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Prime Minister Mark Carney has declared that after decades of haphazard promises, Canada will hit the NATO defence spending target of 2 per cent of national GDP in this fiscal year, reinforcing the country’s role in international defence alliances and helping modernize the Canadian Armed Forces.
The announcement comes as Brig.-Gen. John Alexander, Commander of 2 Canadian Air Division, presided over a change-of-command ceremony at 15 Wing Moose Jaw on Monday. Col. Adam Carlson officially assumed command of the base, home to Canada’s primary military pilot training centre. Previous commander Daniel Coutts was promoted to Brig.-Gen.
“This change of command is taking place at a unique time for Canada,” said Alexander during remarks following the ceremony. “Back on Monday, the Prime Minister committed to reaching our 2 per cent NATO spending this year, much earlier than anyone had previously forecasted.
“He also reiterated that Canada faces real danger in this world and we must reinvigorate our military procurement and growth. While we do not know exactly what this will mean for 2 Canadian Air Division or its Wings, it does signal a prioritization. ... This Wing, in particular, was already implicated with (the Future Aircrew Training [FAcT] program).”
Canada has faced mounting pressure from allies to boost military spending. While 22 of the 32 NATO countries already meet the two per cent benchmark, Canada has historically fallen short, spending just 1.45 per cent of GDP in the last fiscal year. The new investment of $9.3 billion will bring that number to an estimated $62.7 billion, or two per cent of GDP.
Trudeau’s government, by contrast, had said they could meet the target by 2032.
Officials say this funding will directly address the Armed Forces’ recruitment crisis, support retention efforts, and accelerate the modernization of military infrastructure and procurement. Over $2.6 billion is earmarked specifically for growing personnel numbers and increasing pay. The CAF is currently short more than 13,000 regular and reserve members.
At 15 Wing, where future Royal Canadian Air Force pilots are trained through NATO’s flying training program, the effects of improved funding may be especially welcome.
“I'm super excited about the announcement of investment,” said Carlson in his first official remarks as base commander. “I think that’s huge. Our challenge is going to be to prepare our students to fly the cutting-edge modern technology, modern aircraft, modern equipment (that is on the way.)
“We’re going to be called to produce a significant number of pilots. The challenge being that just producing them from here and giving them wings is not enough. We have to be able to train them to become aircraft captains and crew commanders, to take leadership roles and then train the next generation operationally.”
The spending also includes $2.1 billion to help Canada join ReArm Europe, a large-scale European initiative to boost joint procurement and defence readiness among allies.
Additionally, for the first time, part of the Canadian Coast Guard budget will be counted toward NATO contributions, recognizing the agency’s role in maritime sovereignty and Arctic security.
The 15 Wing leadership change comes as Canada reassesses its global military commitments, workforce sustainability, and defence readiness — all against the backdrop of international tensions and a shifting NATO landscape.