Prime Minister Justin Trudeau advised North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) officials Canada will never meet its defence spending target, according to a leaked secret Pentagon assessment..“Widespread defence shortfalls hinder Canadian capabilities while straining partner relationships and alliance contributions,” said the document obtained by the Washington Post on Wednesday..The document said Canada’s widespread military deficiencies are harming ties with security partners and allies..It said defence shortfalls led the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to determine in February it could not conduct a major operation while maintaining aid to Ukraine and NATO leadership to Latvia. The situation was unlikely to change without a shift in public opinion..Canada and the United States share responsibility for defending North America as partners in the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). The American government has long pressed Canada to boost its spending on defence and speed up plans to upgrade military capabilities and infrastructure in the Arctic, where officials in the two countries warn Russia and China are being more assertive..But the document — part of a collection of classified material leaked to Discord and allegedly provided by a member of the Massachusetts National Guard — shows new insight into disapproval and concern in the US and beyond about Canadian defence policy and priorities..It noted Germany is concerned about whether the CAF can continue to aid Ukraine while meeting its NATO pledges. Turkey is disappointed by Canada’s refusal to support the transportation of humanitarian aid after an earthquake in February, and Haiti is frustrated by its reluctance to lead a multinational security mission to the country..Canada provided more than $1 billion of military aid to Ukraine since February. The CAF trained more than 36,000 Ukrainian military and security personnel since 2015 and leads a NATO battle group in Latvia..The document went on to say some NATO members are concerned Canada has not increased the number of personnel deployed to Latvia, despite a pledge last year to do so. NORAD found the CAF lacks “significant Arctic capabilities, and modernization plans have not materialized despite multiple public statements.”.A Pentagon spokesperson declined to address the contents of the assessment. He called Canada “much more than an exemplary neighbor; it is a reliable friend and a steadfast ally.” .“For more than a century, the United States and Canada have stood shoulder to shoulder protecting our homelands, building a secure and prosperous North America, upholding democracy and defending freedom around the world,” said the spokesperson..“We will continue to stand together in support of those values.”.NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on April 4 Finland will become the 31st member of the organization..READ MORE: NATO accepts Finland as newest member.“I am deeply proud to welcome Finland as a full-fledged member of our alliance, and I look forward to also welcoming Sweden as soon as possible,” said Stoltenberg..He welcomed Finnish President Sauli Niinisto to NATO Headquarters for a flag-raising ceremony to mark the country’s acceptance.
