QUESTION PERIOD — National Defence
Canadian Armed Forces
April 9, 2024
Leader, it was predicted almost a century ago that there would be a total eclipse in the region yesterday. Why did the government choose to make its announcements about the armed forces’ plan and its investment of $8 billion over five years on the same day there was a solar eclipse? Was it hoping for a media eclipse? Was the government trying to hide because it was embarrassed about its announcement?
Thank you for the question. With all due respect, that was a nice try to make a connection between two things that are unrelated. The government made its announcement because it is serious about its obligations and Canada’s obligations toward our armed forces. It is serious about the task of moving closer to the 2% target set by NATO. It is serious about continuing to invest in our armed forces and continuing to ensure that Canada can meet its objectives to better defend the country.
The Parliamentary Budget Officer said last year that we would need an additional $18 billion annually to reach that 2% target. Your government announced that it was investing $8.1 billion over five years. How do you expect Canadians, our military personnel and our NATO colleagues to take us seriously when it comes to achieving what is now a minimum of 2%?
Let me make a simple but important comparison. In 2006, our spending percentage was 1.1%. With this week’s announcement, we’re approaching 1.76%. This is tangible, real progress, and those are the facts.
