Canada’s Carney vows end to 70% US military spending reliance

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Saturday that Ottawa will significantly reduce its military spending reliance on Washington, signaling a major shift in defense procurement policy. Speaking at the Liberal Party’s national convention in Montreal, Carney declared that “the days of our military sending 70 cents of every dollar to the United States are over,” drawing a standing ovation from delegates.

Economic sovereignty and ‘Buy Canadian’

Carney emphasized economic sovereignty and national unity, outlining plans to prioritize Canadian-made materials and labor in future government projects. “We are going to build Canada strong with Canadian steel, Canadian aluminum, Canadian lumber, Canadian workers,” he said. He also highlighted the government’s “Buy Canadian” policy, which aims to strengthen local communities and reduce reliance on external markets. Carney added that Canada seeks to double its non-US exports over the next decade.

Trade tensions and new defense strategy

Carney pointed to growing trade frictions with Washington, including tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, which he described as the main immediate threat. However, he stressed that the greater long-term challenge is maintaining national unity. The US Trade Representative’s office has previously criticized Canada’s procurement approach as a trade irritant. Canada’s newly outlined Defense Industrial Strategy seeks to diversify partnerships beyond the US, including closer cooperation with the EU and the UK. Currently, nearly half of Canadian defense-related production is exported, with 69% going to the US and other Five Eyes partners. The plan aims to raise defense contracts awarded to domestic firms to 70%.