Defence Minister Blair Says Canada Could Meet 2 Percent NATO Target in 2 Years

Minister of National Defence Bill Blair participates in a question and answer period at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute conference on NORAD Modernization, in Ottawa, on May 1, 2024. The Canadian Press/Justin Tang

Canada could meet NATO’s 2 percent defence spending target sooner than planned, Defence Minister Bill Blair said on Jan. 24.

When asked whether Canada could accelerate efforts and meet the target in two years, Blair told reporters in Ottawa on Jan. 24 that it was “absolutely achievable,” though he did not commit to a firm deadline.