I agree. This isn't acceptable. This might be selfish of me, but should we be putting the US on blast for their poor COVID response? Canada burned a lot of money to keep our economy afloat and people alive. USA economies of scale and a bigger buffer to keep their economy alive. I feel we should be over 2% to play catch up in the future. But maybe in 2 years wouldn't be unreasonable?
As a Canadian. I think Canada needs to do more for defense. I have always believed this and we used to do a lot for defense when we had our last prime minister. But our current prime minister doesn't seem to think it's really important. We have some of the best trained soldiers in the world. And we need more.
From USA: Agreed. When push has come to shove Canada has always fielded a first class force, often outperforming US and European counterparts. Their contributions in WWI and II are excellent examples of this where they often led the way. They always answer the call with courage, determination and professionalism. That said, those qualities depend on public support to give their best. No force can do much if the tools aren't there, are out of date, and/or allowed to fall into disrepair. The Germans are learning that one right now, along with the heavy cost of playing catch-up vs. sustained maintenance. Canada need not repeat the mistake.
Okie, so are you ready to pay higher taxes to hit the above 2 per cent targets? Because there's really not much the feds can cut on to free up more fiscal space, as our population ages.
@@dvsmappleNot when a lot of the money needed is going to other “pet” projects that hold no fruit, sending and producing military equipment to Ukraine, and the government that is known to fall short of its promises or just outright not follow up on them. The money is there, it’s just they aren’t willing to actually give it to the military.
@@grefire1947 except for the fact it’s the National Defence that just can’t spend those money abs has to rolls over existing funds, since they just don’t have enough people for pretty much anything. Which a government can really do very little about other than institute a universal conscription. Remember how that played out?
We totally deserve the criticism. Military spending and procurement is a total embarrassment. It's obvious that we either have our heads in the sand, we're wrongly depending on the US to save us - or both.
The US has a high military budget than we have a GDP. We have the largest land border in the world. If anyone attacks us the USA would step in and protect us. If the USA would ever attack us they would stomp us in like a month
I don't mind women in th3 military as long as they meet the same requirements as the men, which yes, would mean like 5% of women would be qualified. But 5% is more reasonable then lower quality
We have never spent enough for what our troops have provided. We do spend a lot of money on other things, like the PM budget and all the travel expenses for public officials. Put them in economy and the senators can complain about warm Brie and broken crackers, we could provide a brigade.
after spending trillions of dollars fighting barefoot empty stomach farmers of deserts and mountains AND still losing to them?! if you wanna point fingers for your failures, point them to yourself please and thank you
while I agree that the US will eventually come for our water there's no level of funding that we could implement that would prevent it... plus we have staffing problems as it is
@@KMCA779 Maybe you're right. However what Viet Nam, Afghanistan, and the Ukraine teach us is that, a people who will not surrender, are very hard to beat. I know this doesn't mean much these days, but Canada has never lost a war, and not many battles.
@@gra6649 only difference is if America invaded Canada tomorrow the country would be in U.S occupation very quickly. Ontario bordered by several states. It would be taken over in a few days.
He's right to be upset. Canada is part of NATO, NATO has a 2% of GDP spending on defence requirement, that all countries need to abide by, Canada never gets close to spending 2%, but the U.S. overwhelmingly upholds their end of the deal.
@@afghanarand9329 yeah but the US also aggravates every other country and provokes wars which end up spend and wasting a large majority of said budget I can't remember the last war Canada started? the "Mahdist War (1881-1899)" is what came up on google erg those darn Canadians and their peaceful ways.
Canada is part of NATO and it is falling behind on its spending % obligation which is why he can say this. That aside.... he is a retired general, what should I care.
We shouldn't even be engaging in warmongering a slim, effective defensive force is all a modern nation needs unless it's engaging in alliances of aggression (NATO)
NATO is a defense pact, article 5 states "an attack on a member state is considered an attack on all states", which means if any NATO state is attacked we go to war, the combined military power of NATO is a deterrence. NATO is not a offensive force, NATO had nothing to do with Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya etc...
Good job, Mr. Fernandes. With just a moment on the keyboard you know more than a life-long professional who has dedicated his life to defending our way of life. You don't have to look far to find real warmongers. This guy isn't one. He is, in fact, the opposite.
If I want to belong to a club and the cost is 10.00, I can't pay 8.00 and belong. The Liberals keep saying that we are spending money on Norad, nothing to do with NATO. Latvia spends a higher percentage of GDP than Canada, as does Croatia, Estonia and Poland. The Liberals stated that Canada is 6th in spending when it comes to NATO, yes cash wise but its NOT 2%, of course smaller countries are going put in a smaller total amount because their GDP is smaller. When it comes to percentage Canada is not in the top 10 by GDP.
(as a general rule)Civilians - across the board - won't grasp the necessity of having a bigger stick until hair/teeth/eyeballs are charging straight at them
Now we see why they increased the tax and food n gas costs these are products we produce they need to spend more money on weapons so they tax us to keep their profits up
There is an international agreement between the NATO alliance members to dedicate 2% of GDP to defence spending in order to meet the commitments of being a member of NATO. This is no different than short paying your rent. Canada has failed to live up to a signed agreement.
@@CannonFodder873 What does it matter if we meet GDP or not? NATO collectively eclipses the rest of the world times over in military spending. For a defensive alliance sure looks like all they do is provoke abd prepare for wars.
This is a tough but fair critique of Canada's contribution to NATO. The state of Canada's armed forces is pathetic and its procurement of modern weapons, planes, ships has been woefully inadeauate. Canada must meet its 2% GDP commitment, and really should be looking at moving to 3% within 5 years.
@@a.r1832 the northwest passage says so when it melts and becomes a great opportunity and a great threat if we let people take advantage of us and don’t have a strong navy to protect it. You do realize that Russia is actually close to us right? It’s literally across the arctic and when the sea ice melts that coastline becomes somewhere of possible invasion
@@a.r1832 do you realize Turkey how big Turkish military is. They have the best drones, S-400(from Russia), largest user of F-16 after USA, have almost 2000 tanks, have a submarine fleet of 29 subs, they have one small carrier and 14 military bases in foreign countries.
