Canada's defense minister said more people are signing up to join the army as a result of rising global uncertainty.
David McGuinty said there has been a 13% increase in new recruits over the past eight months. "Applications are up because Canadians want to serve," the official said when announcing increasing and upgrading the stockpile of housing on military bases.
"They're very engaged in the project called 'Canada' right now. I think they want to make sure that Canada remains a secure and sovereign country," he added.
Politico detailed that the government is spending tens of billions of dollars into the military following threats from Donald Trump, which included potentially annexing Canada and turning it into the 51st state.
It went on to note that the country also launched a Defense Industrial Strategy, aiming to create 125,000 jobs and increase the proportion of military purchases away from the U.S. and to other allies.
Ottawa also intends to make large military purchases, including 12 non-nuclear submarines, dozens of fighter jets and new warships.
Canada has also defied the U.S. by announcing it is preparing a humanitarian aid package for Cuba as the island faces severe fuel shortages, blackouts, and mounting strain on its healthcare system following U.S. measures targeting countries that supply oil to Havana.
"We are preparing a plan to assist," said Canada's Foreign Minister Anita Anand, adding that details are forthcoming. "We are not prepared at this point to provide any details of the announcement."
Canada's move, reported by The Associated Press, follows Mexico's recent shipments of aid and comes amid a rapidly evolving policy landscape. Last week, two Mexican Navy ships delivered more than 800 tons of food and supplies to Havana, with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirming that additional humanitarian assistance, including food and other requested items, would be sent, though not fuel.
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