Canadian veterans and families of fallen soldiers have criticised recent remarks by US President Donald Trump and senior members of his administration that they say demean Canada’s military and its record of fighting alongside American forces.
The anger follows comments from Vice-President JD Vance that Canada had underinvested in its military and would be vulnerable to invasion without US protection. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy went further, saying Canada “doesn’t have a military”, while Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has also mocked Canadian military personnel on social media.
The comments have particularly angered veterans who served with US forces in Afghanistan. More than 40,000 Canadian military personnel served in the conflict, where 158 Canadians were killed. Canadian troops also fought alongside US and NATO forces in other major conflicts.
Former Canadian soldiers interviewed in the report described the remarks as insulting to those who served and to families who lost relatives in combat. Some said the comments had changed how they viewed Canada’s long-standing military relationship with the United States.
Canada’s Defence Minister David McGuinty has condemned the remarks, while Prime Minister Mark Carney has also criticised the tone of the US administration’s comments.
The dispute comes as Canada is increasing defence spending and expanding its military capabilities, including investments in submarines, icebreakers, aircraft and cyber defence.
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