@ISIDEWITHQuestionsForeign policyStarted 8yrs agoActive 6hrs ago

Should the government increase or decrease military spending?

Canada’s defense budget is currently $20 billion a year which is less than 1% of its GDP. This is much less than the $600 billion a year the U.S. spends and the $6.5 billion a year the UK spends. Only 5 other countries of the 28 in NATO spend less. To join NATO each member country pledged to spend at least 2% of their GDP on military spending and defense and defend each other against threats from any non-member country. In a July 2016 U.S. Presidential nominee Donald Trump suggested that the United States would not defend NATO member countries who had failed to increase their military budgets to above 2% of Gross Domestic Product. France, Turkey, Germany, Canada, and Italy are countries that are currently spending less than 2% of their GDP on military defense. 

43%
Increase
29%
Decrease
37%
Increase
29%
Decrease
6%
Increase, but only after our deficit is drastically reduced

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Other Popular Answers

Unique answers from Canada users whose views extended beyond the provided choices.

 @8XJMDVYfrom Nova Scotia answered…2yrs2Y

People who serve in the military should be paid more

 @9HDV4JKfrom Alberta answered…5mos5MO

increased, but to an extent. not everything the military buys is useful. so if we are to give more money then we should monitor what they are spending it on.

 @9H5JSPPfrom Ontario answered…6mos6MO

Increase drastically. we can not rely on foreign countries to protect us when we will soon enough have to fight for ourselves

 @8TWDTHBfrom Alberta answered…3yrs3Y

Yes, and capabilities in the north need to be prioritized and procurement must be rationalized.

 @8SX7FGBfrom British Columbia answered…3yrs3Y

Yes, as the United States of America has proven to be unreliable.

 @9MC4BQLfrom Alberta answered…4 days4D

Considering we just increased our budget, I think we should be fine as long as it's only to replace things and don't use it to kill people for oil or capital interests. Only against any human rights violators.

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 @ISIDEWITH submitted…3wks3W

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Pledges Significant Defence Spending Amid Global Instability

In a decisive move to bolster national security and affirm the United Kingdom's commitment to global stability, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced a significant increase in defence spending. Amidst growing concerns over international tensions and the assertion that the world is experiencing its most volatile period since the Cold War, Sunak has pledged to raise the UK's defence budget to 2.5% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by the year 2030. This ambitious plan will see defence spending soar to an annual total of 87 billion pounds ($108 billion), marking a substantial investment in the nation's military capabilities and infrastructure.The announcement comes as Sunak embarks on a diplomatic tour, engaging in critical talks with NATO allies in Warsaw and Berlin. The Prime Minister's initiative underscores a strategic effort to strengthen alliances and address the rising threats that have cast a shadow over global peace and security. By committing to a significant increase in defence expenditure, the UK aims to play a pivotal role in fostering a stable international environment, demonstrating its readiness to confront challenges that may arise.This move has been framed as a response to the current geopolitical landscape, which Sunak describes as the most dangerous and unpredictable in decades. The increased funding is intended not only to modernize the British armed forces but also to ensure that the UK remains a formidable force on the international stage. It reflects a broader strategy to adapt to the changing nature of warfare and emerging threats, including cyber attacks and other forms of hybrid warfare.Critics and supporters alike are keenly observing the implications of this policy shift, with many noting the potential impacts on the UK's fiscal priorities and the broader defence strategy. As the UK navigates through these uncertain times, the government's commitment to enhancing military spending is a clear signal of its determination to safeguard national interests and contribute to global security.As Prime Minister Sunak continues his discussions with European leaders and NATO officials, the UK's pledge to increase its defence budget is a testament to its resolve to uphold peace and stability. This strategic decision not only reinforces the UK's position as a leading military power but also as a proactive agent in the pursuit of a safer, more secure world.

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