Richard Shimooka

In this discussion, Richard Shimooka, a Canadian defense policy expert and senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, tackles the pressing issue of Canada’s defense spending and its NATO commitments. He highlights concerns over Canada being perceived as a ‘freeloader’ and the implications of not meeting the 2% GDP target by 2032. Shimooka examines the inefficiencies in military procurement and the challenges in personnel readiness, urging for critical reforms to bolster Canada’s military capabilities amidst global security tensions.

In this engaging conversation, Richard Shimooka, an expert in Canadian defense policy at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, discusses Canada’s ambitious plan to increase its defense budget to meet NATO’s 2% GDP target. He explains the historical context of Canada’s military underspending and the urgency driven by global security demands. The conversation dives into the complexities of defense procurement, challenges in military readiness, and the pressing security issues in Canada’s Arctic, particularly in light of climate change and geopolitical tensions.

Trevor Tombe, a Professor of Economics at the University of Calgary, discusses whether Canada is teetering on the edge of a recession, analyzing rising unemployment and recent job losses. Meanwhile, Richard Shimooka advocates for increased investment in F-35 fighter jets while weighing other military options for Canada. They dive into the implications of economic uncertainty on households and the nation’s defense strategy amidst growing tensions with China, highlighting the complexities of military procurement and economic forecasting.