Power & Politics Canada hits 2% defence spending. Is it actually better prepared?
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Mar 26, 2026 
David McGuinty, federal defence minister focused on meeting NATO targets and military procurement. Niki Sharma, B.C. attorney general advocating social media age limits and AI reporting. They discuss Canada hitting 2% defence spending and plans to climb to 3.5% and 5%. They also cover procurement, industrial investment, possible roles in the Strait of Hormuz, and legal tools for online harms.
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Debate Over Whether 2 Percent Equals New Capability
- Critics say the 2% figure partly reflects accounting choices and spending categories like salaries and coast guard funds.
- McGuinty counters with concrete procurement and infrastructure actions to turn dollars into capability.
Buy Canadian To Secure Supply And Jobs
- Prioritize domestic production to secure supply chains and jobs when boosting defence capacity.
- McGuinty cited purchases like 69,000 new rifles and new ammunition plants and billions invested in drone and satellite tech as examples.
Be Transparent Except During Active Negotiations
- Increase transparency where possible, but balance it with commercial confidentiality during active procurements.
- McGuinty said ongoing submarine bids involve thousands of pages and active negotiations that limit immediate disclosure.