said NATO members, including Canada, should spend 5% of their GDP on defence. The old goal was 2%. He said countries must be ready to defend against Russia and China.

“Russia is working with China, North Korea, and Iran,” Rutte said. “They are growing their armies and preparing for a long fight.”

NATO leaders will meet in the Netherlands in late June to decide on the new spending target.

Canada has often been called out for spending too little on defence. Last year, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson said Canada was “riding on America’s coattails.”

Canadian business leaders also want more defence spending. They say it would help Canada’s economy.

McGuinty said on Wednesday that the government will buy more military tools from Canadian companies.

Last week, Carney said Canada is also talking to the U.S. about joining Trump’s Golden Dome missile defence plan. The King’s speech said Canada wants to keep talking with the U.S. about trade and safety.

Later on Tuesday, Trump posted on his social media site that Golden Dome would cost Canada $61 billion. But he said it would be free if Canada became the “51st State” of the U.S.

“They are thinking about the offer!” Trump wrote.

Carney’s office replied: “The Prime Minister has made it clear in talks with President Trump. Canada is a free and independent country. It will stay that way.”

Canada’s UN ambassador also posted online. He said Trump’s comment sounded like a “protection racket.”