Military spending is the 3rd most important thing in a country and we fall short of NATO recommendations which is 2% of our gdp we should be spending around 2.5-5% gdp
It's called defense spending. Canada can't spend $0 on defense and expect the U.S. or other NATO countries to save them if attacked. That is WRONG. Every country needs to spend money to exist.
Lets be perfectly clear. The state of California, 39.35 million (2020) has more people in it than all of Canada, 38.4 million (2022). could any state in the US even come close to what Canada has done or is doing? not even close. could California defend spend for Canada? not a chance. Canada does an excellent job in the world considering our population and resources. We could still do better. Most Americans are entirely ignorant about politics and what it takes to manage a country. look at present day. The general should stay retired, his opinion is lacking and found wanting. The US starts or instigates most global conflicts along with Russia. They create these situations. fix them yourself. If you cant, then let Canada do what it is continuing to do. the best we can. jeezuz
Objectively false. Australia has 10 million less people than we do and has a very modern and competent navy; meanwhile ours cant even protect arctic sovereignty. If California had to create its own military it would blow ours out of the water figuratively and literally. The truth is if we are to continue to leech off NATO and having the US protect us from foreign threat, then 1) we have to increase our military spending as per our NATO agreement, and 2) have a competent enough armed forces to protect the US's northern flank (anybody even remember NORAD)? It's not even about spending more to go messing with other countries but about not even spending enough to fulfill our basic obligations to our allies.
I would be interested to know if retired Lieutenant-General Hodges has any ties to the American military industrial complex, ie does he personally benefit if American arms are bought to supply NATO Allie.s
If you make $50k a year and go in with a friend on a vacation and the friend is nice enough being he makes $500k to pay 90% and then you personally decide sorry i don’t wanna pay 10% i want to pay only 5% of the whole trip… that is canada stop freedloading buddy
General Hodges would do well to remember that on a per capita basis Canada does a much higher percentage of the fighting and dying than most NATO counterparts, 2 good examples are ww1 and ww2 which Canada was in the fray 2 years before the United states in both wars.....so it seems disingenuous to call out Canada as a laggard in NATO, we are one of the founding members and frankly we are as weary as the American taxpayers of repeatedly cleaning up European messes.....
I never thought I'd be ashamed of being Canadian. Refusal to fund our military adequately, pathetic support of Ukraine, truckers desecrating our flag and the removal of proper dress and deportment are an absolute disgrace. I got out of the army in 2020 ... I'm glad I did .....
It's like our government doesn't want us to be proud of the Canadian military. The got rid of a perfect plane like the arro then kept delaying the f35 for years
There is no choice? Do you guys see that? Who would want that guy as president? Sounds like he doesn't know about options. Peacefull options. Get a grip!
Obviously, we have been spreading cash on sponsorship deals internally. We Canadians are under the impression that US will do all the work to defend us spoiled kids. Right?
Defend us? Who's attacking us? The majority of the Canadian army is designed to support other nations. For quite some time it's mainly to back U.S. efforts/disruptions in the world. - we should not be more like these conflict-driven countries (U.S.) that lack in so many other areas on their base land.
@@daniels7832 US acts as deterrence to Russia attacking us, without US Russia can easily take over 1 of our islands like Crimea and fire ballistic missiles like North Korea.
I dunno much about the Ukrainian conflict donation spending but I know the Canadian government is right on the ball at making sure they ask for every single penny back that they gave out to citizens during the pandemic. Our government is like a guy that gives you some cash and says think nothing of it, I’m here for you man, what are friends for? …then 2 years later is repeatedly trying to reach you like, hey remember when I gave you that cash 2 years ago, yeah, I need all of that back now.
Ukraine could win this war quickly if we actually supplied them instead of sending just enough to turn it into a meatgrinder. If Ukraine goes down, the "free" countries will have some real soul searching to do. The not-so-free countries will learn some lessons as well.
I wish we lived in a world without war, despots and autocrats, etc., but obviously we do not. We need NATO and NORAD and we definitely heavy criticism for our lack of commitment and leaving the rest of NATO countries to pay more. It's a disgrace how little we as rich country contribute.
@Philip B No one is saying that Canada should spend a fortune, minimum of 2% GDP needs to be spent on the military, this has nothing to do with the U.S this has to do with the rest of the nations.
@@twocansams6335 as the largest military industry on Earth, this has everything to do with the US. This is a tax placed on Canada for 2% of our GDP to be spent on American arms manufacturing. The only time we use those weapons is when the US orders us to attack to serve US interests.
If Canada needs to increase the defense budget then increase the pay of our soldiers and pensions of our veterans. Our 2% of GDP commitment can be achieved overnight.
@@stevehouston2053 Russia's economy was undervalued, and even now as the strongest currency and one of the strongest economies of this year, it's still severely undervalued.
@@theangrycanuck8331 Prior to the invasion the Ruble was at 0.017 of the Canadian dollar. Today the Ruble is 0.025. I wouldn't call the Ruble one of the strongest currencies. I can't see the how Russian economy is strong when over 1,000 foreign companies have reduced, suspended, or ceased operations in Russia.
Chill guys we don't need no flashy guns or aircrafts we got the lgbtdiversity squad. We've essentially established our role as future undefeated champions of the world.
Canada is not like the USA, who goes around the world imposing their ideals and ways on any country that does not conform. We do not need 800 military bases around the world and we do not like to live with the level of violence the USA has at home. Our way of life is different for the most part. He should mind his own affairs within his own country.
Canadians really out here thinking they will survive the next century being “kind”. You literally only exist because Britain went on a worldwide conquering spree. If you can’t show capability to defend yourself 95% chance you’ll get absorbed into the states because of your inability to realize and protect the value of your land for the future.
People are quick to get their panties in a bunch... I think it is good advice. I guess we know everything, and have nothing to learn though?? Have we not seen enough incompetence these last years to assume, we, as a Country could do better?
@@titusmccarthy You will once we get invaded and the rest of NATO refuses to help us for not pulling our weight and that’s bad because we wouldn’t even be well equipped enough to fight for ourselves and honestly the U.S. could invade us one day for our water and we’d be wiped out easy and you’d be caring a lot and crying you submissive little BlTCH.
