Canada’s Making Power Moves

🧱Building Canada's Defense

In a bold shift away from decades of heavy reliance on the United States for military protection, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says it’s time for Canada to “step up” and take responsibility for its own defense.

This week, Carney told CBC that Canada plans to join ReArm Europe—a sweeping European defense initiative—by July 1st. The plan calls for a significant ramp-up in military spending across the continent over the next five years.

His remarks signal a shift in tone—and possibly in strategy—at a time when Canada faces renewed pressure from allies to meet NATO spending targets, and at home, growing calls to build up its own defense industry.

🛡 Why ReArm Europe?

The ReArm Europe initiative aims to reduce NATO’s dependence on the U.S. by encouraging member countries to invest heavily in their own defense capabilities. For Carney, it’s not just about solidarity—it’s about sovereignty.

The move comes as geopolitical tensions spike worldwide. A day after Carney’s remarks, Defense Minister David McGuinty addressed a defense industry conference, echoing the urgency.

He added that Canada must pay closer attention to the Arctic, where its sovereignty is being challenged by increasingly aggressive foreign actors.

🧊 Sovereignty, Security—and Spending

The defense theme also took center stage in Canada’s Speech from the Throne, delivered by King Charles III during his state visit. The address, crafted in collaboration with the Canadian government, emphasized a commitment to:

• “Rebuilding, rearming, and reinvesting” in the military 🔧

• Strengthening ties with European defense partners 🤝

• Increasing presence and readiness in the Arctic ❄️

Carney’s goal is clear: modernize Canada's military, secure its borders, and diversify its alliances.

📈 NATO Raises the Bar

Carney's timing aligns with a new push from NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who this week proposed that member countries increase their defense spending to 5% of GDP, up from the long-standing 2% target.

The proposal will be discussed at the NATO summit in the Netherlands next month—and Canada is under the microscope. The country has long faced criticism for falling short of defense funding commitments.

Last year, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson accused Canada of “riding on America’s coattails”, a sentiment echoed by other U.S. lawmakers and defense leaders. 🧥

🏗 Defense as Economic Catalyst

But Carney sees opportunity—not just obligation. Speaking to Canadian defense industry leaders this week, McGuinty said the government will prioritize Canadian suppliers for new equipment and technology.

This could mark a major win for domestic defense manufacturers—and position national security as a key pillar of economic growth. 🏭💼

Meanwhile, business leaders have called for more defense investment as a way to stimulate high-skilled job creation and reduce economic dependence on volatile foreign partners.

What About the U.S.?

Carney isn’t cutting ties with Washington. He confirmed that "high-level talks" are underway with U.S. officials about joining Trump’s Golden Dome missile defense system—a controversial program that would reportedly cost Canada $61 billion USD.

But Trump, in typical style, added fuel to the fire.

Carney’s office quickly shut that down:

No ambiguity there.

📍 Final Thoughts

Carney’s push to join ReArm Europe is more than just a policy tweak—it’s a strategic pivot. It signals a desire to take control of Canada's defense future, reduce reliance on unpredictable U.S. politics, and align more closely with European allies.

It also opens the door to revitalizing Canada’s defense industry and reinforcing its geopolitical identity in a changing global order.

With rising threats abroad and rising expectations at home, Carney’s message is loud and clear: Canada must stand strong—and stand on its own. 💪🌐