Trudeau Taken Aback by Provincial Coalition on Urgent Defense Spending: Ford Reveals

In a significant move, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced that all provincial leaders are rallying behind a unified call for Canada to accelerate its defense spending to meet NATO targets ahead of the current timeline. This request, articulated during a recent meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, reportedly took the prime minister by surprise.

During an exclusive interview on CTV’s Question Period, Ford explained that provincial leaders are pressing for action in light of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's looming threats of new tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico. Ford noted that Trudeau did not make any commitments to hasten defense spending but acknowledged the urgency among the provinces.

“He was surprised that we had so much interest in it,” Ford remarked. He emphasized the necessity for Canada to meet its commitment of spending two percent of GDP on defense, stating, “We need to hit our two percent, and we need to make sure we secure the borders.” This comes against a backdrop of Trump's pledge to impose a substantial 25 percent tariff on all imports from Canada unless certain conditions—such as curbing illegal drug flow and migration through the borders—are met.

The Canadian premiers’ consensus on this issue prompted an emergency meeting with Trudeau, following Trump’s alarming tariff announcement, which echoes throughout the Canadian political landscape. Notably, Trudeau had a subsequent private dinner with Trump in Florida, where defense matters were reportedly discussed, further indicating the urgency of the situation.

Ford noted that the dialogue around expedited defense spending was unanimous among the premiers, highlighting the collaborative spirit on this issue, particularly among leaders like Manitoba’s Premier Wab Kinew, who was pivotal in driving this agenda.

Moreover, as an indication of the broader concerns among U.S. legislators, Ohio Representative Mike Turner, chair of the House Intelligence Committee, remarked that Canada is overdue on its defense commitments, while former ambassador to Canada Kelly Craft described the 2032 deadline as "not good enough."

The necessity of meeting NATO's two percent GDP objective has been an ongoing discussion since it was established at the Wales Summit ten years ago. Alarmingly, only 23 of the 32 member countries are currently on track to meet this commitment in the current year.

In Ontario, the provincial government is projected to receive $27 billion from federal transfers in 2024-25. However, when questioned about sacrificing any of this funding for direct defense allocations, Ford stated that Ontario contributes more to federal coffers than it receives, indicating the imperative for a strategic reevaluation of federal spending priorities.

As the situation evolves, Ford highlighted the need for robust financial management and prioritization by the federal government across all sectors, be it defense, healthcare, or others. He voiced a readiness for discussions on increasing resources for border enforcement but mentioned that federal officials have yet to provide a specific plan or timeline.

The exchange between Ford and Trudeau amid rising tensions with the U.S. is critical, not only for defense strategies but also as it shapes Canada’s approach to fiscal responsibility and international relations under a President Trump. The call for immediate action is echoed loud and clear, signaling that the provinces are ready for change, and expect the federal government to respond proactively.