Canadian Prime Minister and Liberal Party leader Mark Carney said on Monday he will push for increasing the country's defense spending to more than 2% of its gross domestic product (GDP) if his party wins general elections set for April 28.
"It's clear, military expenditures will be higher, higher than 2% of our GDP in a few years. Because it's necessary, it's necessary for our safety. But it can be done in a way that elevates our own industries and creates good jobs here in Montreal and across the country," Carney stated at a campaign event.
Furthermore, the prime minister pledged to invest in Canadian industries and materials required for defense management in order to protect the country's "sovereignty in an increasingly dangerous and divided world" and reduce reliance on the United States.