The criticisms are not new, but they are increasingly virulent.
“If everyone followed Trudeau’s policies, there would be no more NATO,” said Republican Representative Mike Turner this weekend.
The month before, it was an influential senator who argued that these policies are a greater threat to NATO than Donald Trump.
We know the reason. Canada ranks 27e out of 32 member countries in terms of military spending.
But all this did not prevent the Prime Minister, on Monday, from delivering a vibrant plea in favor of the Alliance in an increasingly dangerous world.
Welcome to reality Justinian of “do as I say, not as I do”.
6 billion babies
In 2014, Canada committed to reaching the target of 2% of its GDP in military spending. However, we will have to wait until at least 2032 to hope to get there.
Too expensive, you might say, when the deficit is already close to $50 billion?
Not really anymore. The Christmas gifts announced last week bear this out.
While the government denies neglecting its international military responsibilities, it allows itself to squander $6.3 billion for a GST holiday and $250 checks.
End of recess
The United States and several allies have long criticized Canada for its laxity in terms of National Defense.
The problem is that this time, Donald Trump has clearly indicated that he is fed up with seeing Canada behave like a “profiteer”.
Will the punishment come in the form of commercial retribution? The idea has certainly been discussed in Washington.
One thing is certain, Canada is ill-equipped to confront global instability.
Unfortunately, the government’s priority lies elsewhere. Ensuring its short-term survival.