The philosophy — and politics — behind Canada's reluctance to meet NATO's spending target

There was an unscripted moment during a panel debate in Toronto last month that could go a long way toward explaining Canada's long-term reluctance to publicly and wholeheartedly embrace NATO's guideline for members' defence spending.

The philosophy — and politics — behind Canada's reluctance to meet NATO's spending target
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks during a press conference on Canada's new defence policy at CFB Trenton in Trenton, Ont. on Monday, April 8, 2024.

There was an unscripted moment during a panel debate in Toronto last month that could go a long way toward explaining Canada's long-term reluctance to publicly and wholeheartedly embrace NATO's guideline for members' defence spending.