Well, I applied to join the Canadian Military 4 years ago and I did well on the CFAT test and they never got back to me. Still waiting for the call to move to the next step. I made several calls to follow up and I even visited their recruiting center multiple times at 4900 Yonge Street. The last time I physically checked in with them was on May 10th of 2023. I was told that they are yet to proceed to the next step, security clearance. It looks like they only proceed to the next step when you physically show up.
Roughly 60 years of neglect and a request to upgrade; that's two tasks that need to be corrected at the same time. It's not going to be easy, and it can't be fixed cheaply.
Good more more more pressure. Canadas government has been leaving canada and its allies vulnerable since the 1970s. Canada use to be a top Military Navy Airforce Power. And considering Canada is a wealthy country surrounded by 3 oceans a world power. Canada should spend minimum 2 percent GDP if not more. Theres no excuse for canada to not be in the top 10 most powerful military airforce navies. No excuse.
Not many people respect the military in Canada... we are so priviledged here that most people don't even understand why we have a military.... you barely get a free coffee on remembrance day here. When a canadian military member goes to the US for like fleet week, they get free stuff all over the place. Even random people will buy them dinner if they find out they are in the Canadian military. Very rare to have someone respect military members here in Canada... because of this the government does not put in enough funding.
We may not spend 2%, but our members can dye their long hair pink, have face tattoos, and wear a gender approved uniform. A former Armed Forces member.
EU is an old Man now (not many young people ) ..and knows it too. EU must start negotiatons with Russia . ....eventually that will happen ,after many poor young Ukrainian men have died and young Ukrainian women abused /used in EU So Sad and Shame on EU
Just once i wish Canadians would hear the message, we need to be able to defend our sovereignty here in Canada and implement our foreign policy you can't do that with out a capable military. we have ridden the pines for decades, it is time to grow up, and get back our voice on the world stage that others will listen to a voice that is respected and pulling it's weight in our defensive pacts.
@TheRain Countries can't just "invade". Everything has a start and end, if there is a chance of being invaded, it was provoked or at the very least, discernable from the affairs taking place.
we should increase our military spending but only after eliminating all deficets, all debt and only after eliminating inflation, unemployment and stagnant wages. and even then we shouldn't be part of NATO we should have a strong standing army within our own country, not abroad that is used in times of emergencies like floods and forest fires the military should also be teaching people gun safety and be training standing militias to deter and resist invasion. that is what our military should be, not an imperialist force responsible for war crimes and training foreign fascists.
@@Farner49 well to start with Canada has signed onto many defensive pacts, such as NATO, NORAD, and 5 eyes, to name a few we have a responsibility to other nations to have a military capable of operations. nobody is saying you have to serve there are plenty of Canadians willing to do that for you. And although you don't understand the reason why does not mean it is wrong.
Didn't we just authorize the sending of new equipment that was destined for the Canadian Armed Forces, now it's going to Ukraine!! If it's anything like what happened in Afghanistan the Russians will possess this equipment soon.
Well, since no one is looking to attack Canada since we're so far away from the world and not really stepping on toes, I'd say any contribution is a bargain. Our real contribution is access to our land and air. Could we give more? Sure. But let's not kid ourselves that we SHOULD be contributing less as we get less out of NATO. If we only give $1 that's $1 more than we'll ever cost
@@uknow1994 Yet in practice countries consistently invade their neighbours not people across oceans. Also ICBMs aren't exactly going to be stopped by us paying for a few tanks. Or are you saying we should be building our own ICBMs as a deterrent to others?
Wow are all Canadians so selfish and lazy? One reason Canada doesn't get attacked is because it expects the U.S. to defend it and most countries know this. Start paying for your own defense. We are sick of you leeches
@@ZeeZee9 Yeah we never really asked you to do any of that and American hegemony hasn't been done at a financial loss. You guys are fine and no one is cheating you. Hell even f Canada left NATO the US would now have to defend the longest single boarder with another country on earth. The only people to have ever attacked Canada is you. We're the most risk-free military partner a person could ask for with land access greater than anyone but Russia. Calm down.
@@brasssnacks8413 There is a financial loss when partners won't pay their own way. And then brag about all the wonderful social services they have while poor Americans are struggling. Also, you keep missing the point that Canada pays less for their own defense because it assumes U.S. will protect it. Your leaders are on record saying this. Bye, clown.
Ya NATO and the U.S can be as pissed as they want. It's are tax dollars and ultimately what happens if we say enough is enough and walk away from NATO. we must put the needs of the taxpayers first not NATO as the taxpayers are the ones who finance everything
We are embarrassed, there are no other words. We know the 2% and our PM at one point said "we give in other ways" which is doublespeak for..."we are not holding up our agreement." We must correct this immediately, our partners deserve it and our military personnel who are defending us with questionable, dated equipment deserve so much better. We once had a well-invested military, now countries with 5 million population embarrass us. Time to step up and do our fair share.
@Bruce Banner Bruce you raise some thought provoking thoughts for consideration, thank you kindly for taking time to contribute. It causes me to reflect and evaluate. I did check with the Fraser Institute on military spending vs GDP in Canada, since 1986. It too is startling in its objective presentation of Canada's spending ratios. One wouldn't want to anger Bruce Banner :)
@Bruce Banner Bruce, I respect your passion on a very difficult conversation. I have limited exposure to the actual state of our military - though I have done some training (volunteered my time and skills) to provide training on two bases and have had conversation with a base commander and serving members. I must defer to peer-reviewed documentation as it levels our field of discussion otherwise it is a caustic forum most often. I wish you well in your journey, stay safe!
