Canada Commits to 5% Defence Spending by 2035 Under New NATO Pledge

PM Carney says investments will boost Canadian Armed Forces, support Ukraine, and create jobs at home

The Hague, Netherlands – Canada has officially joined NATO’s new Defence Investment Pledge, committing to allocate 5% of its annual GDP to national and collective defence spending by 2035. Prime Minister Mark Carney made the announcement during the NATO Summit in The Hague on June 25, where Allied leaders agreed to the most ambitious defence investment strategy in the Alliance’s history.

Calling the world “increasingly dangerous and divided,” Carney emphasized that Canada’s increased military investment is vital for national sovereignty, international peace, and long-term economic growth.

As a founding member of NATO, Canada has always been committed to multilateralism and collective defence.

Canada will reach 2% of GDP this year, and as of today, we have joined all NATO allies in committing to reach 5% by 2035.

This means:
✔️More investments in the Canadian… pic.twitter.com/MElqLJP2ij

— Anita Anand (@AnitaAnandMP) June 25, 2025

How Canada Will Meet the 5% Target

Canada’s pledge mirrors the structure of NATO’s collective agreement:

• 3.5% of GDP will go toward core defence capabilities, including the expansion of the Canadian Armed Forces, modernization of equipment, and strengthening of domestic defence industries.

• 1.5% of GDP will be directed toward broader defence-related investments such as airports, ports, telecommunications, emergency systems, and other infrastructure supporting both military and civilian preparedness.

Minister of National Defence David J. McGuinty said the pledge reflects Canada’s commitment not only to NATO but also to Canadians’ safety and sovereignty.

“We are making the critical investments needed to keep Canadians safe, support our Armed Forces, and strengthen our role in Europe and on the world stage,” McGuinty said.

The government confirmed that progress under this plan will be reviewed in 2029, with adjustments made in response to global security developments.

Support for Ukraine and Global Security

Canada’s contributions to Ukraine — including the $2 billion in military assistance announced at the recent G7 Summit in Kananaskis — will count toward NATO’s defence spending metrics. Carney and fellow NATO leaders reaffirmed that Ukraine’s security is critical to Euro-Atlantic peace and stability.

At the summit, all member states pledged to continue supporting Ukraine and to work toward a “just and lasting peace,” reaffirming the alliance’s united front against Russian aggression.

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