In a recent panel discussion, Kelly Craft, the former U.S. ambassador to Canada during Donald Trump's presidency, emphasized that Canada must hurry its defence spending, especially if Trump returns to power in the 2024 elections. Craft's remarks come amid increasing pressure for Canada to fulfill its NATO commitments more rapidly.

“Canada, you can achieve more. I have faith in your capabilities,” Craft asserted during her appearance on CTV's "Question Period," joined by former Canadian ambassador to the U.S., David MacNaughton.

After years of external encouragement, Canada finally committed to reaching NATO's target of 2% of its GDP on defence by 2032—a deadline that many see as too far off. Originally, NATO members were expected to meet this target by 2024 but Canada's procrastination meant it was isolated among allies without a feasible plan until Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's announcement last summer.

Despite the pressure taken off by this new timeline, only 23 out of NATO's 32 member countries are on track to meet the original 2024 goal. Notably, prior to the commitment, Canada was the only NATO nation without a definitive strategy for achieving the required spending.

Craft highlighted that stronger defence investments are crucial, particularly in maintaining collective security against rising threats from nations like Russia and China. The protection of Canada's Arctic territories adds a layer of urgency, as these regions have become increasingly contested.

In her experience, Craft noted that fostering a strong internal capacity will yield a more reliable alliance with the United States. "When you bolster yourself, you will encounter no greater ally than the U.S. under a Trump administration, given our shared history," she remarked.

According to a recent report from the parliamentary budget officer, if Canada is to meet its defence goals, it would need to double its current military budget. This significant increase would necessitate serious political reevaluation, as per Canadian Global Affairs Institute's president David Perry.

MacNaughton echoed the sentiment for more immediate action, stating, "While it's essential to discuss financial targets, what I yearn for is tangible dedication to being a dependable defence partner—not just commitments for 2032 or beyond, but actions now."

When questioned about Trump's past comments threatening the U.S.'s potential withdrawal from NATO and why Canada should heed his recommendations regarding military spending, Craft defended him, claiming he recognizes the value of NATO. "Trump expects nations to contribute fairly," she stated, asserting that his approach is that of a negotiator aware of international dependencies.

Furthermore, the discussion extended to the upcoming review of the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) set for 2026, with Craft and MacNaughton noting that both Trump and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris have indicated support for reassessing and potentially modernizing the agreement.

As the geopolitical landscape continuously evolves, this dialogue on defence spending is becoming increasingly critical. Will Canada heed the warning and ramp up its commitment to NATO, or will it wait too long? The implications for Canadian security and international relations are monumental.