Mark Carney declared at the Liberal Party convention in Montreal that Canada will no longer channel the majority of its defence spending toward the United States, signaling a major policy shift.
Carney’s speech, widely circulated across social media and met with a standing ovation, emphasized economic sovereignty and national unity as core pillars of Canada’s evolving defence and industrial strategy. Carney says era of sending “70 cents of every dollar” to U.S. military is over.
He stressed that Canada’s future growth would rely on domestic strength, highlighting Canadian steel, aluminum, timber, and workers as central to building a more self-reliant and resilient national economy.
The prime minister outlined a “Buy Canadian” policy aimed at increasing the share of domestic firms in defence contracts to 70 percent, marking a significant push to localize production.
Carney also pledged to double Canada’s non-U.S. exports over the next decade, reflecting a broader effort to diversify trade partnerships and reduce economic dependence on Washington.
Tensions between Canada and the United States have grown in recent years, particularly during the administration of Donald Trump, whose tariffs targeted key Canadian industries.
Canada’s defence sector has historically been closely tied to the U.S., with significant spending flowing south, prompting long-standing debates over sovereignty and economic independence.
Carney’s strategy signals a decisive pivot toward domestic industrial strength and diversified global partnerships, as Ottawa seeks to safeguard its economy and assert greater independence in defence policy.