Ontario Premier Doug Ford revealed that Canada’s premiers are united in urging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to accelerate defence spending to meet NATO’s two per cent GDP target ahead of the government’s 2032 timeline. This comes in response to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s renewed tariff threats and demands for stricter border control and defense commitments.
In an exclusive interview with CTV’s Question Period, Ford, chair of the Council of the Federation of Canada’s Premiers, stated that Trudeau appeared “surprised” by the unanimous provincial support for increased defence spending. Ford emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue, citing Trump’s impending tariff plans and his expectations for Canada to fulfill its NATO commitments promptly.
Premiers Align on Defence Priorities
During a recent meeting between Trudeau and the premiers, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew led discussions on expediting defence spending. Ford noted that the premiers collectively recognized the need to act swiftly, especially with Trump’s looming threats to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian imports unless his demands on border security and drug control are met.
Trudeau followed up with an unanticipated trip to Florida, where he discussed defence and trade issues over dinner with Trump. According to senior government sources, the conversation underscored the urgency of Canada meeting NATO obligations to maintain its relationship with the U.S.
U.S. Officials Push Canada to Act
U.S. political figures, including House Intelligence Committee Chair Mike Turner and former U.S. Ambassador to Canada Kelly Craft, have stressed the importance of Canada accelerating its defence spending timeline. Craft warned that Trump’s demand for allied nations to “pay their fair share” is non-negotiable, and Turner described Canada as “past due” on its commitments.
With NATO’s two per cent spending goal set during the 2014 Wales Summit, most member nations are on track to meet it by the end of this year. However, Canada’s current plans fall short of these expectations, fueling Trump’s critiques and threats.
Funding Challenges and Federal Budget Pressure
Ford acknowledged that while the federal government must prioritize defence spending, it also faces challenges in managing the trade-offs, including the impact on the federal deficit. While Ontario is set to receive $27 billion in federal transfers, Ford reiterated that Ontario contributes more to the federal government than it receives. He urged Ottawa to reassess its spending priorities to safeguard the nation and fulfill NATO commitments.
Calls for Border Enforcement and Federal Leadership
The premiers also pressed for increased federal resources for border enforcement. Federal officials assured them that a plan is forthcoming, though no timeline was provided. Meanwhile, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized Trudeau as “weak” in dealing with Trump, but Ford refrained from endorsing this view, instead emphasizing the need for collaborative action to protect Canada’s interests.
As Canada faces heightened pressure from the U.S. and its NATO allies, the call for expedited defence spending reflects a growing consensus among provincial leaders that national security and international credibility must take precedence.
