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Canada needs a ‘good mix’ of new tech like drones, AI: NATO commander
Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-10-30 18:50:51.0
Tags: [National, Defence, Technology, Finance]As Canada prepares to detail its defence spending plans in the upcoming federal budget to meet NATO's 2% GDP target this year and a 5% GDP target by 2035, senior NATO officials emphasize integrating a mix of advanced technologies like AI targeting and drones. Admiral Pierre Vandier, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, noted during exercises in Latvia involving Canadian Armed Forces personnel from Operation Reassurance that unmanned systems enhance the lethality and survivability of traditional military assets. The Department of National Defence recently launched the Defence Drone Initiative (DDI) to supply new drone tech to the Canadian Armed Forces and Canadian Coast Guard while bolstering domestic manufacturing. Meanwhile, Parliamentary Budget Office analysis indicates core defence spending would need to scale significantly from $95.7 billion in 2030 to $163.7 billion in 2035–36 to meet long-term alliance commitments.
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Canada won't pay directly into EU budget under Carney's plan: ambassador-designate
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-09-19 08:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Defence, Technology, Finance, Governance]Incoming EU Ambassador-Designate Jonathan Wilkinson announced that Canada will not pay directly into the European Union budget under Prime Minister Mark Carney's proposed "unique alliance." However, Canada may contribute funding to specific strategic programs, such as the EU's Security Action for Europe (SAFE) defence loan program, Horizon research initiatives, and Erasmus+ student exchanges. Carney formally outlined his vision for the partnership before the European Parliament, aiming for seamless digital trade, critical mineral investments, and AI safety protocols, while facing skepticism from some European politicians and tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump.
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