Overview of the Promise

During his 2025 election campaign, Mark Carney promised to support the Canadian Army with significant new investments, specifically mentioning examples such as new self-propelled artillery systems and ground-based air defence capabilities. The goal was to ensure the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have the capacity to operate effectively in the current global security context, addressing longstanding equipment shortages and modernizing the military amid rising international threats.

Actions Taken by the Carney Government

Since taking office in April 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced multiple initiatives to boost defence spending and re-equip the Canadian Army. In June 2025, the government unveiled a defence plan that includes over $9 billion in additional military investments for the fiscal year, aimed at accelerating Canada's path to meeting NATO's 2% GDP spending target by 2026. This plan emphasizes rebuilding, rearming, and reinvesting in the CAF, with specific commitments to new equipment acquisitions.

Carney's administration has prioritized domestic procurement and reducing reliance on U.S. suppliers, including partnerships with European allies for defence rearmament. Pay raises for CAF personnel were announced in August 2025 to improve recruitment and retention, indirectly supporting operational capacity. Additionally, the government extended Canada's NATO mission in Latvia for three more years, highlighting the need to address equipment gaps in active deployments.

Progress on New Self-Propelled Artillery Systems

The promise includes investing in new self-propelled artillery systems. In March 2025, even before the election, the government launched the Indirect Fires Modernisation (IFM) programme, which involves procuring up to 98 new 155mm self-propelled howitzers. This initiative has progressed under Carney's leadership, with announcements in May 2025 detailing a layered approach to artillery modernization presented at international defence conferences. These steps indicate active procurement processes, though full delivery and integration into the Army may take several years.

Progress on Ground-Based Air Defence Capabilities

Regarding ground-based air defence capabilities, the Carney government has engaged in discussions to enhance these systems. In May 2025, Canada expressed interest in participating in the U.S.-led Golden Dome missile defence program, which could provide advanced ground-based defences. Broader defence plans announced in June 2025 include investments in air defence as part of overall military upgrades, with a focus on Arctic security and NATO commitments. Efforts to fill equipment gaps in Latvia, announced in August 2025, also address air defence needs in high-threat environments. However, specific acquisitions for ground-based systems are still in planning stages, with no confirmed deliveries as of September 2025.

Related Legislation and Budgetary Measures

No standalone legislation has been passed specifically for this promise, but it is embedded in broader budgetary and policy frameworks. The June 2025 defence spending plan, announced by Carney and Defence Minister David McGuinty, proposes an increase of more than $9 billion in military investments, integrated into the federal budget. This includes allocations for equipment procurement without requiring new laws, as it falls under the Department of National Defence's authority. Critics, including experts cited in media reports, have noted challenges in rapid implementation due to procurement complexities, but the government has committed to revamping defence acquisition processes to expedite purchases.

Challenges and Path Forward

While announcements and initial procurements show momentum, full fulfillment depends on actual delivery of equipment. To consider this promise kept, the government must complete acquisitions, deploy the new self-propelled artillery systems, and integrate ground-based air defence capabilities into the CAF by the end of Carney's term or as per announced timelines. Delays in procurement, budget shortfalls, or failure to meet NATO targets could put the promise at risk of being broken. For instance, if investments are scaled back due to economic pressures or if equipment deliveries fall significantly behind schedule, the promise could be deemed broken.

Overall Status

This promise is in progress.