@Bruce Banner I see you are passionate about this topic. I think that is wonderful. Never lose your passion. I recall the Canadian purchase of the "useable" British diesel subs (outdated at time of purchase and as anticipated, after a long overhaul a fire broke out and members were injured and one died. The attempt to purchase the used outdated jets from Australia were another example os fiscal mismanement or "band aid" repair. Our helos are outdated and tanks mothballed because we couldnt service them. These are my concerns, along with decreasing troop strength. I note Germany has committed a 300% increase in military spending. Look at Finland's commitment with a fraction of our population. So, as stated, a thorough review of related pop and GDP on a peer-reviewed platform (articles that have met a standard of accuracy) should be the foundation for further discourse. I wish we didnt have so spend a dime on war, but that is not realistic in our current climate. Best regards, pleasure having an adult discussion on such an important topic. Stay safe
@Bruce Banner Bruce, I think your enthusiasm is noteworthy and engaging. I wish you continued success in your cursosry review. I would live to sit and chat in person, I am based in London. Let me know, I am willing to buy the first round. As always, have a great day, and stay safe. If you wish to forward me your peer-reviewed sourced prior to our meet, I would be happy to review them. I am based in North London and can recommend several eateries. This week work for you?
Take a number, everyone is pissed at Canada, Including the Canadians
I agree. This isn't acceptable.
This might be selfish of me, but should we be putting the US on blast for their poor COVID response?
Canada burned a lot of money to keep our economy afloat and people alive. USA economies of scale and a bigger buffer to keep their economy alive.
I feel we should be over 2% to play catch up in the future. But maybe in 2 years wouldn't be unreasonable?
@@RonsarLo lolololol
Not true, Canadians want independence but everyone you speak to doesnt want to spend money on the military, ya can thave both,
the world hates canada n now the world wants canada to save them again....i hope camada leaves nato
You are partly right; Canadians are upset but, rest assured we are not at Canada.
I didn't hear him do any blasting really. He spoke honestly and respectfully. He also was quite complementary to Canadian service members.
He was saying it nicely. We have awesome soldiers but not that good equipment
As a Canadian. I think Canada needs to do more for defense. I have always believed this and we used to do a lot for defense when we had our last prime minister. But our current prime minister doesn't seem to think it's really important. We have some of the best trained soldiers in the world. And we need more.
From USA: Agreed. When push has come to shove Canada has always fielded a first class force, often outperforming US and European counterparts. Their contributions in WWI and II are excellent examples of this where they often led the way. They always answer the call with courage, determination and professionalism.
That said, those qualities depend on public support to give their best. No force can do much if the tools aren't there, are out of date, and/or allowed to fall into disrepair. The Germans are learning that one right now, along with the heavy cost of playing catch-up vs. sustained maintenance. Canada need not repeat the mistake.
Don't we have 8000 or 9000 unvaccinated military personnel who were not allowed to fight or claim benefits?
Okie, so are you ready to pay higher taxes to hit the above 2 per cent targets? Because there's really not much the feds can cut on to free up more fiscal space, as our population ages.
@@dvsmappleNot when a lot of the money needed is going to other “pet” projects that hold no fruit, sending and producing military equipment to Ukraine, and the government that is known to fall short of its promises or just outright not follow up on them. The money is there, it’s just they aren’t willing to actually give it to the military.
@@grefire1947 except for the fact it’s the National Defence that just can’t spend those money abs has to rolls over existing funds, since they just don’t have enough people for pretty much anything. Which a government can really do very little about other than institute a universal conscription. Remember how that played out?
We totally deserve the criticism. Military spending and procurement is a total embarrassment. It's obvious that we either have our heads in the sand, we're wrongly depending on the US to save us - or both.
Canada sends its money to Ukraine instead ... 😂😂😂
The US has a high military budget than we have a GDP. We have the largest land border in the world. If anyone attacks us the USA would step in and protect us. If the USA would ever attack us they would stomp us in like a month
@@dappercanuck6895 Thank you, stop playing soldier and fix the deteriorating social services
@@reason8439 Canada couldn't even provide its own soldiers with air support in Afghanistan........
@@dappercanuck6895 You do understand that Canada was involved in friendly fire incidents that resulted in fatalities as well?
25 years ago i thought how good it would be to have women in government.. boy was i wrong..
Trudeau identifies as a woman now?
Based
I don't mind women in th3 military as long as they meet the same requirements as the men, which yes, would mean like 5% of women would be qualified. But 5% is more reasonable then lower quality
We have never spent enough for what our troops have provided. We do spend a lot of money on other things, like the PM budget and all the travel expenses for public officials. Put them in economy and the senators can complain about warm Brie and broken crackers, we could provide a brigade.
Canada is delinquent in most ways. Well deserved criticism
Most ways?
after spending trillions of dollars fighting barefoot empty stomach farmers of deserts and mountains AND still losing to them?! if you wanna point fingers for your failures, point them to yourself please and thank you
You do understand that the ANA/ANP didn't do their jobs?
💯
@@Farner49 How about yourself, can you comprehend that the ANA/ANP didn't do their jobs?
Explain how we lost?
@@hairydude4020 they cant beacuse they never worked with them.
I condemn the US for spending too much on defense and not enough on public healthcare.
Somebody has to protect Europe because they spend too much on public healthcare.
you must be a canadian free loader
@@ednamanderville4569 You must be an American warmonger and Darwin Award winner.
They spend more money on heath care then canada does , just not in the same way
@@jesusmarin95 how much does the USA spend on “public healthcare”?
It's true we need to spend more money on defence to protect us when the US comes for our water.
while I agree that the US will eventually come for our water there's no level of funding that we could implement that would prevent it... plus we have staffing problems as it is
@@KMCA779 Maybe you're right. However what Viet Nam, Afghanistan, and the Ukraine teach us is that, a people who will not surrender, are very hard to beat. I know this doesn't mean much these days, but Canada has never lost a war, and not many battles.
@@gra6649 if you think Canada would even have the slightest chance against the greatest military power that ever lived you are out to lunch my friend.
@@giuseppegnazzo3154 I’ll bet you that’s exactly what Putin thought.
@@gra6649 only difference is if America invaded Canada tomorrow the country would be in U.S occupation very quickly. Ontario bordered by several states. It would be taken over in a few days.
I didn't hear him blast anybody
Stop slacking Canada , pay your 2% of GDP as you promised you would in 2014 period....
Retired general wants more defence spending, holy cow good thing Im sitting down hearing this bombshell
Haha, this made me giggle thank you.
And we are in luck, he happened to sell weapons!
He's right to be upset. Canada is part of NATO, NATO has a 2% of GDP spending on defence requirement, that all countries need to abide by, Canada never gets close to spending 2%, but the U.S. overwhelmingly upholds their end of the deal.
