Canada and NATO: Why Increased Defense Spending is Essential in Uncertain Times
Since 1949, Canada has been a steadfast member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), an alliance created to secure peace and deter Soviet aggression following the devastation of World War II. As a founding member, Canada played a key role in establishing NATO’s principles of collective security and mutual defense, and for over seven decades, NATO has remained a cornerstone of Canadian foreign policy. However, as the world faces escalating security threats—from Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine to rising tensions in the Arctic and renewed questions about U.S. commitment—Canada’s involvement in NATO has entered a critical chapter. The recent re-election of Donald Trump as U.S. President, given his past ambivalence toward NATO, adds further urgency to Canada’s need to increase its defense spending and expand its contributions. By doing so, Canada can reinforce NATO, support Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty, and ensure it holds a meaningful place at the NATO decision-making table.
Canada’s Foundational Role in NATO
From its very inception, Canada helped shape NATO’s vision, advocating for a transatlantic alliance that would combine both military and diplomatic cooperation. Canada’s then-Secretary of State for External Affairs, Lester B. Pearson, played a vital role in promoting an alliance that was not only a defense pact but also a community committed to constructive cooperation on political and economic issues. Canada’s early contributions, including troops stationed in Western Europe, fighter squadrons, and naval forces, demonstrated Canada’s resolve to defend democratic allies in Europe during the Cold War.
Historian John English writes, “Canada’s foundational role in NATO was rooted in a deep commitment to peace and collective security, establishing a legacy of leadership that set the tone for the country’s foreign policy” (English, Canada and the World: The Foreign Policy of a Middle Power, 1998). However, Canada’s post-Cold War military budget reductions have constrained its capacity to meet NATO’s current challenges, including Russia’s ongoing aggression. Today, as new threats emerge, Canada’s relatively low defense spending could undermine the very alliance it helped build, making an increased commitment to NATO both timely and essential.
A New Landscape for NATO Under Trump
The re-election of Donald Trump has once again raised questions about the strength of America’s commitment to NATO. During his first term, Trump openly criticized the funding contributions of NATO’s member countries, asserting that they should “pay their fair share” and questioning the future of U.S. support for NATO if other allies, including Canada, did not meet the 2% GDP defense spending benchmark (Trump, Interview with Fox News, 2019). His remarks about NATO being “obsolete” during his previous campaign sent shockwaves through the alliance, casting doubt on its future cohesion.
With Trump’s return to office, Canada’s commitment to NATO has taken on new importance. Military historian Sean M. Maloney argues that “In times of uncertainty, NATO’s cohesion relies on steadfast partners who see beyond individual interests to the alliance’s collective strength. Canada must now step up to fill this role” (Maloney, Fighting for NATO: A Historical Perspective, 2020). Increasing Canadian defense spending is not merely about meeting financial targets; it is about signaling that Canada stands firm in its commitment to NATO’s principles, thereby strengthening the alliance against both external threats and internal divisions.
Supporting Ukraine and Addressing the Threat of Russian Aggression
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has profoundly tested NATO’s unity and resolve. The war in Ukraine has underscored the critical need for NATO to secure its eastern flank, not only to deter Russia but to reassure allies and maintain regional stability. Canada has been one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters, providing humanitarian aid, training, and non-lethal military assistance through programs like Operation UNIFIER. Yet, the scale of Canada’s defense contributions remains limited due to its relatively low defense budget.
Canada currently spends approximately 1.4% of its GDP on defense, which falls short of NATO’s recommended 2% benchmark. Increased defense spending would allow Canada to contribute more effectively to NATO’s eastern defenses, thereby supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. Historian David Bercuson emphasizes that “If Canada is to be taken seriously on the global stage, particularly in support of Ukraine, we must match our principles with the resources needed to defend them” (Bercuson, Canada’s NATO Role: From Peacekeeper to Partner, 2007). Strengthening Canada’s financial commitment would allow Canada to play a more significant role in the alliance and relieve some of the operational pressures on other NATO allies, demonstrating Canada’s reliability and dedication to collective defense.
