In a recent interview with The Canadian Press, Vice Admiral Bob Auchterlonie, the commander of the Canadian Joint Operations Command, expressed concern that Canadians may be “overly comfortable” with their safety.
Auchterlonie highlighted the increasing pressure on Canada’s defense capabilities, pointing out the evolving global security landscape, including crises such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East, African coups, and challenges in South America.
The world’s security and defense situation has significantly deteriorated, and Canada may not be prepared, which Auchterlonie attributes to the geographical advantage of being surrounded by three oceans and the United States.
“I’m very happy Canadians feel safe and secure. I also think it’s very naive,” he said.
Canada’s defense spending has been a longstanding issue, with pressure from North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies to meet the two percent GDP threshold. The federal government has initiated multi-billion dollar procurement projects for various military assets, but that’s still years down the road.
In April, a leaked Pentagon document seen by the Wahington Post revealed that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau privately told NATO officials that Canada will “never” meet the military alliance’s defence two percent GDP spending target. The leaked document also said that “widespread defence shortfalls hinder Canadian capabilities while straining partner relationships and alliance contributions.”
Trudeau never denied or confirmed if he said this to NATO. Canada has committed to increasing its presence in NATO’s eastern flank and the Indo-Pacific, even as military resources are stretched thin by domestic operations.
At home, the Canadian Armed Forces grapple with a personnel shortage, reaching a crisis point. Despite efforts to stabilize force numbers, there remain thousands of unfilled positions, and about 10,000 soldiers lack the necessary training for deployment.
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