Canada’s accounting of NATO defence spending includes billions in non-military expenses, including Coast Guard operations and peacekeeping diplomacy, according to figures tabled in the House of Commons. Blacklock's Reporter says the numbers reveal a broader definition of defence spending as the government works toward meeting NATO’s 2% GDP target by 2032.Among the $6.5 billion in non-military costs counted as defence spending are $3.7 billion annually in pensions and benefits for veterans, $489.1 million for IT services through Shared Services Canada, $343.5 million for diplomatic peacekeeping efforts by the Department of Foreign Affairs, and $337.1 million for the Canadian Coast Guard. An additional $1.2 billion in expenditures by “other government organizations” was also included, though details were withheld for national security reasons.“The Department of National Defence follows the guidelines established by NATO and agreed to by allies regarding a common approach to defining defence expenditures,” said a cabinet response to an Inquiry of Ministry. “Canada is committed to allocating 2 percent of its GDP to defence by 2032.”Conservative MP James Bezan, who requested the spending breakdown, cited NATO’s definition of defence expenditures as payments “specifically to meet the needs of its armed forces or those of its allies.”Prime Minister Justin Trudeau defended the government’s approach, saying, “We are on a clear path to reach 2% in the coming years because we know the world is changing. Canada, along with our allies, needs to be ready for it.”Despite these commitments, Canada is one of eight NATO members that fall short of the alliance’s minimum defence spending requirements. A Parliamentary Budget Office report from October 30 stated that Canada would need to nearly double its projected 2024 defence budget of $41 billion to $81.9 billion by 2032 to meet the target.In addition to funding challenges, Canada’s Armed Forces are understaffed, with nearly 8,000 positions vacant. A separate cabinet inquiry confirmed the Canadian Armed Forces had a regular force strength of 63,622 personnel as of August 31, far below the authorized minimum of 71,500. Conservative MP Pat Kelly, who requested troop data, asked how many new recruits would be needed to close the gap.“For reasons of national security and to protect operational integrity, detailed information from ‘other government organizations’ cannot be provided in an unclassified manner without compromising national security,” the Inquiry added regarding unexplained spending.
