It was a moment of rare clarity in an increasingly multipolar world. On May 27, just a few hours after his throne speech, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke in an exclusive interview with CBC’s Power & Politics about the future course of his government - and about Canada’s role in a world where “dependence” is no longer a neutral term.
“Seventy-five cents of every defense dollar go to the United States. That’s not smart,” Carney said with a matter-of-fact tone.
His vision? A break with old certainties - and a determined alignment with Europe. While the Old Continent is launching ReArm Europe, a defense initiative of an unprecedented $1.25 trillion, Canada wants in - no later than the national holiday on July 1. “We’re making great progress,” said Carney. “By Canada Day, we want to see something concrete.”
Trump’s Counteroffer - Colonial Logic in a Social Media Wrapper
But while Carney speaks of European sovereignty, the empire waits just south of the border - in the form of a president who does not take no for an answer. Donald J. Trump posted on Truth Social:
“I told Canada, which very much wants to be part of our fabulous Golden Dome System, that it will cost $61 Billion Dollars if they remain a separate, but unequal, Nation, but will cost ZERO DOLLARS if they become our cherished 51st State. They are considering the offer!”
The message is as transparent as it is troubling - those seeking to secure Canada’s defense should simply allow themselves to be politically annexed. An irony-free remake of the 19th century, wrapped in digital packaging.
Carney’s response to Trump’s overture remains diplomatic, yet unmistakable: Canada has “no interest” in joining Trump’s missile shield. The country wants to defend its own interests - not follow American logic. Already in the Oval Office, Carney made it clear to the US president that national sovereignty is not up for negotiation - and that Canada is prepared to take on more responsibility, even without standing in Washington’s shadow.
At the same time, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced in Dayton a drastic increase in military spending: five percent of GDP is to become the new norm - with 3.5 percent going directly to the military, and 1.5 percent allocated to defense-related areas. Trump has long advocated for this figure - a benchmark Carney does not intend to adopt blindly.
“I’m not a fan of picking an arbitrary number and then trying to figure out how to spend up to it,” he said in the interview. Rather, the focus should be on what is necessary “to secure our country - our borders, the Arctic, our sovereignty.”
Currently, Canada spends about 1.37 percent of its GDP on defense - the stated goal is two percent by 2030. The direction is clear, the path remains nuanced. A dedicated defense budget is expected this fall - tailored to new threat scenarios and strategic partnerships - European ones, to be exact.
Carney’s stance is remarkable. In a world where Trump is once again throwing out bold threats and seemingly “generous” offers, Canada is charting its own course. It is a moment of strategic maturity - and political necessity. Because those who shelter under Trump’s Golden Dome may end up losing more than money - namely, their political independence.
Europe is not a romantic alternative - it is a strategic decision. And it begins with clear language and concrete action - by Canada Day at the latest.
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