Pentagon suspends participation in joint defense council with Canada

WASHINGTON, May 20 (YPA) – The US Department of Defense, the Pentagon, announced it was suspending its participation in the Permanent Joint Defense Council with Canada.

The move reflect escalating disagreements between Washington and Ottawa over military spending and the sharing of defense burdens within NATO.

US Under Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby accused Canada of failing to “meet its military commitments,” announcing the change to the 85-year-old Joint Defense Council.

The decision comes at a time when US President Donald Trump continues to criticize Canada and other NATO countries for what he considers low defense spending compared to their reliance on US protection.

The “Permanent Joint Defense Council” is one of the oldest frameworks for military cooperation between the United States and Canada, and it includes senior military and civilian leaders from both countries.

YPA