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.