Canada’s Defense Cooperation with the US Under Scrutiny
Officials from the Pentagon have reportedly submitted a classified document to Ottawa outlining shared defense priorities with Canada. However, a senior American defense official claims that the Canadian government has not provided a credible response to the document.
This issue is just one of many that are causing tensions in North American defense cooperation, according to high-ranking Pentagon officials.
Another point of contention is the delay by Canada in deciding on the purchase of F-35 fighter jets.
An official from the Trump administration recently spoke candidly to a small group of journalists, mainly Canadians, about relations between Canada and the United States.
A fighter jet F-16. (Archived photo)
Photo: Reuters / US AIR FORCE
The official mentioned that Ottawa’s response to the classified document was an intention to align with US defense positions, but the Trump administration officials were looking for a more concrete plan.
The Minister of Defense, David McGuinty’s office did not respond to inquiries about whether they had received the classified document or how Ottawa had responded.
Alice Hansen, communications director for Mr. McGuinty, stated that Canada has made historic investments in continental defense, Arctic security, and military preparedness.
NATO members agreed to spend the equivalent of 5% of GDP on defense by 2035.
Photo: Getty Images / ROBIN VAN LONKHUIJSEN / AFP
Canada spent $63.4 billion on national defense in 2025, for the first time meeting its commitment to allocate 2% of GDP to defense.
In an email, Ms. Hansen listed defense investments, stating that Canada will spend over $82 billion over five years to enhance Canadian Armed Forces capabilities.
No Credible Plan
Pentagon officials claim that Canada has not presented a credible plan on how it will meet its new defense spending commitments.
Elbridge Colby, US undersecretary of defense for policy, announced the suspension of the permanent Joint Defense Committee to evaluate its contributions to North American defense.
Established in 1940, this committee serves as a consultative forum for bilateral defense cooperation between the US and Canada.
A North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) aircraft intercepts a Russian plane near Alaska.
Photo: X account of NORAD
The Pentagon informed Canada of their expectations regarding collective defense requirements within NORAD, security concerns in the Arctic, and NATO.
However, how Canada fits into the Trump administration’s plans, particularly in the context of the ‘Golden Age’ projects, remains unclear.
Officials criticize Canadian defense spending, noting a lack of clarity in how the country will contribute to North American defense.
This decision is likely linked to the purchase of F-35 fighter jets and the upcoming review of the USMCA trade agreement, experts say.
The Liberal government has yet to make a decision on its F-35 purchase from Lockheed Martin, a decision that has been under political review for over a year.
The Pentagon’s decision to suspend the Joint Defense Committee and critique Canadian defense spending is not without cause.
Washington is concerned about the Canadian government’s slow decision-making process on the full purchase of F-35 fighter jets. (Archived photo)
Photo: AFP / Giuseppe Cacace
Decisions such as these reflect the broader challenges faced in bilateral relations between Canada and the US, highlighting the need for more transparent communication and clear defense commitments.