Strengthening Canada’s Influence in NATO Policy
Increasing defense investment would not only fortify Canada’s military capabilities but would also provide Canada with greater influence in NATO’s decision-making structures. While Canada has been a staunch advocate of NATO’s core principles, its comparatively low defense spending has sometimes limited its ability to influence key policy decisions. In an alliance where funding and contributions often correlate with influence, Canada’s position as a proactive NATO member hinges on its willingness to contribute more robustly to the alliance’s goals.
Historian John English notes, “When it comes to NATO, influence and investment go hand in hand. Canada’s ability to shape the alliance’s future will depend on whether it is willing to back its principles with a solid commitment of resources” (English, Canada in the New Cold War, 2010). Should the U.S. choose to lessen its involvement under Trump’s leadership, Canada’s increased contributions could be critical in maintaining NATO’s cohesion and ensure that Canadian perspectives are included in strategic decisions about the alliance’s future.
Supporting NATO’s Collective Security and Canada’s Own Sovereignty
In addition to addressing immediate threats, a robust defense investment would also serve Canada’s own security interests. Although Canada’s geographic position has historically protected it from direct military threats, modern security challenges—such as cyber warfare, long-range missiles, and growing interest in the Arctic—demand a more prepared and capable military. With Russia and China both intensifying their activities in the Arctic, Canada’s northern territories are increasingly seen as a zone of strategic competition, underscoring Canada’s need to defend its sovereignty in these regions.
Historian Tim Cook argues that Canada can no longer rely solely on geographical isolation as a defense strategy: “Canada’s reliance on geographical isolation is no longer tenable. As the Arctic becomes a contested space, a robust military is essential for defending Canada’s interests at home and within NATO” (Cook, A Canadian Defense for the New World Order, 2016). Increasing Canada’s defense spending would enhance its ability to protect its borders and allow it to contribute more effectively to NATO’s readiness, thereby strengthening national security and reinforcing the broader alliance.
Enhancing Canada’s Commitment and Strengthening NATO’s Unity
NATO’s strength lies in the collective commitment of its member states, and recent political developments have tested this unity. In an era where NATO’s cohesion is under scrutiny, Canada’s increased investment would underscore NATO’s purpose and solidarity. By stepping up its contributions, Canada would send a clear message to both its allies and potential adversaries: that Canada remains committed to the principles of freedom, democracy, and collective security upon which NATO was founded.
Historian Sean Maloney highlights the importance of unity within NATO: “In an era of shifting allegiances, NATO’s resilience depends on each member’s resolve. Canada’s renewed commitment to NATO would demonstrate that the alliance is far from fractured—it is resilient, adaptable, and strong” (Maloney, Strength in Unity: Canada and the NATO Alliance, 2021). In addition to reinforcing the alliance, Canada’s increased commitment positions it as a central figure in preserving and promoting NATO’s stability and values in an era of global uncertainty.
Conclusion: Canada’s Role in a Stronger NATO
Since its inception, NATO has been a bedrock of Canadian security policy, enabling Canada to contribute to global peace while safeguarding its own defense. With the re-election of Donald Trump, NATO faces renewed challenges, including potential shifts in U.S. policy and growing threats from Russia and other adversaries. The case for Canada to increase its defense spending and deepen its commitment to NATO is compelling. By stepping up its military contributions, Canada can meet the call for greater burden-sharing, support Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty, and secure a more influential role in NATO’s strategic decisions.
In a world fraught with new and emerging security challenges, Canada’s dedication to NATO is vital. Enhanced defense spending would strengthen Canada’s voice within the alliance, reinforce NATO’s collective defense, and ensure Canada’s place as a proactive partner in shaping a stable and secure international order. This commitment not only honors Canada’s founding role in NATO but also positions Canada as a leader in the pursuit of peace and security in a rapidly changing world.