Senator Rubio requested that Canada and other NATO allies increase their defense spending to 5% of their GDP. This request was made during a NATO foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels.
Canada currently spends approximately 1.37% of its GDP on defense, with a pledge to reach 2% by 2030. Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly did not commit to Rubio's request, noting that the US itself does not currently meet the 5% target.
Analysts estimate that Rubio's proposal would cost Canada an additional $100 billion annually.
Joly highlighted the increasingly dangerous global security landscape due to the war in Ukraine and China's military buildup as reasons for increased defense spending. She also emphasized Canada's interest in joining a European defense procurement pact.
The meeting also addressed the ongoing war in Ukraine, with Joly stating that any Canadian participation in a post-conflict peacekeeping force would require a mandate from the Canadian public. Discussions included ongoing trade disputes between Canada and the US.