Canada's election prioritizes national defense issues this year

In Canada, national defense is becoming a major issue in the upcoming elections. Typically, topics like the economy and healthcare dominate political campaigns. However, with threats from U.S. President Donald Trump and concerns about national sovereignty, defense is now front and center for many Canadians as they prepare to vote on April 28. Goldie Hyder, the CEO of the Business Council of Canada, has noted that current circumstances are unprecedented. He warns that the issues of national security and the economy are deeply connected. Hyder argues that Canadians need to recognize the seriousness of this moment and that political discussions should reflect that urgency. Canada has struggled to meet NATO's defense spending target of two percent of its GDP. Currently, it stands at 1.37 percent. The Business Council has even called for that target to rise to three percent to bolster military capabilities. Political parties are now competing to pledge to meet NATO goals, though their strategies differ. Analysts believe that the parties must present clear plans for increasing defense spending. Roland Paris from the University of Ottawa emphasizes the need for concrete proposals that align with Canadian security interests. The pressure from Trump has shifted the political landscape, causing both the Liberal and Conservative parties to adopt tougher stances on defense. Despite the urgency, parties must avoid exploiting this issue for political gain. Dave Perry, from the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, warns that voters may no longer accept traditional campaigning tactics in such a critical time. He suggests Canada needs to rethink its defense strategies and develop strong relationships independently of the U.S. As the election approaches, defense spending will likely shape the conversation, and Canadians are watching closely to see how their leaders respond.