@@afghanarand9329 yeah but the US also aggravates every other country and provokes wars which end up spend and wasting a large majority of said budget I can't remember the last war Canada started? the "Mahdist War (1881-1899)" is what came up on google erg those darn Canadians and their peaceful ways.
@@afghanarand9329 Canada shouldn't be in NATO
Like who we fighting, yall decided to take over the world and dont dragg us into your mess.
Well said
It's called defense spending to prevent getting attacked, you melt
The US has no role to accuse others of falling short, they can start by looking after their own people.
Canada is part of NATO and it is falling behind on its spending % obligation which is why he can say this. That aside.... he is a retired general, what should I care.
We shouldn't even be engaging in warmongering a slim, effective defensive force is all a modern nation needs unless it's engaging in alliances of aggression (NATO)
Without actually moving more troops to Lithuania, this is a toothless policy.
Well... He has no right to tell Canadians to pay for war in other countries. Instead of blaming around , should go to protect his own nation first.
NATO is a defense pact, article 5 states "an attack on a member state is considered an attack on all states", which means if any NATO state is attacked we go to war, the combined military power of NATO is a deterrence. NATO is not a offensive force, NATO had nothing to do with Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya etc...
Americans have a right to free speech unlike Canadians.
We have the worst PM in our history right now,he's too busy embarrassing Canada on the world stage to focus on real issues like our military.
"Defense " spending is never high enough for warmongers like this general.
everyone is saying 2% of GDP.
We promised 2% which is cheap and low historically. We spent 4% in the 1950's.
Good job, Mr. Fernandes. With just a moment on the keyboard you know more than a life-long professional who has dedicated his life to defending our way of life.
You don't have to look far to find real warmongers. This guy isn't one. He is, in fact, the opposite.
If I want to belong to a club and the cost is 10.00, I can't pay 8.00 and belong. The Liberals keep saying that we are spending money on Norad, nothing to do with NATO. Latvia spends a higher percentage of GDP than Canada, as does Croatia, Estonia and Poland. The Liberals stated that Canada is 6th in spending when it comes to NATO, yes cash wise but its NOT 2%, of course smaller countries are going put in a smaller total amount because their GDP is smaller. When it comes to percentage Canada is not in the top 10 by GDP.
We shouldn't be in NATO. NATO serves no purpose than to provoke and bully.
Harper didn't make our requirements either last I checked. We haven't met our quota since... I got no clue actually.
War mongers
(as a general rule)Civilians - across the board - won't grasp the necessity of having a bigger stick until hair/teeth/eyeballs are charging straight at them
yep
Now we see why they increased the tax and food n gas costs these are products we produce they need to spend more money on weapons so they tax us to keep their profits up
The gas profits go to private company's. What increased taxes? Food profits go to private company's. Do you have any facts?
@@niborselrahc4651 Carbon tax goof
Who's profits.
@@MaskOfAgamemnon The people embezzling in Gov
@@theangrycanuck8331 have a stitch of evidence for that ridiculous slander?
He must be paying our electricity, our rent and our grocery bills.
What are you talking about???? We ARE going to war. It's just most North Americans have not figured it out yet. This is just the beginning.
There is an international agreement between the NATO alliance members to dedicate 2% of GDP to defence spending in order to meet the commitments of being a member of NATO.
This is no different than short paying your rent. Canada has failed to live up to a signed agreement.
@@dappercanuck6895 Kid do you understand how GDPs work?
@@CannonFodder873 What does it matter if we meet GDP or not? NATO collectively eclipses the rest of the world times over in military spending. For a defensive alliance sure looks like all they do is provoke abd prepare for wars.
interesting fact, canada PAYS the US to TAKE our extra electricity we produce
This is a tough but fair critique of Canada's contribution to NATO. The state of Canada's armed forces is pathetic and its procurement of modern weapons, planes, ships has been woefully inadeauate. Canada must meet its 2% GDP commitment, and really should be looking at moving to 3% within 5 years.
"Must"? Really? Says who?
@@a.r1832 the northwest passage says so when it melts and becomes a great opportunity and a great threat if we let people take advantage of us and don’t have a strong navy to protect it. You do realize that Russia is actually close to us right? It’s literally across the arctic and when the sea ice melts that coastline becomes somewhere of possible invasion
@@mcjesus5603
We are exaggerating. Turkey is right next door to them and, also a NATO Member. How come they are not worried?
@@a.r1832 we need better equipment. Our soldiers are some of the best in the world yet don’t have the best
@@a.r1832 do you realize Turkey how big Turkish military is. They have the best drones, S-400(from Russia), largest user of F-16 after USA, have almost 2000 tanks, have a submarine fleet of 29 subs, they have one small carrier and 14 military bases in foreign countries.
Always been embarrased at our military, we dont carry our own weight in the free world.
It's sad
Military spending is the 3rd most important thing in a country and we fall short of NATO recommendations which is 2% of our gdp we should be spending around 2.5-5% gdp
it's not NATO recommended to spend 2% of our GDP on defense, it was an agreement.
At one point Canada was a peace keeping country that didn't want to go to war with anyone..
Miss those days
@@uknow1994 not when everyone is an agitator...
Never elect the most blackmailable person in a Country.
Geroge W Bush happened and Jean Chriten was caught up
It takes strength to keep the peace. What strength does Canada have?
It's called defense spending. Canada can't spend $0 on defense and expect the U.S. or other NATO countries to save them if attacked. That is WRONG. Every country needs to spend money to exist.
Remove the liberals, we need a government who can provide the attention our military needs.
Lets be perfectly clear. The state of California, 39.35 million (2020) has more people in it than all of Canada, 38.4 million (2022). could any state in the US even come close to what Canada has done or is doing? not even close. could California defend spend for Canada? not a chance. Canada does an excellent job in the world considering our population and resources. We could still do better. Most Americans are entirely ignorant about politics and what it takes to manage a country. look at present day. The general should stay retired, his opinion is lacking and found wanting. The US starts or instigates most global conflicts along with Russia. They create these situations. fix them yourself. If you cant, then let Canada do what it is continuing to do. the best we can. jeezuz
Objectively false. Australia has 10 million less people than we do and has a very modern and competent navy; meanwhile ours cant even protect arctic sovereignty. If California had to create its own military it would blow ours out of the water figuratively and literally. The truth is if we are to continue to leech off NATO and having the US protect us from foreign threat, then 1) we have to increase our military spending as per our NATO agreement, and 2) have a competent enough armed forces to protect the US's northern flank (anybody even remember NORAD)? It's not even about spending more to go messing with other countries but about not even spending enough to fulfill our basic obligations to our allies.
