Canada, the forgotten ally

We do respect Canada but we need to show it more often.

You may, but I don't think the majority care. Hence the desire to start cultivating friendships elsewhere.

Well, to be fair, the relationship is mutually disrespectful. Canadians enjoy their safety and security because th US is far more prepared to spend big bucks on defence. The paltry pile of cash we throw at protecting ourselves is more a show of sovereignty than any real capability - like putting up a beware of dog sign because the neighbor beside you has a pit bull.

Well, to be fair, the relationship is mutually disrespectful. Canadians enjoy their safety and security because th US is far more prepared to spend big bucks on defence. The paltry pile of cash we throw at protecting ourselves is more a show of sovereignty than any real capability - like putting up a beware of dog sign because the neighbor beside you has a pit bull.

While I agree we should spend more on defence, I hate the argument that Canada is some sort of free loader, because it really isn't. I'd agree we definitely did a lot of that in the 80s and 90s, but the situation has changed dramatically since 9/11.

We are in the top 15 in defence spending in the world by total dollars even though we are 35th in population - and we outspend more than half of all NATO members. I don't buy the per capita spending argument - because if that is the case, then we should all bow down to new global superpower Eritrea, which spends 20.9% per capita on defence - or perhaps any of a number of Gulf states that spend between 7% and 11% per capita. Conversely, nations like Japan which outspend India and most NATO members are free loaders too - hell, the Japanese spent only a couple billion less than France and the UK, so those nations must also be free-loaders.

If people want to use per capita spending as an argument, I'd argue every nation one Earth except China & Russia are free-loaders.

Well, to be fair, the relationship is mutually disrespectful. Canadians enjoy their safety and security because th US is far more prepared to spend big bucks on defence. The paltry pile of cash we throw at protecting ourselves is more a show of sovereignty than any real capability - like putting up a beware of dog sign because the neighbor beside you has a pit bull.

While I agree we should spend more on defence, I hate the argument that Canada is some sort of free loader, because it really isn't. I'd agree we definitely did a lot of that in the 80s and 90s, but the situation has changed dramatically since 9/11.

We are in the top 15 in defence spending in the world by total dollars even though we are 35th in population - and we outspend more than half of all NATO members. I don't buy the per capita spending argument - because if that is the case, then we should all bow down to new global superpower Eritrea, which spends 20.9% per capita on defence - or perhaps any of a number of Gulf states that spend between 7% and 11% per capita. Conversely, nations like Japan which outspend India and most NATO members are free loaders too - hell, the Japanese spent only a couple billion less than France and the UK, so those nations must also be free-loaders.

If people want to use per capita spending as an argument, I'd argue every nation one Earth except China & Russia are free-loaders.

Indeed, it's a tired and old argument that makes no sense. The closest to War we have come since WW2 was approx a decade ago with Spain over the Grand Banks fishery. We could have defended ourselves just fine in that situation.

I am unaware of any other potential conflict, outside of various frictions with the US itself, where potential for a Canada vs X nation has even occurred. All of our Wars have been in aid to Allies. At the very least they should stop whining about what $ we spend, cause we have spent above our share with Lives. Not for ourselves, but for Them. I don't care if they don't constantly fawn over our contributions, but stop whining about nonsense. Next time you need us, we'll be there and we'll come with our usual complete dedication to the cause.

Oh I think there's been a couple more things more substantial than the Turbot BS since WWII.

Well, to be fair, the relationship is mutually disrespectful. Canadians enjoy their safety and security because th US is far more prepared to spend big bucks on defence. The paltry pile of cash we throw at protecting ourselves is more a show of sovereignty than any real capability - like putting up a beware of dog sign because the neighbor beside you has a pit bull.

While I agree we should spend more on defence, I hate the argument that Canada is some sort of free loader, because it really isn't. I'd agree we definitely did a lot of that in the 80s and 90s, but the situation has changed dramatically since 9/11.

We are in the top 15 in defence spending in the world by total dollars even though we are 35th in population - and we outspend more than half of all NATO members. I don't buy the per capita spending argument - because if that is the case, then we should all bow down to new global superpower Eritrea, which spends 20.9% per capita on defence - or perhaps any of a number of Gulf states that spend between 7% and 11% per capita. Conversely, nations like Japan which outspend India and most NATO members are free loaders too - hell, the Japanese spent only a couple billion less than France and the UK, so those nations must also be free-loaders.

If people want to use per capita spending as an argument, I'd argue every nation one Earth except China & Russia are free-loaders.

I don't really buy the per capita argument either, I'm more into the capability argument. We rely in the US to provide the effective defensive deterrence in our north with it's nuke sub fleet and we rely heavily on them for NA Defence. For a country with our extensive coastline we have a very modest capability in patrolling and defending it, relying a lot on US intel and off shore capability to tell us what might come our way. We have minimal strategic lift, limited ability for replenishment, and very lured tactical diversity in our air force as they tend towards niche capability - I.e. limited ground support, lift, etc.

We rely a hell of a lot on diverse US capabilities so that we can maintain our less expensive niches.

Great article, always love when we get the props we deserve.

Qouted for truth.