Canada declares end to U.S. defence dependency

ALBAWABA- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a sweeping shift in national defence and industrial policy, declaring that “the days of sending 70 per cent of the Canadian military budget to America are completely over.”

Speaking at a national economic conference in Montreal, Carney said Canada would pursue full defence self-reliance, prioritizing domestic procurement and production of military equipment under a new “Buy Canadian” strategy.

“We will make Canada stronger by purchasing the national product,” he said, outlining plans to expand the use of Canadian raw materials such as steel, aluminium, and timber in defence manufacturing.

The announcement marks one of the most significant shifts in Canada’s defence posture in decades, signalling a move away from long-standing procurement dependence on the United States. Officials say future military spending will increasingly be directed toward domestic suppliers to strengthen industrial capacity and supply chain resilience.

Plus de 4 500 libéraux se sont réunis à Montréal cette fin de semaine.

Nous sommes unis dans notre mission, ambitieux pour notre pays, et ensemble, nous bâtissons un Canada fort. pic.twitter.com/vFePg2VEmc

— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) April 12, 2026

Carney’s remarks come amid rising political friction between Ottawa and Washington, including repeated controversial statements by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting closer political integration between the two countries, comments that have drawn strong rejection from Canadian officials and public debate over sovereignty.

In recent weeks, Carney also undertook a high-profile visit to China focused on trade expansion and critical minerals cooperation, moves widely interpreted as part of a broader effort to diversify Canada’s strategic partnerships beyond the United States.

The policy shift could reshape North American defence integration frameworks, including long-standing cooperation under NORAD and NATO structures, although Canadian officials insist the country remains committed to both alliances.