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Canada Pauses Defence Board Over Missing NATO Spending Plan

5/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Undersecretary Elbridge Colby paused Board on Defence, citing Canada’s lack of a NATO-spending plan and not detailing how it will meet NATO’s 3.5% core-defence and 1.5% infrastructure targets nor decide on the F-35 purchase.
Mark Carney said Canada met NATO 2% GDP benchmark, added $80 billion in spending, and has budget $63 billion after a $9.3 billion allocation.
U.S. officials said pause does not affect NORAD operations and urged review of Canada’s F-35.

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Story summary

Undersecretary Elbridge Colby paused Board on Defence, citing Canada’s lack of a NATO-spending plan and not detailing how it will meet NATO’s 3.5% core-defence and 1.5% infrastructure targets nor decide on the F-35 purchase.
Mark Carney said Canada met NATO 2% GDP benchmark, added $80 billion in spending, and has budget $63 billion after a $9.3 billion allocation.
U.S. officials said pause does not affect NORAD operations and urged review of Canada’s F-35.