By David Dunlop, 14 August 2023
Here is an article by Brian Lee Crowley, Managing Director of the Macdonald-Laurier Institute an independent public policy think-tank in Ottawa, and published on 7 August in the Washington Times. It's entitled "Canada's Free-Riding on NATO: America Needs to Pick a Lane." It's an interesting take from a Canadian and an institution on Canada's unwillingness to publicly support a minimum increase to 2% GDP on defence as requested by NATO. In it, Crowley calls out both the US Ambassador to Canada David Cohen, and the US government for saying one thing and preaching another. See https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/aug/7/canadas-free-riding-on-nato-america-needs-to-pick-/
11 thoughts on “Canada’s Free Riding on NATO”
We as Canadians should be ashamed and embarrassed what’s going on. If the government doesn’t want to do anything about it, disband the military all together and pay the Americans 30 billion a year to protect us.
Do you really think that this is a thoughtful contribution to an important discussion?
Well, we are a G7 nation which comes with a lot of prestige, we are a founding member of NATO, we are 50% of NORAD, yet our government and ones before them as well all take defence for granted. We sit on the edge of WW 3 and yet our government can not supply our military with the tools they require to fight a war. 40 year old out dated planes, 30 year old ships that are starting to rust, not a new fighting ship to be seen in another 10 years. 4 old hand me down submarines that will be outdated in 10 years if not sooner. Every Canadian forces base, naval, airforce or over seas has no protection from missiles whether slow or fast. A handful of 12 missiles could destroy every military base Canada has. I feel for our brave women and men who protect us. Ask yourself this question? Would you want your children in the Canadian military?
Yes, new planes are coming, still 10 years away. 1 new oiler is coming, 3 years away. 15 new ships are coming, still not signed so who knows when. Submarines are only talked about. New radars for NORAD 20 years away at best. Soldiers might get new pistols this year to replace the WW 2 pistols. Interceptor missiles, no mention. Drones not signed for. The list goes on and on, only words and a lot of talk.
So let’s get rid of the Defense Minister who I believe was trying to do a good job, and put someone who has no experience. 30 billion dollars was very easy for 2 battery plants, 40 billion for natives, 100 billion for this and that and yet the military gets another 8 billion over 5 years.
Is this enough?
Good morning Ron,
There are some good points buried in your comments. Unfortunately, hyperbole hides their visibility and undermines the credibility of their presentation.
Ubique.
Les
Another point to consider. The Canadian Senate made recommendations to consider in helping our military with equipment which has never been considered or completed. The question is why?
I understand, muzzle it, be quiet, and do not voice your opinions or remarks to an article written, may I say by yourself.
Hi Ron,
It is not a question of not speaking up. Rather, it is a matter of making arguments that stand the test of time and counter-attacks. Every easily-refuted comment and hyperbole undermines the strength of the rest of what is said.
I guess it is a question of whether one wants to vent or make reasoned arguments; what is one trying to accomplish by posting to the forum.
Ubique.
Les
Ron, I believe you should re-think of what you have just said. This is not the place to speculate or make statements that don’t make any sense at all, and are not helpful to the conversation at hand. Opinions to forum members, by all means. But please………!
Why share an article behind a paywall?
As someone who only recently operated in an naval environment with NATO at an operating level we are well respected. At the command level we are again well respected however at the political level they are tired at our unwillingness to spend to the base 2%. Even if we all of a sudden committed the money our procurement is broken and we would hard pressed to spend it in a timely manner. The problems I see is the commitment from the current government and the procurement system. We need drastic change in both.
Be careful what you wish for!