Michel Maisonneuve: Canada's military can't be fixed with cash alone

National Post

5 hours ago

Prime Minister Mark Carney's surprise pledge to meet NATO's defence spending target is long overdue, but without real reform, leadership and a shift away from bureaucracy and social experimentation, it risks falling short of what the moment demands.
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Canada committed in 2014 to spend two per cent of its gross national product on defence — a NATO target meant to ensure collective security and more equitable burden-sharing. We never made it past 1.37 per cent, drawing criticism from allies and, in my view, breaching our obligation. Now, the prime minister says we'll hit the target by the end of fiscal year 2025-26. That's welcome news, but it comes with serious challenges.
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Reaching the two per cent was always possible. It just required political courage. The announced $9 billion in new defence spending shows intent, and Carney's remarks about protecting Canadians are encouraging. But the reality is our military readiness is at a breaking point. With global instability rising — including conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East— Canada's ability to defend its territory or contribute meaningfully to NATO is under scrutiny. Less than half of our army vehicles, ships and aircraft are currently operational.
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I'm told the Treasury Board has already approved the new funds, making this more than just political spin. Much of the money appears to be going where it's most needed. Pay and benefit increases for serving members should help with retention, and bonuses for re-enlistment are reportedly being considered. Recruiting and civilian staffing will also get a boost, though I question adding more to an already bloated public service. Reserves and cadet programs weren't mentioned but they also need attention.
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Equipment upgrades are just as urgent. A new procurement agency is planned, overseen by a secretary of state — hopefully with members in uniform involved. In the meantime, accelerating existing projects is a good way to ensure the money flows quickly. Restocking ammunition is a priority. Buying Canadian and diversifying suppliers makes sense. The Business Council of Canada has signalled its support for a national defence industrial strategy. That's encouraging, but none of it will matter without follow-through.
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Infrastructure is also in dire shape. Bases, housing, training facilities and armouries are in disrepair. Rebuilding these will not only help operations but also improve recruitment and retention. So will improved training, including more sea days, flying hours and field operations.
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All of this looks promising on paper, but if the Department of National Defence can't spend funds effectively, it won't matter. Around $1 billion a year typically lapses due to missing project staff and excessive bureaucracy. As one colleague warned, 'implementation (of the program) … must occur as a whole-of-government activity, with trust-based partnerships across industry and academe, or else it will fail.'