On June 9, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Canada will immediately meet NATO's 2% defence spending target—$62.7 billion annually—boosting DND's budget by $9.3 billion. However, shortages in trained personnel, broken equipment, and housing delays hinder readiness. Meanwhile, NATO eyes a 5% target by 2035, raising future spending expectations significantly.

At CANSEC 2025, new Defence Minister David McGuinty pledged swift action to rebuild Canada’s military in partnership with industry. His use of “immediate” sparked optimism, though no concrete steps followed. Days later at NATO, he softened his stance, reflecting skepticism about Canada’s ability to meet rising defence spending targets.

From May 19–23, Quebec City hosted two French warships, including the powerful Mistral helicopter carrier. Canada once had the chance to acquire similar vessels at a bargain price, but political and budgetary hesitations led to missed opportunities. Egypt ultimately purchased them, and Canada continues to lack such versatile naval assets.

David Pugliese, Ottawa Citizen journalist and Esprit de Corps senior writer, received the Canadian Association of Journalists’ Charles Bury President’s Award for decades of investigative reporting on Canada’s military. Despite efforts to silence him—including false spy allegations and harassment—Pugliese’s work exposing corruption and failures in the DND remains impactful and unwavering.

On June 16, Saint Paul University awarded an honorary doctorate to Colonel (ret’d) Michel W. Drapeau for his service in the Canadian Armed Forces, legal advocacy for military members, and exposure of corruption. His work, including the book Tarnished Brass, has shaped public debate on military justice in Canada.

Lieutenant-General Erick Simoneau assumed command of Military Personnel Command (MILPERSCOM) on June 16, 2025. He oversees over 15,000 personnel responsible for CAF human resources. A decorated pilot, Simoneau has held key leadership roles and deployments globally. He most recently served as MILPERSCOM’s Deputy Commander before this appointment.

Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged over $9 billion in new defence funding, accelerating Canada’s timeline to meet NATO’s 2% GDP goal by 2026. Spending includes military pay raises, cyber defences, recruitment, and equipment upgrades. Carney also plans to reduce reliance on U.S. suppliers and strengthen Canada’s defence industry and Arctic capabilities.

Mark Carney’s rapid rise to Liberal leader and Prime Minister has ushered in a whirlwind of ambitious reforms—particularly his bold pledge to meet NATO’s 2% defence spending target by March. With fast-tracked approvals, sweeping policies, and big spending, Carney’s leadership is defined by urgency, efficiency, and a transformative agenda.

Recent CAF equipment buys—like the C-19 rifle, Harry DeWolf ships, and new handguns—ignore sound business logic. Alternatives, such as upgrading Lee-Enfields or refitting foreign vessels, could cut costs and boost Canadian industry. A practical businessman would prioritize value, efficiency, and local production over prestige and inflated spending.

Canada lacks sovereign satellite launch capability, relying on foreign partners. NordSpace is developing Canada’s first orbital launch vehicle and spaceport, with its SHARP program offering dual-use, cold-weather space systems. Other innovations include Arctic mobility vehicles, submarine simulation training, and 3D-printed submarine parts, highlighting growing domestic defence and aerospace advancements.