“The security situation in the world has changed completely since February 24,” Prime Minister Kaya Callas told CBC News Network Power & Politics, referring to the day Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his troops to invade Ukraine. “It’s wise even for those countries that have much better neighbors than us [to] “Think about that,” Callas said to host Vassi Kapelo. “If you look at long-range rockets, they go far enough.” ATTENTION: Estonian PM says defense spending should increase

Estonian PM calls on Canada to hit NATO defense spending target

Estonian Prime Minister Kaya Callas calls on all NATO countries, including Canada, to increase their defense spending to at least 2 percent of national GDP: “The security situation in the world has changed completely since February 24.” 8:28
NATO allies, including Canada, agreed in 2014 to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by 2024. Canada has never achieved this goal and currently spends only 1.39 percent of GDP on defense, according to NATO figures. The Liberal government’s defense spending forecast predicts Canada alone will reach 1.48% by 2024-25. Estonia – a small nation of 1.3 million people bordering Russia – currently spends 2.28 percent of its GDP on defense and has steadily exceeded its 2 percent target since 2014. “I understand that politically there could be disagreements over defense spending. I mean, I would also like to spend more on education and research and development than on defense, but that is the reality we have here,” Callas said. While the Trinto government has not pledged to meet NATO’s goal, Defense Secretary Anita Anand said earlier this month that Canada would spend more on defense. “Why? Because we see the threat environment changing rapidly, but also because the continental defense is a priority for me personally as a minister and for our government,” Anand told CBC Power & Politics. Ministry of Defense Anita Anand says she presents “aggressive choices” that could see Canada’s defense spending exceed NATO’s 2% of GDP target, achieve this 2% target or not: “My role is to present a series of different options for government to consider. ” pic.twitter.com/0iL1cQ6A77 – @ PnPCBC
“I personally suggest aggressive options that we will see [Canada] potentially exceeding the two percent level, reaching the level of two percent and below the level of two percent “, he added. While the government is considering its options, the possibility of approving a budget that meets NATO’s target may be remote. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh – who signed a no-confidence motion with the Liberal government last week – said that while his party supported the increase in defense spending, it opposed the 2% target. “I think it’s an arbitrary number and we should not hit it,” Singh said in an interview with Rosemary Barton Live on Sunday. “But we recognize that our armed forces need some investment. And I have long argued that if we ask our armed forces to do something, they must have the tools to do so.” Of the 30 NATO member states, only four currently spend less on defense as a share of Canada’s GDP: Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain and Slovenia. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland announced on Tuesday that she would present her next budget to the House of Commons on April 7.

Public deal with Liberals will hold them accountable, says NDP leader Jagmeet Singh

The New Democrats will support the Liberal minority government until June 2025 after the signing of a trust and offer agreement. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh talks to Rosemary Barton Live about what his party is getting in support of the government – and what was left out of the pact. 8:28