@@Say_No_To_e-Girls i thought i typed "We could still do better." that was my implication
I would be interested to know if retired Lieutenant-General Hodges has any ties to the American military industrial complex, ie does he personally benefit if American arms are bought to supply NATO Allie.s
If you make $50k a year and go in with a friend on a vacation and the friend is nice enough being he makes $500k to pay 90% and then you personally decide sorry i don’t wanna pay 10% i want to pay only 5% of the whole trip… that is canada stop freedloading buddy
@@johnl9236 then your freind tries to tell you how to spend your money...how does that work into your equation buddy
General Hodges would do well to remember that on a per capita basis Canada does a much higher percentage of the fighting and dying than most NATO counterparts, 2 good examples are ww1 and ww2 which Canada was in the fray 2 years before the United states in both wars.....so it seems disingenuous to call out Canada as a laggard in NATO, we are one of the founding members and frankly we are as weary as the American taxpayers of repeatedly cleaning up European messes.....
NATO didn't exist in ww1 or ww2, and we fought as part of the British Empire in ww1 and Commonwealth in ww2....
That was like 60-80 years ago. Did you know it's 2023?
I never thought I'd be ashamed of being Canadian. Refusal to fund our military adequately, pathetic support of Ukraine, truckers desecrating our flag and the removal of proper dress and deportment are an absolute disgrace. I got out of the army in 2020 ... I'm glad I did .....
It's like our government doesn't want us to be proud of the Canadian military. The got rid of a perfect plane like the arro then kept delaying the f35 for years
2nd largest country in the world with the worlds longest coastline!
And we can’t even defend Fogo Island from an attack??
There is no choice? Do you guys see that? Who would want that guy as president? Sounds like he doesn't know about options. Peacefull options. Get a grip!
This war woulda never started or At least it would have ended much sooner if it weren’t for the us
Obviously, we have been spreading cash on sponsorship deals internally. We Canadians are under the impression that US will do all the work to defend us spoiled kids. Right?
Defend us from what? Faked intelligence reports that countries have Nukes and WMD?
@@mapleleaf8948 then why are we in NATO genius?
Defend us? Who's attacking us? The majority of the Canadian army is designed to support other nations. For quite some time it's mainly to back U.S. efforts/disruptions in the world. - we should not be more like these conflict-driven countries (U.S.) that lack in so many other areas on their base land.
@@daniels7832Ask yourself why no one is attacking you, you clown
@@daniels7832 US acts as deterrence to Russia attacking us, without US Russia can easily take over 1 of our islands like Crimea and fire ballistic missiles like North Korea.
I dunno much about the Ukrainian conflict donation spending but I know the Canadian government is right on the ball at making sure they ask for every single penny back that they gave out to citizens during the pandemic. Our government is like a guy that gives you some cash and says think nothing of it, I’m here for you man, what are friends for? …then 2 years later is repeatedly trying to reach you like, hey remember when I gave you that cash 2 years ago, yeah, I need all of that back now.
only those that didn't qualify in the first place funny you forgot to mention that
What is a tually your point? Lends money and asks for it back. Sounds normal to me.
This is the same guy who was "absolutely positive" Ukraine would win over Russia. Totally out to lunch.
So far so good, as far as Ukraine goes. Rome wasn’t built in a day.
lol yeah just a "guy" a retired US General. What are you?
Ukraine could win this war quickly if we actually supplied them instead of sending just enough to turn it into a meatgrinder. If Ukraine goes down, the "free" countries will have some real soul searching to do. The not-so-free countries will learn some lessons as well.
I wish we lived in a world without war, despots and autocrats, etc., but obviously we do not. We need NATO and NORAD and we definitely heavy criticism for our lack of commitment and leaving the rest of NATO countries to pay more. It's a disgrace how little we as rich country contribute.
Nato is money laundering.
@Philip B No one is saying that Canada should spend a fortune, minimum of 2% GDP needs to be spent on the military, this has nothing to do with the U.S this has to do with the rest of the nations.
If we get rid of the US we might actually achieve a world without war ;)
@@twocansams6335 as the largest military industry on Earth, this has everything to do with the US. This is a tax placed on Canada for 2% of our GDP to be spent on American arms manufacturing. The only time we use those weapons is when the US orders us to attack to serve US interests.
@Philip B That is a problem, i'm Canadian so i focus on Canadian things, Canada is near the bottom of the list.
If Canada needs to increase the defense budget then increase the pay of our soldiers and pensions of our veterans. Our 2% of GDP commitment can be achieved overnight.
What GDP????
What defense? US Warmongers keep go to other countries bombs to ruined and Chihuahua Canada following behind the Warmongers.
@@george9316
Canada's GDP isn't huge but it's still more than Russia's before the sanctions.
@@stevehouston2053 Russia's economy was undervalued, and even now as the strongest currency and one of the strongest economies of this year, it's still severely undervalued.
@@theangrycanuck8331
Prior to the invasion the Ruble was at 0.017 of the Canadian dollar. Today the Ruble is 0.025. I wouldn't call the Ruble one of the strongest currencies.
I can't see the how Russian economy is strong when over 1,000 foreign companies have reduced, suspended, or ceased operations in Russia.
Apparently trudummie thinks more money is needed on the special interest groups
yeah he definitely is abusing his power
I would not recommend joining the CAF in its current state
Chill guys we don't need no flashy guns or aircrafts we got the lgbtdiversity squad. We've essentially established our role as future undefeated champions of the world.
Canada is not like the USA, who goes around the world imposing their ideals and ways on any country that does not conform. We do not need 800 military bases around the world and we do not like to live with the level of violence the USA has at home. Our way of life is different for the most part. He should mind his own affairs within his own country.
