Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney has signaled a major transformation in the country’s defense policy, pledging to reduce Ottawa’s heavy reliance on US military procurement.
Speaking at a Liberal Party convention in Montreal on Saturday, April 11, Carney addressed a packed room of supporters, framing the shift as a matter of national sovereignty. “The days of Canada’s military sending 70 cents of every dollar to the US are over,” Carney said to a standing ovation.
The Prime Minister has repeatedly characterized the current spending model as an unsustainable structural issue. According to the Prime Minister’s office, more than 70% of Canada’s military capital spending currently flows to US suppliers. Carney argued that Canada must now diversify its defense partnerships and strengthen domestic capabilities to navigate a rapidly changing global order.
The push for strategic autonomy follows a year of heightened tensions, as the Carney government was formed in the shadow of a trade war and threats of annexation from US President Donald Trump. While the US House recently voted to reject certain tariffs on Canadian goods, Trump has maintained a hardline stance, frequently using emergency economic powers to justify duties on Canadian autos, steel, and aluminum.
The shift in defense messaging also coincides with a growing public debate over Canada’s international alliances. A recent poll by Spark Advocacy revealed that 25% of Canadians support joining the European Union, while 58% believe the idea deserves closer consideration. Although Carney has ruled out EU membership, Ottawa has been deepening cooperation with the bloc through new defense agreements.
As Carney prepares for three critical byelections that could secure a majority government for the Liberals, his “Canada strong” agenda emphasizes sovereignty in the face of US economic pressure. Beyond trade, the Prime Minister noted that advancements in artificial intelligence and the joint US-Israeli military campaign in the Middle East are further driving the need for a “transformational” approach to Canadian security.