Canada Reduces Military Dependence on the US, Carney: The Era of 70 Cents per Dollar is Over

JAKARTA - Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has confirmed that his country will reduce its long-term dependence on the United States in military spending and procurement, while strengthening the domestic defense industry and expanding global partnerships.

"The days when our military sent 70 cents out of every dollar to the United States are over," Carney said in a speech at the Liberal Party's national convention in Montreal, Saturday, April 13, quoted via Anadolu, Sunday, April 14.

The speech was met with a standing ovation from the participants. Carney emphasized the importance of economic sovereignty and national unity, while outlining the government's plan to prioritize domestic raw materials and labor in future strategic projects.

"We will build a strong Canada with Canadian steel, Canadian aluminum, Canadian wood, and Canadian workers," he said.

He also highlighted the rising trade tensions with Washington, including the tariffs imposed under the Donald Trump administration, which he called a direct threat to Canadian economic interests.

According to Carney, the "Buy Canadian" policy will be an important instrument to strengthen the national industrial community, create jobs, and reduce dependence on external markets.

The Canadian government also targets to double non-US exports in the next 10 years, in line with its strategy of diversifying trade and defense partners.

The move comes after the US Trade Representative's Office criticized Canada's procurement approach and assessed that the policy could potentially disrupt bilateral trade flows.

Through its latest defense industry strategy, Ottawa targets 70 percent of defense contracts to be awarded to domestic companies, while strengthening defense cooperation with the European Union and the United Kingdom.

Currently, almost half of Canada's defense production is exported, with about 69 percent of it still flowing to the US and Five Eyes partners.

The Five Eyes is an intelligence alliance consisting of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, which has been known as the world's most closely knit intelligence-sharing network.