Canada Defense Crisis

Canada’s Defense is in Crisis—What Does That Mean for You?

As a veteran of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) with 14 years of service, including deployments with Air Task Force Iraq (ROTO2) and multinational exercises such as Maple Flag 2016 and RIMPAC 2014, I have seen firsthand what a strong military looks like. I was also posted to the United States twice, working alongside the United States Air Force (USAF) and United States Space Force (USSF), where I witnessed how our southern neighbors value, respect, and support their military.

Now, as a REALTOR® in Winnipeg, I still keep a close eye on national affairs, and one thing is clear—Canada is in trouble. While many wonder why a real estate professional is talking about national defense, the reality is that our economy, our security, and even our housing market are all impacted by how our government prioritizes (or neglects) our military and national sovereignty.

How Canada Views Its Military vs. The U.S.

In the United States, military members are revered. Walk into a restaurant, a store, or even down the street, and people will stop to thank you for your service. Businesses offer discounts, employers prioritize hiring veterans, and the government ensures their forces are well-funded and well-equipped.

In Canada, it’s the opposite. Our military is treated like an afterthought—something politicians argue about but never properly invest in. The public sees the military as a group that responds to natural disasters (ice storms, forest fires, floods) but rarely as a critical national institution. The common attitude is:

• "Why should we fund the military? It will just increase our taxes."
• "If something happens, the U.S. will step up and protect us."

This dangerous mindset has led to severe neglect, leaving Canada with outdated, broken, or second-hand equipment and a shrinking ability to defend itself.

The Consequences of Canada’s Neglect

Canada’s military has been systematically underfunded for decades, and the consequences are dire:

• Outdated Equipment – Our CF-18 fighter jets are falling apart, with their replacement being a game of political hot potato.
• No Modern Navy – Canada no longer has a single destroyer, and we rely solely on aging Frigate-class ships built in 1988.
• Submarine Fiasco – We bought used submarines from the British Navy, built in the late 1970s, which have spent more time in dry dock than in use.
• Aging Aircraft – Our CP-140 Aurora maritime patrol aircraft was designed in 1980 and is still in service with endless modifications instead of being replaced.
• The F-35 Debacle – Canada initially joined the F-35 fighter jet program under Prime Minister Harper, which would have created jobs and technological advancements. Justin Trudeau canceled the deal, only to reorder the jets years later, costing us billions in penalties.

Trump’s Re-Election & Canada’s Defense in Limbo

For decades, Canada has relied on the United States for defense. That safety net is now gone.

With Donald Trump’s re-election, the global landscape has changed dramatically:

• Trump has openly praised Vladimir Putin, further emboldening Russian aggression.
• He cut off defense funding to Ukraine, leaving them vulnerable.
• He humiliated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on live television, signaling that the U.S. is no longer interested in defending democracy abroad.
• He has warned NATO allies that those who don’t meet their defense spending obligations are on their own.

Canada has never met NATO’s 2% GDP defense spending requirement. What happens when we need help, and the U.S. turns its back on us?

Why This Matters for Canadian Homeowners & Homebuyers

You might be wondering—what does this have to do with real estate? The answer is everything.

1. Economic Stability – A strong military ensures stability and investor confidence. When Canada’s global security is in question, foreign investment slows, affecting jobs and home values.
2. Tax Burdens – The longer we wait to fix our defense issues, the more it will cost taxpayers down the road. Ignoring problems today leads to higher costs tomorrow.
3. Regional Security & Property Values – Uncertainty and geopolitical risk can affect local economies, particularly in areas with military bases and defense-related industries.
4. Veteran Homeownership – Supporting veterans isn’t just about defense; it’s about ensuring they have access to affordable housing and homeownership opportunities when they transition out of service.

What Needs to Happen Now

Canada must take responsibility for its own defense. That means:

• INCREASING MILITARY FUNDING IMMEDIATELY – We must exceed NATO’s 2% GDP defense spending target and properly equip our forces.
• TAKING PROCUREMENT AWAY FROM POLITICIANS – Military leaders, not bureaucrats, should oversee acquisitions.
• EDUCATING THE PUBLIC ON NATIONAL SECURITY – Canadians must understand that a strong military is an investment, not an expense.
• STANDING UP FOR OUR ALLIES – Canada must take a leadership role in global security, supporting Ukraine and other democratic nations.

The Time for Complacency Is Over

I have served with some of the finest military professionals in the world. I know what we are capable of when we are properly funded and equipped. But right now, our military is suffering because of political games, bureaucratic delays, and a lack of national pride in our armed forces.

The world is changing, and not in our favor. If we don’t wake up and take defense seriously, we will be caught off guard.

As Canadians, we must recognize that national security isn’t just about tanks and fighter jets—it’s about protecting our economy, our homes, and our future. If you care about your job, your mortgage, your investments, and your community, then you should care about how our country defends itself.