Where is Canada’s military without a reliable US ally?

Defence spending has become a hot political topic in Canada due to shifting geopolitics and U.S. President Donald Trump's unpredictability.

Here, Global’s Mercedes Stephenson looks at how NATO and NORAD play a critical role in Canada's security and the added pressure Canada will face to ramp up defence spending if the U.S. ditches both military alliances.

Plus, our Mackenzie Gray looks at the urgency to bolster Canada's military and security and what's needed to turn these plans into reality.

#GlobalNews #Canada #US #Military

[sean]

Currently Canada is on Arctic exercises with the US and Norway. The US has 460 troops, Norway 800 and Canada...wait for troops, and its our Arctic. I think that sums it up.

[lloydkuepfer]

It's time Canada gets serious about military (national defense)

[bonedust]

We need everything and have never taken security seriously. I think this is a great wake up call for Canada to put its big boy pants on again.

[DasMonkey-]

When I was in the CF's in the 90's.... Man it was a joke. The cupboards were empty and the standard line was "Too Bad, Cut Backs". The other standard line then and now is "We're the best trained with the least/worst equipment". It doesn't matter how well you are trained, if you don't have anything to use on the enemy it's just wishful thinking. When you're given ten blanks for a weekend exercise and told to yell BANG when you have no ammo left, it was akin to playing as a kid.
Also.... I lost count of how many times I was asked why I was in the military and why Canada even had a military. Because and I quote "We don't need to waste money on Canada having a military, because if anything happens the Americans will protect us". I have thrown that in their faces of late, while those same friends and family have been upset at the treatment and threats Canadians have been dealing with.
Till now Canadians didn't care about or show much respect for the forces unless it was Canada or Remembrance Day. Outta sight, outta mind.

[ludicrousmodel]

Canada needs more military infrastructure in the arctic, at least 250, 000 soldiers, hundreds of tanks, rocket launchers, missile defense capabilities, hundreds of fighter jets, attack helicopters, AEWACS, drones, aircraft carriers, and nuclear submarines. Our military right now is tiny, unserviceable, and unrecognizable from what it was in the WWII era, when we had the 4th largest navy and three aircraft carriers. This should all be happening now, not in 5 years from now.

[quanahweedon]

A naval fleet. Canada has so much coastline. A West Coast fleet, Artic Coast fleet, east coast fleet.
Mix of vessels. Submarines, destroyers, frigates, corvettes, battleships, and aircraft carriers, etc.
Canada needs to start investing in its own nations defense.

[Dj-eskd]

Practically Canada is very weak military wise without America. They need to change their strategy.

[marcchartrand]

The problem Canada has is; for generations our governments Liberal / Conservative etc. have not done their job. The 1 requirement is the security of a nation but our politicians are more worried about votes and how to get into and stay in government; they have neglected this obligation. We should be ashamed of ourselves.

[burgermanwu]

Why Canada doesn't develop its own military industry? I mean not just buying those weapons from the US or other countries. Otherwise, how you think you can create more jobs within Canada? And think about it. One day, when the US really attempts to annex Canada by force, how can you protect this land without a self-reliant military industry and production? Surrender immediately? Or just yell at those American soldiers?

[isshyfux]

I urge the Canadian Military to keep a closer eye on our Border starting now. Not from illegals but from America

[MirorRflction]

We need to buy into European military hardware instead of the US. European military hardware is largely NATO compatible, and we have a lot to offer Europe in terms of reasources and even the potential of manufacturing European military hardware here as a backup in case the Russian try to strike European factories in the even of a full scale war

[BestBoyNed]

As Canadians 🇨🇦 there is no question that our priorities for self defence need to be massively increased. Autonomous drone and other mobile unmanned tech can and should be be manufactured in house which would be great for our economy, and smart for our own defence. I also recommend lifting some of these firearms bans since an unarmed population is a population waiting to be crushed 😣

[markplatt]

The bad news is that we have alot of catching up to do. The good news is that the war in Ukraine had demonstrated that tanks and jets are quickly becoming obsolete. Military Drones, long range missiles, and cyberwarfare, are overtaking the modern battlefield.

[CrazyMunky]

The Canadian military is a joke now. The mentality of the soldiers is great. That being said, the kit and equipment we have is a complete joke.

[gerard]

Why defend nations who do not respect their country and allow crap into their country, which eventually go into ours; place no effort in defending their own country, but expects Americans to come to their aid unconditionally??? Thats Canada, Mexico, and EU, with the exception of Poland and Italy. Its a wake up call for everyone.

[SooooNerdy]

makes sense why canada is getting mad. their meal ticket protecting them wants Canada to grow up and help while Canada currently wants US to do 95 percent of the work.

[CANADIANgrass]

NORAD commander’s words are hollow with this president.

[alanparker]

Canada is part of the Commonwealth (56 countries and 2 billion people) and Francophonie family (54 countries and 1 billion people)

[Alvin-mywj]

Can’t say you’re a partner then spend 1.4% gdp when you commit t min of 2.0%. Partners don’t do that !

[chrisogden]

Weak men make hard time thanks to the average liberal voter.