Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said Thursday (4/7) that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has reminded Canada that peace depends only on defense forces.
“We know freedom doesn’t come free, and peace is only guaranteed by our willingness to fight for it,” Freeland said. AFP.
But despite the additions, Canada’s military budget is only 1.36% of GDP. While NATO’s target for each member is 2% of GDP.
“That’s why this budget makes immediate additional investments in our armed forces and proposes a rapid review of defense policies to equip Canada for a world that is becoming increasingly dangerous,” Freeland added.
According to experts, to achieve NATO objectives, Ottawa will have to spend more on defence, at least 0.5% of GDP.
Freeland said Canada could still close the gap soon, revising its defense policy soon.
Russia launched what it described as a “special military operation” against Ukraine on February 24. Over 4 million people have left Ukraine. 
