Defence minister tells arms makers to prepare for accelerated federal spending

Defence Minister David McGuinty pulled out all the stops Wednesday in his first major public speech to enlist the country's top arms makers in the Liberal government's plans to accelerate military spending.

He pledged the newly re-elected Liberal government will take "immediate and decisive action to rebuild Canada's defence capacity."

McGuinty was speaking at the annual CANSEC defence trade show in Ottawa to hundreds of Canadian and international contractors, many of whom are looking to sell weapons and munitions to the federal government.

The speech comes against the backdrop of U.S. President Donald Trump's talk of annexing Canada and one day after the government's throne speech, which promised the county would sign on to a $1.25-trillion European Union defence-industrial initiative — known as ReArm Europe.

Speaking on CBC's Power & Politics Tuesday, Prime Minister Mark Carney said he hoped to have the deal done by Canada Day.

McGuinty, in his speech, reiterated that commitment and called on defence contractors to join the effort.

"We're moving quickly to ensure our military has the tools to defend our country and continent, while remaining an engaged, reliable partner abroad," the minister said.

"Here's the key message I want to leave with you here this morning. This work can only be done in partnership with you."

CANSEC, in many respects, is an annual rite of passage for the defence minister, who is expected to build bridges with the contractors that supply military gear. Many companies, however, have complained about the glacial, often complicated, procurement process.

McGuinty said the concerns have been heard.

He also hinted the Liberal government was hoping to exceed its pledge to meet the NATO defence spending target of two per cent of the gross domestic product. During the election, Carney said the government would hit the mark by 2030.

Canada plans to triple defence spending from 2014 levels by 2030, the minister said.

"But your government is willing to accelerate this. So, stay tuned."

NATO's secretary general this week said the two per cent benchmark would likely be raised to five per cent at the next leaders summit at the end of June.

McGuinty delivered his speech, but did not stop to speak with reporters. Instead, he ducked out the back curtain with his staff.