Canada is bolstering its defense industry as US relations fray. A boom is on for local contractors
TORONTO (AP) — As Canada moves to reduce its dependence on American military suppliers, the push is on display inside a Toronto garment factory. Hunched over sewing machines, two workers rapidly stitch together pieces of…
Canada is actively expanding its defense industry as its relationship with the United States becomes strained. The nation is investing in local contractors to reduce its reliance on American military suppliers. In a garment factory in Toronto, workers are assembling uniforms for the Canadian military, turning fabric into camouflage-patterned helmet covers, and inspecting finished products.
This surge in defense-related activities is indicative of the Canadian government's commitment to bolstering its economic self-sufficiency in the face of deteriorating ties with Washington. Prime Minister Mark Carney's defense industrial strategy includes allocating an additional $60 billion in funding over the next five years, with support for domestic businesses to enter the defense and security supply chains.
Currently, Canada spends between $36 billion and $43 billion annually on national defense. As the U.S. and Canada navigate their evolving relationship, the defense sector is poised to benefit from tens of billions of dollars in extra government funding, driven partly by pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump for Canada to contribute more to NATO.
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