Canada Prime Minister Carney Signals Shift Away From US Defense Reliance

Mark Carney vowed to end the era of Ottawa sending 70 cents of every military dollar to the US, pushing for strategic autonomy amid trade tensions and annexation threats. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks during the 2026 Liberal National Convention in Montreal, Canada, on April 11, 2026. (Photo by ANDREJ IVANOV / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney has signaled a major transformation in the country’s defense policy, pledging to reduce Ottawa’s heavy reliance on US military procurement. Speaking at a Liberal Party convention in Montreal on Saturday, April 11, Carney addressed a packed room of supporters, framing the shift as a matter of national sovereignty. “The days of Canada’s military sending 70 cents of every dollar to the US are over,” Carney said to a standing ovation. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . The Prime Minister has repeatedly characterized the current spending model as an unsustainable structural issue. According to the Prime Minister’s office, more than 70% of Canada’s military capital spending currently flows to US suppliers. Carney argued that Canada must now diversify its defense partnerships and strengthen domestic capabilities to navigate a rapidly changing global order. PM Carney says the days of sending 70 cents of every dollar in military spending to the United States are over and gets a standing ovation pic.twitter.com/mW6MgLjYwQ The push for strategic autonomy follows a year of heightened tensions, as the Carney government was formed in the shadow of a trade war and threats of annexation from US President Donald Trump . While the US House recently voted to reject certain tariffs on Canadian goods, Trump has maintained a hardline stance, frequently using emergency economic powers to justify duties on Canadian autos, steel, and aluminum. The shift in defense messaging also coincides with a growing public debate over Canada’s international alliances. A recent poll by Spark Advocacy revealed that 25% of Canadians support joining the European Union , while 58% believe the idea deserves closer consideration. Although Carney has ruled out EU membership, Ottawa has been deepening cooperation with the bloc through new defense agreements. Other Topics of Interest Trump Warns of ‘Big Problems’ if China Supplies Weapons to Iran US President Donald Trump threatened Beijing with severe consequences following intelligence reports that China is preparing to deliver air defense systems to Tehran during the ceasefire. As Carney prepares for three critical byelections that could secure a majority government for the Liberals, his “Canada strong” agenda emphasizes sovereignty in the face of US economic pressure. Beyond trade, the Prime Minister noted that advancements in artificial intelligence and the joint US-Israeli military campaign in the Middle East are further driving the need for a “transformational” approach to Canadian security. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.