Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has responded to an American media report alleging that he privately told NATO officials that Canada will never meet the military alliance’s defence-spending target for its member countries.
A reporter pressed him to specifically address Canada’s plans regarding the NATO military spending goal of 2 percent of GDP for member countries.
Trudeau would only say the federal government “will continue to be working on investing in giving the support necessary to the men and women of the Canadian Forces to deliver.”
“Whether it’s in Latvia, whether it’s in NATO operations around the world or UN operations, Canada continues to be a partner that is much sought after,” he said.
2 Percent Target
According to NATO, in 2006, member countries’ defence ministers “agreed to commit a minimum of 2% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to defence spending to continue to ensure the Alliance’s military readiness.”The organization adds, “The Defence Investment Pledge endorsed in 2014 calls for Allies to meet the 2% of GDP guideline for defence spending and the 20% of annual defence expenditure on major new equipment by 2024.”
Report
The Washington Post’s recent report cites a leaked Pentagon assessment it obtained saying that Trudeau has “told NATO officials that Canada will never reach 2% defense spending.”The report does not include any direct quotes from Trudeau and The Epoch Times has not reviewed the Pentagon document it cites.
Neither the Department of National Defence nor the Prime Minister’s Office responded to The Epoch Times before press time to comment on Trudeau’s alleged comments.
The Post’s report also says the Pentagon assessment, which bears the seal of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, shows that the United States and a number of other countries are concerned that Canada’s “widespread defense shortfalls hinder Canadian capabilities” while also “straining partner relationships and alliance contributions.”
According to the report, the assessment says that Germany questions whether Canada can continue its heavy Ukraine aid spending while still meeting its NATO pledges, and also that Turkey is “disappointed” by the Canadian military’s “refusal” to support transporting humanitarian aid after an earthquake there in February.
The assessment also reportedly says Haiti is “frustrated” by Ottawa’s reluctance to lead a multinational security mission to that country.