|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Canada pledges Ukraine aid, plan to buy submarines as NATO spending questions dog PM
Trudeau set to join other NATO leaders for a dinner hosted by U.S. President Joe Biden as concerns over Biden’s health continue
WASHINGTON — Canada will provide another $500 million in military assistance to Ukraine as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is set have a one-on-one discussion with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the NATO summit in Washington, D.C.
A senior government official speaking on background said Canada will also begin to provide much of Ukraine’s fighter jet pilot training.
Trudeau has been forceful in conversations with NATO allies about the need to stay resolute in their support as the war-ravaged country takes top billing at the three-day summit. But he has also been facing pressure from American politicians who are publicly critical of Canada for falling short of its defence spending commitments.
NATO allies have agreed to spend at least the equivalent of two per cent of their national gross domestic product on defence. Canada’s current spend is around 1.37 per cent.
Trudeau tried to get ahead of the criticism during a speech Tuesday in which he said the Liberal government has been following through on promises to drastically increase defence spending since it came into power.
See Also:
Trudeau Liberals’ laggardly defence spending could cost Canada dearly
Jack’s Note: How can you tell the Libs are lying? Their lips are moving!
