Dayton Reporter

Today, Congressman Mike Turner of Ohio expressed his concerns regarding Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's defense policies in an op-ed published in Newsweek. As Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and Head of the U.S. delegation of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Turner argued that Trudeau poses a significant threat to NATO due to inadequate defense spending.

In 2014, NATO members agreed at the Wales Summit to allocate at least 2 percent of their GDP to national defense. Turner pointed out that Canada ranks 27th out of 32 members in terms of defense spending, allocating only 1.34 percent of its GDP to military expenditures as opposed to the agreed target.

"Regrettably Canada's national defense spending is on the decline," Turner wrote, noting that despite a projected increase to 1.76 percent by 2029, predictions suggest it will reach only 1.42 percent by then.

Turner criticized Trudeau's delays in joining the F-35 Joint-Strike Fighter Jet program, citing it as evidence of Canada's reluctance to contribute adequately to collective security efforts within NATO. He highlighted that "if not for Trudeau's indecision," Canada would have been better equipped today.

The congressman compared current contributions with those during President Trump's administration when more nations met their obligations following his push for increased defense investments. Former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg praised Trump for his commitment to NATO goals, emphasizing that "actions speak louder than words."

Turner underscored that while Trump bolstered NATO commitments, Trudeau has weakened them through insufficient funding and participation: "If every nation took Trudeau's approach, NATO would not exist."

He concluded by warning that critical security threats facing NATO require active participation from all member countries and criticized Canada's lackluster response: "The threat to the stability and security of NATO is not what may happen in Washington this November. It's what's happening in Ottawa today."