Full Breakdown
U.S. Pauses Participation in the U.S.-Canada Permanent Joint Board on Defense
5/20/2026, 3:06:01 AM
Suspension of the PJBD
On 18 May 2026, U.S. Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby said the Department of Defense would pause its participation in the Permanent Joint Board on Defense (PJBD), the U.S.–Canada advisory forum created in August 1940. The United States cited Canada’s alleged failure to meet defense-commitment targets.
Context and Key Actors
The PJBD, created in 1940, coordinates security such as NORAD. Relations soured after President Donald Trump’s 2025 term, with U.S. accusations of Canadian under-spending. Prime Minister Mark Carney, since March 2025, warned that “middle powers” must unite against “global hegemons.” Actors include Defence Minister David McGuinty, Ambassador Pete Hoekstra, and Rep. Don Bacon.
Defense Spending and Implications
Canada’s 2025 defense budget hit $63.4 billion, meeting NATO’s 2 % of GDP target. The government pledged to raise spending to 5 % of GDP by 2035, with an interim 3.5 % goal. The board’s suspension pressures Canada to finalize the purchase of 88 Lockheed Martin F-35 fighters, critical to North American security.
Official Statements & Responses
Colby said the pause is a reassessment, citing Canada’s “failure to make credible progress on its defense commitments.” Carney, speaking in Quebec, said he would not “overplay the importance” of the board but affirmed “lots of cooperation” will continue. Defence Minister David McGuinty noted Canada’s defense investments and its aim for a 5 % GDP target. Pentagon spokesperson Thomas Crosson offered no further comment.
Criticism & Opposition
Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) called the suspension “nonsensical and counterproductive,” warning it harms a close alliance. Former U.S. defence adviser Imran Bayoumi called the cancellation a “needless provocation” that sends the wrong message to allies.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources disagree on the board’s activity: some report no meetings since 2024, others say it meets multiple times annually. The United States asserts Canada has not met defense-spending commitments, while Canada cites achieving the 2 % GDP target in 2025 and a pledge to reach 5 % by 2035.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A strong Canada that prioritizes hard power over rhetoric benefits us all. Unfortunately, Canada has failed to make credible progress on its defense commitments. DoW is pausing the Permanent Joint Board on Defense to reassess how this forum benefits shared North American defense,” — Elbridge Colby, U.S. Undersecretary of Defense for Policy
- “The middle powers must act together, because if we’re not at the table, we’re on the menu,” — Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada
- “Cooler & wiser brains are needed to preserve a close alliance w/ our neighbor.” — Don Bacon, Republican U.S. Representative (Nebraska)
- “Cancelling it is a needless provocation that sends the wrong message to Ottawa and other U.S. allies,” — Imran Bayoumi, former U.S. defense adviser, Atlantic Council
What’s Next
U.S. and Canadian officials will meet later in 2026 to discuss the USMCA renegotiation and the pending 88-aircraft F-35 purchase. The Pentagon warned that failure to secure the deal could trigger revisions to the NORAD partnership, while both sides say they will maintain broader defense cooperation despite the board’s suspension.
