Top Canadian military leaders maintained regular defense cooperation talks with their U.S. counterparts last week, even as former President Donald Trump escalated threats against Canada's economy and sovereignty.
Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Jennie Carignan met with U.S. Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Christopher Grady in Washington on March 20 to discuss North American and Arctic defense. The following day, Royal Canadian Navy Vice Adm. Angus Topshee held discussions with Acting U.S. Naval Operations Chief Adm. James Kilby about integrating maritime forces.
These routine military meetings occurred against a backdrop of heightened tensions, as Trump announced new 25% tariffs on Canadian auto imports and demanded manufacturers relocate from Canada to the U.S. The former president's aggressive stance prompted Prime Minister Mark Carney to declare an end to the traditional U.S.-Canada relationship based on economic integration and military cooperation.
While military officials from both nations discussed Arctic collaboration, the Trump administration has shown interest in partnering with Russia in the region. Trump has also expressed intentions to acquire Greenland, drawing no objection from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Some former Canadian military leaders warn that defense planning must adapt to new strategic realities. Retired Lt.-Gen. Yvan Blondin cautioned that U.S. defense support can no longer be taken for granted, urging preparation for a potentially unreliable ally.
The Department of National Defence maintains that military-to-military relationships provide stability during political shifts. "Canada shares many of the U.S. concerns about the evolving environment and will continue to work with the Pentagon when it serves Canadian interests," said spokesperson Cheryl Forrest.
Recent polling shows Americans increasingly view Canada less as a close ally, reflecting growing strain in bilateral relations. Prime Minister Carney has called for Canada to diversify its economic and defense partnerships beyond the United States.