Trump’s Threats or Canada’s Triumph?
With recent rhetoric from Donald Trump and his Defense Secretary pressuring NATO allies, including Canada, to increase defense spending, it's crucial to ask: where should our tax dollars go? Trump is trying to bully Canada into funneling billions into American defense manufacturers. Canadians are too resourceful and capable of producing world-class defense technology at home. It is time to embrace a modern-day AVRO moment and invest in a new era of Canadian innovation.
Trump’s push for higher military spending isn’t just about NATO’s security; it’s about economic gain for the U.S. defense industry. With 80% of global defense manufacturing based in the U.S., any increase in NATO spending disproportionately benefits American firms. But Canada has a choice: we can either continue to be a passive customer or take the opportunity to reinvigorate our defense industry, ensuring that Canadian taxpayer dollars create Canadian jobs and Canadian-made security solutions.
Canada has a history of pushing boundaries in defense innovation. The AVRO Arrow, developed in the 1950s, was a testament to Canadian ingenuity. It was one of the most advanced fighter jets of its time, ahead of anything the U.S. had in development. Despite its cancellation, the AVRO Arrow remains an example of what Canada can accomplish when it believes in itself.
We need to rekindle that spirit. Instead of defaulting to U.S. manufacturers and Trump donors, the Canadian government should champion domestic defense projects, support R&D, and encourage homegrown talent in aerospace, cyber defense, and emerging technologies.
Canada should seek greater collaboration with NATO allies such as Great Britain and Germany, who have strong defense manufacturing sectors and advanced technological expertise. Partnering with these nations on joint development projects can enhance Canada's defense capabilities while reducing dependency on the U.S.
At the same time, Canada must look inward to maximize its potential. In North Bay, home to NORAD, we have the ideal infrastructure to support defense industry growth. The Jack Garland Airport, with its international status runway and adjoining industrial park, presents a unique opportunity for new investment in defense manufacturing, aerospace technology, and military logistics.
Our federal government has a choice: continue writing blank cheques to U.S. defense contractors making Trump friends richer or take a bold step toward revitalizing Canada’s defense industry. Imagine a future where Canadian-made drones patrol the Arctic, where our cybersecurity infrastructure is built by Canadian engineers, and where the next-generation fighter jet is stamped with “Made in Canada.”