Military to get big boost

The Canadian Military is about to get some big investments.

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada will achieve NATO’s 2 per cent target this year and further accelerate investments in years to follow. The investment for 2025-26 will be over $9 billion.

To begin, there will be better pay for the Canadian Armed Forces, improved recruitment and retention, and investments to support operational readiness, fleet maintenance, security, and infrastructure requirements.

Canada will purchase new aircraft, armed vehicles, and ammunition, as well as support for projects currently underway. We will develop new drones and sensors to monitor the seafloor and the Arctic.

Repair and maintain existing ships, aircraft, and other assets.

More health care funding and staff for Armed Forces personnel.

The Canadian Coast Guard will have an expanded reach, security mandate, and abilities.

Government will also bolster Canada’s defence industrial capacity, building capacity in artificial intelligence, cyber, quantum, and space, and design modern and secure digital infrastructure.

The plan will support key capabilities, including an Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar, Joint Counter-Drone Program, Joint Support Ships, Long-range precision strike capability, increased domestic ammunition production, and additional logistics utility vehicles, light utility vehicles, and armoured vehicles.

Government will also undertake efforts to support veterans.