Thread by @MercedesGlobal

President Donald Trump questioning Prime Minister Trudeau on defence spending was quite something to watch. The PM tried to not give a percentage number talking about Lib govt's increased spending, Trump pushed back and asked for an exact number #cdnpoli #Cdnnatsec #CAF

Prime Minister Trudeau answered President Trump's second question by saying Canada spends 1.3% of GDP on defence (accurate according to most recent NATO numbers), but then sounded like he said 1.4%. That is not accurate. Canada is aiming to spend 1.4% by 2026 #cdnpoli #CAF

Trump's tone on defence spending was more positive than in the past saying Canada is "slightly delinquent" in defence spending to get to the 2% NATO target. #cdnpoli #CAF

This comes after the US sent a sternly worded diplomatic letter to Canada demanding more be done to meet the 2% target. The letter was sent on October 15th, just before the federal election. Canadian officials have refused to respond to requests for comment on it #CAF #cdnpoli

Part of how Canada has increased % of GDP on defence spending is by including $ that didn't used to be considered "defence spending" including: pensions (and a $1.8 billion pension adjustment), some veterans benefits (including death benefits for veterans' family members) 1/2

also counts CSE spending, RCMP deployments overseas and the Afghan National Army Trust Fund. #CAF #cdnpoli 2/2

A lot of Canada's increased defence spending will come from the new ships and CF18 replacements (yet to be procured) that will push the numbers up substantially. #cdnpoli #CAF