US suspends long-standing joint defence cooperation with Canada

US Department of Defense Announces Halt in Joint Board Participation with Canada

The United States has announced that it will cease its involvement in the Permanent Joint Board on Defense, citing concerns over Canada’s defense commitments. The board, established during World War II, serves as a forum for regional security discussions among North American countries.

According to US Undersecretary of Defense Elbridge Colby, the department will reassess the benefits of participating in the joint board due to what he described as “gaps between rhetoric and reality.” This decision follows strained relations between the US and Canada since President Donald Trump’s second term began in 2025.

Canada has committed to increasing its defense spending, with Prime Minister Mark Carney stating that 3.5% of the country’s GDP will be allocated towards bolstering core military capabilities. The Canadian government has also emphasized its efforts to reduce dependence on US military power and economy.

The US decision comes amid a broader trend of the Trump administration criticizing Western allies for relying too heavily on US military power. In contrast, Canada and other countries have been ramping up military spending and taking steps to assume greater control over regional security.

The announcement has sparked criticism from some lawmakers, who argue that the decision will harm bilateral relations between the US and Canada. The two countries are set to negotiate an updated version of the USMCA later this year.

Source: Al Jazeera