Just because Donald Trump says something, doesn’t mean it’s false.
Two of his many famous one-liners over the past few years is that Canada has been underspending on defence, and that we had become too reliant on the U.S. military for protection.
He proved the second part himself, while the first part (and our commitment to change it) will be on display in a big way again this week.
Prime Minister Mark Carney is in Halifax today for the latest in a series of announcements that are part of increasing our military spending from the previous 1.5% to the current 2% and eventually 5% of GDP.
He then heads overseas (again), this time to a two-day NATO summit in Turkey where military budgets all over the world will be in the spotlight.
Trump has been going after everyone on military spending, and current world events including the war in the middle east, the war in Ukraine, and even his own veiled threats against Greenland (remember those?) make one thing clear.
A nation’s ability to defend itself is not optional. In the current political climate, it’s a necessity not a luxury.
As we negotiate deals for our new submarine fleet, it’s also an opportunity to create new investments and partnerships, use our own resources for worthwhile projects, and invest in our prosperity and sovereignty.
As one leader says “put up or shut up”, it’s time for Canada’s voice to be heard again in the only language that everyone understands.
I’m Paul Martin and that’s what I see looking Beyond the Headlines.
