Readout of a meeting in Washington between Defence Minister Anita Anand and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin

April 28, 2022 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Today, Defence Minister Anita Anand participated in a bilateral meeting with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, in Washington D.C.

During their meeting, Minister Anand and Secretary Austin discussed ongoing and emerging threats to continental and international security.  

They discussed efforts by Canada, the United States and other like-minded partners to support Ukraine in the face of Russia’s full-scale invasion, including Canada’s recent delivery of heavy artillery to Ukrainian forces in conjunction with American allies, and next steps following this week’s meeting of the Ukraine Defense Consultative Group at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. Minister Anand underscored Canada’s ironclad commitment to continue working with Allies and partners to supply Ukraine with the priority military equipment and capabilities that it needs.

During Minister Anand and Secretary Austin’s discussion regarding threats facing North America, the Minister reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to strengthening continental defence, and to delivering a robust plan to modernize NORAD in the short term and in collaboration with the United States.

In addition, Minister Anand highlighted, and Secretary Austin welcomed, Canada’s new defence investments announced in Budget 2022. The Budget allocates an additional $8 billion over five years to bolster the capabilities of the Canadian Armed Forces, enhance contributions to international operations, including through NATO, improve Canada’s cyber security capabilities, and $500 million of additional military aid for Ukraine.

The United States is Canada’s most important ally and defence partner. Our armed forces have worked and fought together throughout our histories, and our militaries continue to work side by side every day to defend North American airspace through NORAD. To this end, Minister Anand and Secretary Austin agreed to continue to keep in close contact going forward.