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.

Richard Shimooka, a defense policy writer, joins Daniel Robson, an independent journalist specializing in digital extremism, for an engaging discussion. They tackle the alarming rise of anti-Jewish hatred in Canada, particularly on online platforms. Robson highlights a critical language gap in addressing this issue while advocating for better monitoring of hate crimes. Shimooka delves into the controversial decision by BC Ferries to procure from a Chinese state-owned firm, raising questions about national security and the government's response to mounting public concerns.