Canadian PM Downplays US Decision to Suspend Defense Board Activities

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dismissed the significance of a U.S. decision to suspend activities of a bilateral defense board, following American criticism of Canada's defense spending. The suspension came after U.S. officials, including Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, criticized Canada for insufficient progress in increasing its military expenditure. The move reflects ongoing tensions between the North American allies over defense burden-sharing, particularly regarding NATO spending commitments where member countries are expected to allocate at least 2% of GDP to defense. Canada has faced persistent pressure from both the Trump and Biden administrations to boost its defense investments, with the country currently spending below the NATO target despite repeated pledges to increase military funding.