According to a report by Anadolu Agency on Sunday, April 12, 2026, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a major policy shift aimed at reducing Canada’s reliance on the United States for military spending and procurement, signaling a broader move toward economic independence and diversification of global partnerships.
Speaking at the Liberal Party’s national convention in Montreal, Carney declared that Canada would no longer channel the bulk of its defense spending south of the border. “The days of our military sending 70 cents of every dollar to the United States are over,” he said, drawing strong applause from party members and supporters.
The prime minister outlined plans to strengthen domestic industries by prioritizing locally sourced materials and labour in government contracts. He stressed that future investments would focus on Canadian steel, aluminum, timber, and workforce development as part of a broader effort to reinforce national economic resilience.
Carney also linked the policy shift to growing trade frictions with Washington, particularly tariffs introduced under U.S. President Donald Trump. While describing the tariffs as an immediate concern, he warned that the more significant long-term challenge lies in preserving Canada’s unity and ensuring policies serve the broader national interest.
Central to the government’s agenda is a renewed “Buy Canadian” initiative, which Carney said would support local industries, create jobs, and reduce exposure to external market pressures. He added that Canada is targeting a significant expansion of its global trade footprint, with plans to double exports to non-U.S. markets within the next decade.
The announcement comes amid criticism from the Office of the United States Trade Representative, which has raised concerns about Canada’s procurement policies, describing them as a potential source of trade tension.
As part of the new direction, Ottawa has unveiled a Defence Industrial Strategy designed to diversify partnerships beyond the United States. The plan includes deeper collaboration with allies in the European Union and the United Kingdom, reflecting Canada’s intention to broaden its defense and economic alliances.
Currently, nearly half of Canada’s defense-related production is exported, with a significant portion directed toward the United States and members of the Five Eyes network. The new strategy aims to rebalance this by increasing domestic participation in defense contracts, with a target of awarding up to 70 percent of such contracts to Canadian firms……See More
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