Tell him again.
Canadians really out here thinking they will survive the next century being “kind”. You literally only exist because Britain went on a worldwide conquering spree. If you can’t show capability to defend yourself 95% chance you’ll get absorbed into the states because of your inability to realize and protect the value of your land for the future.
If WW3 breaks out and we can’t defend this country, I’m messaging you bro
But you need to spend money on defense to prevent invasion. Stop relying on the U.S., you lazy users
People are quick to get their panties in a bunch... I think it is good advice. I guess we know everything, and have nothing to learn though?? Have we not seen enough incompetence these last years to assume, we, as a Country could do better?
I love living in a country where your publicly funded television is appropriately critical of your government. It's such a privilege.
Is that sarcasm?
@@lornemyers6638 what do you think?
@@pattygould8240 yup
@@lornemyers6638 which context clues brought you to that conclusion?
CBC always ready to slag off the CF I am a veteran of over 30 years. Never anything good from the CBC
Correct, we are not up to par with our defense spending. 🇨🇦
War tax and conscription immediately. Canada is broke.
agreed!!!
Who cares?
@@titusmccarthy You will once we get invaded and the rest of NATO refuses to help us for not pulling our weight and that’s bad because we wouldn’t even be well equipped enough to fight for ourselves and honestly the U.S. could invade us one day for our water and we’d be wiped out easy and you’d be caring a lot and crying you submissive little BlTCH.
Same people who didn't want our aluminum ,want our money now
Good insight in this interview
This guy doesn't know what he's talking about.
When you say “this guy” are you referring to yourself?
There is no canada at the moment, is there?
Our submarines make great barbecues.
maybe you could go smoke your meathead in one of those barbecues eh?
Why would our people join a the military our veterans are not treated well especially if they have been hurt. So why would people join?
More arms! More war! But most importantly - more profits for U.S. arms dealers!
*_Ben be bright & right..._*
Read the book. "Who Killed the Canadian Military." Just good background info.
Well, I applied to join the Canadian Military 4 years ago and I did well on the CFAT test and they never got back to me. Still waiting for the call to move to the next step. I made several calls to follow up and I even visited their recruiting center multiple times at 4900 Yonge Street. The last time I physically checked in with them was on May 10th of 2023. I was told that they are yet to proceed to the next step, security clearance. It looks like they only proceed to the next step when you physically show up.
The US taxpayer needs to pay more to defend Canada it's a nice country and we deserve it
Even French and German citizens are demanding that they get out of NATO as well as the European Union.
Roughly 60 years of neglect and a request to upgrade;
that's two tasks that need to be corrected at the same time. It's not going to be easy, and it can't be fixed cheaply.
Good more more more pressure. Canadas government has been leaving canada and its allies vulnerable since the 1970s. Canada use to be a top Military Navy Airforce Power. And considering Canada is a wealthy country surrounded by 3 oceans a world power. Canada should spend minimum 2 percent GDP if not more. Theres no excuse for canada to not be in the top 10 most powerful military airforce navies. No excuse.
Yes sir. Let's get some of our aircraft carriers back
They gotta raise our budget to like 80/100 billion then that’d be pretty nice for a good while IMO.
We are also too busy spending money on immigration and refugees
Canada's gotta stop being so stingy, and step up
Ayo if I had Elon Musks money I’d drop at least 100 billion on our military out of my own pocket.
And where is the money will be coming from General???
Not many people respect the military in Canada... we are so priviledged here that most people don't even understand why we have a military.... you barely get a free coffee on remembrance day here. When a canadian military member goes to the US for like fleet week, they get free stuff all over the place. Even random people will buy them dinner if they find out they are in the Canadian military. Very rare to have someone respect military members here in Canada... because of this the government does not put in enough funding.
This was not an issue during the War on Terror era. Now I feel that time is coming again.
@@joshfrench5858 we don't spend half as much on military as we should
@@joshfrench5858 I would start by stopping all foreign subsidies
@@joshfrench5858 Canada couldn't even provide its own soldiers with air support in Afghanistan.......
@@joshfrench5858 No they didn't; did you ever even serve in Afghanistan?
We may not spend 2%, but our members can dye their long hair pink, have face tattoos, and wear a gender approved uniform.
A former Armed Forces member.
Bro there should be proper discipline in our military. Wear your uniform and shave your hair
@@mobo8933 agreed.
Imagine being so stuck in the past even the military is more progressive than you...
Fossil.
@@mobo8933 Why do some people have to shave/cut while others don't and what does that have to do with discipline
It didn't sound like he was "blasting" anyone.
All theater to hide the GREAT DEPRESSION...
EU is an old Man now (not many young people ) ..and knows it too.
EU must start negotiatons with Russia .
....eventually that will happen ,after many poor young Ukrainian men have died
and young Ukrainian women abused /used in EU
So Sad and Shame on EU
I've been saying this for YEAR'S!
NATO......North Atlantic Treaty Organization.......or is it North American Treaty Organization??? Way things are, it sure sounds like the latter
Do Clownadians actually believe the Kremlin is afraid of them?
Just once i wish Canadians would hear the message, we need to be able to defend our sovereignty here in Canada and implement our foreign policy you can't do that with out a capable military. we have ridden the pines for decades, it is time to grow up, and get back our voice on the world stage that others will listen to a voice that is respected and pulling it's weight in our defensive pacts.
What are you talking about? Defend agaisnt who ? The us ?
We are a peaceful country and most of us want to keep it that way
@TheRain Countries can't just "invade". Everything has a start and end, if there is a chance of being invaded, it was provoked or at the very least, discernable from the affairs taking place.
we should increase our military spending but only after eliminating all deficets, all debt and only after eliminating inflation, unemployment and stagnant wages. and even then we shouldn't be part of NATO we should have a strong standing army within our own country, not abroad that is used in times of emergencies like floods and forest fires the military should also be teaching people gun safety and be training standing militias to deter and resist invasion. that is what our military should be, not an imperialist force responsible for war crimes and training foreign fascists.
