UMVA has learned that the United States has abruptly halted the Permanent Joint Board on Defense, a cornerstone of North American security cooperation, citing Canada’s lagging defense commitments.
In a terse social‑media statement, U.S. Undersecretary of Defense Elbridge Colby announced a “pause” on the board to reassess whether the forum truly serves shared continental defense, warning that “a strong Canada that prioritizes hard power over rhetoric benefits us all.”
The pause comes after a series of missed milestones in Canada’s defense spending and capability upgrades, prompting Washington to question the value of the historic advisory council that has existed since 1940.
Former Canadian political leader Erin O’Toole blasted the decision as “profoundly misguided,” noting the timing feels odd after the U.S. President’s recent diplomatic outreach to China. He invoked his grandfather’s World‑War‑II service in Alaska to underscore the deep‑rooted bond between the two nations.
Despite the criticism, Canada’s government has already hit NATO’s 2 % of GDP defense‑spending target years ahead of schedule, allocating more than $63 billion to defense in the 2025‑26 fiscal year and setting ambitious long‑term goals.
Colby’s message was stark: “We can no longer avoid the gaps between rhetoric and reality. Real powers must sustain our rhetoric with shared defense and security responsibilities.” He urged both nations to invest in tangible capabilities, warning that only a robust, mutually‑supported defense posture can keep North America safe, secure, and prosperous.
