NATO’s top leader says he expects a “clear commitment” from Canada on when it will fulfil its obligation to spend 2 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) on defence.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told CTV’s Power Play that Canada has yet to set a date to meet its membership spending goal but expects the federal government to make good on its commitment sooner rather than later.
“I expect Canada to deliver on the pledge to invest 2 percent of GDP on defence, because this is a promise we all made,” Mr. Stoltenberg told CTV’s Vassy Kapelos in a Feb. 20 interview.
“Canada is a big economy, a member of the G7. Canada is the second largest country in the world with vast coastlines. … So it really matters what Canada does.”
He referenced Ottawa’s announcements about increasing Norad funding, plans to purchase F-35 fighter jets, and an increased presence in Latvia, saying the federal government is on the right track.
“All of this is good, all of this matters,” he said. “But of course, Canada should, as all other allies, deliver on the pledge to invest 2 percent, because we need that in a more dangerous world.”
Canada has been under pressure for some time to spend the minimum 2 percent of its GDP on defence, the amount NATO member countries agreed to more than a decade ago.
Canada recommitted to reaching the 2 percent target at NATO’s annual meeting last summer in Lithuania and agreed to Mr. Stoltenberg’s plan to have the number become the base requirement for all 31 member countries. The number of countries expected to meet that goal this year has risen to 18 from 11, but Canada is not among the number expected to reach that commitment.
Mr. Stoltenberg said countries not making the minimum payment need to pull their weight.
“It matters to have a clear commitment on when to reach the 2 percent guideline,” he said. “We expect 18 allies to spend 2 percent of GDP on defence in 2024. But then we expect that those who are not yet at 2 percent should have plans in place to be there as soon as possible.”
Mr. Stoltenberg’s comments come on the heels of former U.S. President Donald Trump saying that, if he were elected again, he would encourage Russia to do “whatever” it wanted to any NATO member country that isn’t meeting its spending requirement.
NATO’s chief has been critical of Mr. Trump’s stance. He said comments that hint at allies not being willing to “defend each other undermines all of our security.”
Ukraine Support
The biggest commitment NATO has right now, Mr. Stoltenberg said, is supporting Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia.“I’m confident NATO allies will continue to support Ukraine,” he said. “Supporting Ukraine is not charity. Supporting Ukraine is an investment in our own security.”
He said a Russian victory could not be permitted because it would impact security not only in Europe but around the world.
“If President Putin wins in Ukraine the world will become more dangerous. We will become more vulnerable,” Mr. Stoltenberg said. “Two world wars and the Cold War have taught us that we need to stand up against authoritarian leaders and the best way to do that is for NATO allies to stand together, one for all and all for one.”
Canada has committed more than $9.7 billion to the war effort since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Defence Minister Bill Blair announced last week Ottawa will donate more than 800 Canadian-made drones at a cost of $95 million. They are expected to be delivered to Ukraine by spring.
