May 30, 2025

Canada's Bold Defense Shift: Breaking from U.S. Influence

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Explore Canada’s bold shift from U.S. defense reliance to European partnerships with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s push for Readiness 2030. A new era in sovereignty and strategy.

In this episode of Bigger Table, we dive into a significant transformation in Canada's defense strategy. Hosted by our passionate team, this episode highlights Canada's move towards defense independence. Historically bound by a strong reliance on U.S. defense contracts, Prime Minister Mark Carney is reorienting Canada to collaborate more closely with Europe. Underlining the strategic pivot is the ambitious Readiness 2030 program, a European initiative that promises innovations with its $800 billion budget.

Listeners will glean insights into Canada's decision to potentially shelve a $13.3 billion deal for 88 F-35 fighter jets from the U.S. Evaluating options from Europe or domestic production emphasizes this strategic shift towards nurturing Canadian industries and tech sectors. Referencing historical parallels such as the Avro Arrow and the Iraq War stance, the episode reinforces Canada's tradition of independent decision-making. The discussions not only detail the benefits—such as enhanced military capabilities and new markets for Canadian companies—but also position Canada as a proactive international partner rather than a junior associate.

Join us as we explore the depths of this change, contemplating its implications for Canadian workers, technological growth, and international alliances. As always, Bigger Table encourages open discussions, inviting listeners to reflect on Canada's future in global defense politics. Tune in to understand why Canada’s strategic realignment isn't just about military assets, but about enhancing the nation’s sovereignty, economic health, and partnership flexibility on the world stage.

00:06 - Canada Stands Up

01:40 - A Shift in Defense Strategy

02:28 - The Avro Arrow and Historical Context

03:19 - Benefits of Joining Readiness 2030

03:59 - Canada’s Bigger Picture

05:00 - A Call to Action

WEBVTT

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Canada is done playing the junior partner. Today, we're talking about how Canada

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is standing up to decades of U.S.

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Defense pressure and carving out a brighter, independent future of its own.

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You're listening to Bigger Table, where more chairs, fewer walls,

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and greater progress aren't just a slogan.

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They're the mission. Let's get into it.

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Welcome to today's episode, where we're talking about a big change in Canada's defense strategy.

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For years, Canada has bought most of its weapons and gear from American companies.

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Now, Prime Minister Mark Carney is saying enough to the pressure from U.S.

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President Donald Trump.

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He wants Canada to work more with Europe and build a more intelligent,

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more independent defense system.

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Let's start by setting the scene. U.S. President Donald Trump had a clear message.

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Canada should spend more, buy American weapons, and help the U.S.

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Defense industry. But Canada was listening. and not just doing what they were told.

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Instead, Prime Minister Mark

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Carney is telling everyone that Canada will do what is best for Canada.

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That means prioritizing Canadian companies, Canadian workers, and European allies.

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This isn't just about getting back at the U.S. It's about making a smart plan.

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Canada has been sending about 75% of its defense spending to American companies.

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That's a lot of money that could be better spent helping Canadian jobs and industries grow.

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So, instead of giving billions more to American weapons makers,

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Canada is looking to join Readiness 2030.

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That's a massive European program

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that will spend around $800 billion to strengthen Europe's defense.

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Canada wants to join by July 1, 2025.

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This would help Canada acquire new European defense technology,

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establish new alliances, and reduce its dependence on the U.S.,

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which can be unpredictable.

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One big decision? Canada is

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re-examining a $13.3 billion deal for 88 F-35 fighter jets from the U.S.

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They're asking, could buying from Europe or manufacturing them in Canada be

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better for our jobs and industries?

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This isn't Canada getting mad. It's a carefully planned approach to spread out our defense spending.

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Carney wants to ensure Canada's safety doesn't depend solely on the U.S.,

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whose politics can change rapidly. It's about Canada making its own decisions

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and protecting its interests.

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This move reminds us of a couple of big moments in Canada's history.

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Do you remember the Avro Arrow from the 1950s?

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Canada wanted to make its own advanced jet. It was Canadian-designed,

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innovative, and unique.

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But the U.S. didn't want it, and Canada shut it down.

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The Avro Arrow remains a symbol of what Canada can achieve when it stands up for itself.

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Or think about 2003 when the U.S. wanted everyone to join the Iraq War.

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Canada said, no thank you.

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Even though the U.S. wanted Canada to join, Canada chose peace and cooperation with other countries.

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Today's plan to join Readiness 2030 is similar to past decisions.

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It demonstrates that Canada wants to make its own choices, keep Canadian jobs

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at home, and maintain a strong presence on the world stage.

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So what's in it for Canada

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By joining Readiness 2030? First, spending money on defense in Europe means

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Canada will get new and better military gear.

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We won't have to depend just on American weapons.

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Second, it opens new markets for Canadian companies.

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They can sell parts and tech to Europe, not just the U.S. This could create more jobs here at home.

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Third, it keeps Canada and NATO and with our allies.

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Carney wants to spend money in a way that helps Canadian and European workers,

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not just American companies.

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At its core, this is about building a more innovative and stronger defense system

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and ensuring Canada isn't left with decisions made in Washington.

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Let's take a minute to think about the bigger picture. This isn't just a defense story.

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It shows that Canada wants to make its own decisions and be a strong partner in the world.

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In a time when allies and policies are changing, Canada is choosing to stand up for itself.

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And it's not just about the military. It's about helping Canadian workers,

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boosting our economy, and being smart about where we spend our money.

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So what does this mean for Canadians? If Readiness 2030 goes as planned,

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we'll see more Canadian jobs in defense work, better tech, and stronger ties with Europe.

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Canada will show it's not just a helper to the U.S. It's a smart partner in the world.

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Before we wrap up, let's hear from you. What do you think about Canada working

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with Europe and cutting back on U.S. defense spending?

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Is this a smart move or just Canada doing what it's always done,

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standing up to pressure from outside?

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We'd love to hear your thoughts, so join the conversation and let us know wherever

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you listen to your podcasts.

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To close, Prime Minister Carney's decision to change Canada's defense spending

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isn't just a small change.

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It's a sign that Canada wants to stand on its own.

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Like the Avro Arrow and the decision to decline involvement in the Iraq War,

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this demonstrates that Canada can make its own choices and look after its future.

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It's about building a stronger, more intelligent, and more independent defense plan.

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Thanks for joining me today. If you enjoyed this deep dive into Canada's defense

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decisions and how they fit into the bigger picture, make sure to subscribe to

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the Bigger Table newsletter.

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We're here to bring you more insights, more conversations, and more reasons

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to stand up for progress.

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Until next time, stay curious and stay informed.

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Thanks for pulling up a chair at bigger table if you believe in more voices

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fewer walls and real progress please help us grow follow review and share this

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podcast until next time keep building a bigger table.

Canada's Bold Defense Shift: Breaking from U.S. Influence

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