@@Farner49 well to start with Canada has signed onto many defensive pacts, such as NATO, NORAD, and 5 eyes, to name a few we have a responsibility to other nations to have a military capable of operations. nobody is saying you have to serve there are plenty of Canadians willing to do that for you. And although you don't understand the reason why does not mean it is wrong.
Didn't we just authorize the sending of new equipment that was destined for the Canadian Armed Forces, now it's going to Ukraine!!
If it's anything like what happened in Afghanistan the Russians will possess this equipment soon.
JT has inclusive socks. Canada had done enough
Stop wasting our tax dollars for corporate wars
FREE TAMARA AND PAT KING!! 🇨🇦
Not a lot of the younger generations want to join the military at all
Canada is falling apart and when the all those mortgages default and recession hits it will be a dark long winter
Canada is well and capable of spending 2% of gdp on military, I don't get it
naaaa the liberals rather put it in their pockets and use it for painting sidewalks rainbow colors etc.
As they should we have never made our commitment to NATO were lucky they can't throw us out!!!!!
No to corporate wars
Well, since no one is looking to attack Canada since we're so far away from the world and not really stepping on toes, I'd say any contribution is a bargain. Our real contribution is access to our land and air. Could we give more? Sure. But let's not kid ourselves that we SHOULD be contributing less as we get less out of NATO. If we only give $1 that's $1 more than we'll ever cost
Nobody is far away from the world. You haven't heard of ICBM's (intercontinental ballistic missles or chemical weapons?)
@@uknow1994 Yet in practice countries consistently invade their neighbours not people across oceans. Also ICBMs aren't exactly going to be stopped by us paying for a few tanks. Or are you saying we should be building our own ICBMs as a deterrent to others?
Wow are all Canadians so selfish and lazy? One reason Canada doesn't get attacked is because it expects the U.S. to defend it and most countries know this. Start paying for your own defense. We are sick of you leeches
@@ZeeZee9 Yeah we never really asked you to do any of that and American hegemony hasn't been done at a financial loss. You guys are fine and no one is cheating you. Hell even f Canada left NATO the US would now have to defend the longest single boarder with another country on earth. The only people to have ever attacked Canada is you. We're the most risk-free military partner a person could ask for with land access greater than anyone but Russia. Calm down.
@@brasssnacks8413 There is a financial loss when partners won't pay their own way. And then brag about all the wonderful social services they have while poor Americans are struggling. Also, you keep missing the point that Canada pays less for their own defense because it assumes U.S. will protect it. Your leaders are on record saying this. Bye, clown.
Ya NATO and the U.S can be as pissed as they want. It's are tax dollars and ultimately what happens if we say enough is enough and walk away from NATO. we must put the needs of the taxpayers first not NATO as the taxpayers are the ones who finance everything
Does the military pay well here or is this only a young man’s game who isn’t used to better pay yet?
Depends on trade etc....
Young mans game.
Depends on rank, specialisation, if you went NCO or Officer makes a huge difference...
We arent the ones that start wars and conflicts that require so much spending. He can talk shyt all he wants.
US is wasting way too much money on this war while people are starving here in the US
???America is the most obese nation in the world yet people are also starving??? yikes! China should take notes on how to avoid a famine!
Not paying anymore taxes for war in Youkrain. That's not our problem.
Send more troops from Canada,
We are embarrassed, there are no other words. We know the 2% and our PM at one point said "we give in other ways" which is doublespeak for..."we are not holding up our agreement." We must correct this immediately, our partners deserve it and our military personnel who are defending us with questionable, dated equipment deserve so much better. We once had a well-invested military, now countries with 5 million population embarrass us. Time to step up and do our fair share.
I'm not embarrassed....
@Bruce Banner Bruce you raise some thought provoking thoughts for consideration, thank you kindly for taking time to contribute.
It causes me to reflect and evaluate.
I did check with the Fraser Institute on military spending vs GDP in Canada, since 1986.
It too is startling in its objective presentation of Canada's spending ratios.
One wouldn't want to anger Bruce Banner :)
@Bruce Banner Bruce, I respect your passion on a very difficult conversation. I have limited exposure to the actual state of our military - though I have done some training (volunteered my time and skills) to provide training on two bases and have had conversation with a base commander and serving members.
I must defer to peer-reviewed documentation as it levels our field of discussion otherwise it is a caustic forum most often.
I wish you well in your journey, stay safe!
@Bruce Banner I see you are passionate about this topic. I think that is wonderful. Never lose your passion.
I recall the Canadian purchase of the "useable" British diesel subs (outdated at time of purchase and as anticipated, after a long overhaul a fire broke out and members were injured and one died.
The attempt to purchase the used outdated jets from Australia were another example os fiscal mismanement or "band aid" repair. Our helos are outdated and tanks mothballed because we couldnt service them. These are my concerns, along with decreasing troop strength. I note Germany has committed a 300% increase in military spending. Look at Finland's commitment with a fraction of our population.
So, as stated, a thorough review of related pop and GDP on a peer-reviewed platform (articles that have met a standard of accuracy) should be the foundation for further discourse.
I wish we didnt have so spend a dime on war, but that is not realistic in our current climate.
Best regards, pleasure having an adult discussion on such an important topic.
Stay safe
@Bruce Banner Bruce, I think your enthusiasm is noteworthy and engaging.
I wish you continued success in your cursosry review.
I would live to sit and chat in person, I am based in London. Let me know, I am willing to buy the first round.
As always, have a great day, and stay safe.
If you wish to forward me your peer-reviewed sourced prior to our meet, I would be happy to review them.
I am based in North London and can recommend several eateries.
This week work for you?
Hes absolutely right!!! Canada needs to become a military power.
No we don't...
@Dark farts Great story....
You should move to the us
@Dark farts Right...........
WHY????
Doesn`t defence start at home first?
we had a few howitzers to shell aliens trying to cross our borders but we sent them to ukraine
He's not wrong, we've been freeloading for years.
US MIC wants more CAD. Because Putin!
I hope my country will vote out Trudeau and finally get our military spending above 2% of GDP which is part of the requirements of NATO Membership.
Another opportunity for Canadians to be self-righteous over Americans.
Politicians focus on issues that get votes. This government doesnt see votes on defence issues. If you care, voice it to this current government.
No blasting here, only respectful dialogue.