logo
What's behind Mark Carney's military splurge?

What's behind Mark Carney's military splurge?

CBC12-06-2025
For years now Canada's been badgered to pony up, and spend more money on the military. Those calls have come from our actual military itself, our NATO allies, and more recently the U.S. President.
Well it looks like Mark Carney is going to pull out the credit card, and commit to spending an extra $9.3-billion on the armed forces by March, bumping our military spending up to two per cent of Canada's entire GDP.
Carney has also pledged to end this country's reliance on the U.S. for equipment by diverting billions of dollars in spending to Canadian manufacturers.
The timing awkwardly coincided with news about an embarrassing foray into Canadian military procurement: our plans to buy a fleet of F-35 fighter jets from America that the auditor general reported was billions of dollars over budget and years behind schedule.
So, what is Carney's vision for the future of our military? And how serious are the threats against Canada?
David Pugliese, defence reporter with the Ottawa Citizen, talks us through it.
Fill out our listener survey here . We appreciate your input!
For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts
Subscribe to Front Burner on your favourite podcast app.
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on YouTube
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Ottawa teams up with startup Cohere to bring AI to the public sector
Ottawa teams up with startup Cohere to bring AI to the public sector

Calgary Herald

time16 minutes ago

  • Calgary Herald

Ottawa teams up with startup Cohere to bring AI to the public sector

Article content The federal government is teaming up with Canadian artificial intelligence startup Cohere Inc. to broaden the use of AI in the public sector. Article content Ottawa and Cohere on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding that pledges to find ways to deploy the technology across the government. The non-binding agreement will also have the government and Cohere work together to 'build out Canada's commercial capabilities in using and exporting AI.' Article content Article content Article content 'By working with Canadian AI innovators like Cohere, we're laying the groundwork for a more efficient, effective and productive public service while helping ensure that Canada remains competitive in this new era,' Evan Solomon, Canada's AI and digital innovation minister, said in a statement. Article content Prime Minister Mark Carney has pledged to usher in the 'biggest transformation' of the Canadian economy since the end of the Second World War and to overhaul the public sector to make it more efficient and productive. Article content AI is seen as a key pillar to Ottawa's goals, though the government has released few details on how the technology will be deployed. Article content So far, Ottawa has said the Translation Bureau, which provides translation services for government agencies and is operated by Public Services and Procurement Canada, is developing the inaugural project under the national AI strategy for the public service that will let civil servants use AI tools trained with Canadian data. Article content Article content Canada was the first country to launch a national AI strategy in 2017. Since 2016, the government has committed more than $4.4 billion for AI and digital infrastructure initiatives. Article content Article content Toronto-based Cohere, which creates AI models for businesses rather than consumers, is trying to secure a foothold as the provider of choice for enterprises and governments worldwide. Article content Earlier this month, the startup officially launched its AI agent platform and is targeting businesses across North America, Asia-Pacific and Europe, the Middle East and Africa. In June, it announced a partnership with the United Kingdom that will let Keir Starmer's government use its AI tools to 'enhance government services and national sovereignty.' Article content

Essex OPP warns of counterfeit money in the county
Essex OPP warns of counterfeit money in the county

CTV News

time16 minutes ago

  • CTV News

Essex OPP warns of counterfeit money in the county

Bank notes issued by the Bank of Canada are seen in a display case at the Bank of Canada Museum in Ottawa, on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang Essex OPP is warning the public to be careful when accepting large bills. Police said counterfeit money is in the county. In an effort to prevent more victims from receiving counterfeit cash, OPP are offering the following tips: To help determine if a bill is counterfeit, look for these security features that can be found on an authentic Canadian $20 bill: Holographic strip: Tilt the bill to see the metallic portrait and building images shift Transparent window: Look for the transparent window with a detailed metallic portrait Raised ink: Feel for the raised ink on the large '20' on the bill and the words 'Bank of Canada' Hidden numbers: Use a light source to find hidden numbers and patterns on the bill If you suspect a bill is counterfeit: Don't confront the person who gave it to you Take note of the person's description and any people with them Contact the OPP immediately at 1-888-310-1122 Officers remind businesses to stay alert when handling cash. Any suspicious activity should be reported immediately. More tips on counterfeit bills are available here.

Grocery and drugstore retailer Loblaw completes four-for-one stock split
Grocery and drugstore retailer Loblaw completes four-for-one stock split

CTV News

time16 minutes ago

  • CTV News

Grocery and drugstore retailer Loblaw completes four-for-one stock split

The Loblaws flagship location on Carlton Street in Toronto on Thursday May 2, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Aaron Vincent Elkaim TORONTO — Loblaw Cos. Ltd. says it has completed its plan for a four-for-one stock split of its common shares. The grocery and drugstore retailer says its common shares began trading on a post-split basis as of market open on Tuesday. The company had said it was doing the stock split to ensure its common shares remain accessible to retail investors and to employees who participate in its employee share ownership plan. Loblaw also said it wanted to improve the liquidity of the shares. Loblaw has more than 1,100 grocery stores as well as nearly 1,400 Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix stores. George Weston Ltd., which owns a majority stake in Loblaw, also completed a three-for-one stock split of its shares on Tuesday. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 19, 2025.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store