Bombardiar aircraft illustration. Source: https://bombardier.com/en
The federal government says Canada has reached NATO’s two per cent defence spending target, marking a significant increase in military investment ahead of previous timelines.
According to the government, the target was achieved through more than $63 billion in new defence spending over the past year, representing one of the largest increases in decades. Officials say the funding was coordinated across multiple federal departments and agencies as part of a broader effort to rebuild and modernize the Canadian Armed Forces.
The government says the increased spending is being directed toward personnel, equipment, and infrastructure. That includes projects aimed at upgrading military bases, expanding training capacity, and supporting new fleets and technologies.
As part of the announcement, officials also highlighted more than $3 billion in infrastructure investments in Atlantic Canada. These include upgrades to facilities in Nova Scotia, new aviation support buildings, training centres, and housing for service members, as well as investments in New Brunswick training areas.
The government says the spending is intended to improve readiness, strengthen Canada’s role with NATO allies, and support domestic economic activity, including jobs in the defence and aerospace sectors.
Looking ahead, Canada is now working toward a new NATO commitment that would see defence and related spending rise to five per cent of GDP by 2035. That includes 3.5 per cent for core defence spending and an additional 1.5 per cent for broader security investments.
Officials say future plans include continued investment in military capabilities, procurement modernization, and support for Canada’s defence industry.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
