Prime Minister Mark Carney announced this week Canada will reach the NATO defence spending target of 2% of GDP this fiscal year, marking the first time since 1990 the country has hit this milestone. The move will cost roughly $20 billion more.New data from the Angus Reid Institute shows Canadians largely back the plan to spend 2% of GDP on defence. About half (51%) say Canada should spend to this level, while 17% support spending even more — a figure that has doubled since March 2024 amid rising concerns over U.S. reliability.Carney said Canada will change how it spends on the armed forces and will participate in the “ReArm Europe” initiative alongside other countries. While some worry this could affect the U.S. relationship, 60% of Canadians prefer shifting defence cooperation toward Europe rather than relying heavily on the U.S. Only 23% favor staying closely aligned with the U.S., with 16% undecided.However, a higher defence target of 5% of GDP, recently suggested by some including former U.S. President Donald Trump, finds less support. Nearly half (47%) say 5% is too high and would divert funds from other priorities, though 36% would still support aiming for this mark. NATO is expected to consider a similar target later this month.Support for increased defence spending varies by political party. Among Conservative voters, 52% back the 2% target and 24% want to spend more. Among Liberals, 56% agree with the current plan while only 15% support spending above 2%. New Democrats and Bloc Québécois voters show less enthusiasm, though a majority still support spending 2% or more.Regarding how to pay for the increased defence budget, 62% of Canadians say the government should cut other programs, while 9% want to raise income taxes and another 9% prefer running higher deficits.Half of those supporting the 2% target are confident the Liberal government can strengthen Canada’s military, but 59% of those wanting to spend more doubt the government will deliver on that promise.
