Canada launches huge defence plan to curb reliance on USCanadian Prime Minister Mark Carney launching Canada's defence industrial strategy in MontrealMONTREAL - Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday launched a multi-billion dollar plan to strengthen the Canadian military and rely less on the United States. Carney's announcement of Canada's first defence industrial strategy built on themes he has emphasized throughout his 11-month tenure as President Donald Trump rips through traditional US alliances. The prime minister says Canada has not done nearly enough to defend itself in an increasingly dangerous world and counting on US protection is no longer viable. Carney, addressing reporters after giving a speech on the defence plan, pivoted to Rubio's speech without being asked about it. "There is a rivalry taking place between Canadian nationalism and other forms of nationalism," he added, speaking in French.

Source: Bangkok Post February 17, 2026 21:55 UTC