U.S. Pauses Joint Military Board With Canada Over Defense Commitments

The Pentagon announced it is pausing participation in a joint military board with Canada that was established in 1940. Officials stated that Canada has not made credible progress on its defense commitments and that the pause will allow reassessment of how the forum benefits shared North American defense.

Military and civilian officials from both countries have participated in the board, which typically meets once a year. The decision comes as relations between the two countries have faced strain in recent months.

Background on the Board The Permanent Joint Board on Defense was created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Prime Minister Mackenzie King during World War II. It has served as a forum for coordination on continental defense issues since its founding.

Canadian officials described the move as limited in importance. Former officials and defense experts characterized it as a signal regarding cooperation on shared security matters.

A former Canadian parliament member who previously served as the board's co-chair called the decision short-sighted. Another former Canadian minister questioned the timing of the announcement. A defense analyst at the University of Manitoba noted that Canada provides radar and satellite systems that supply advance warning for U.S. defense planning in the Arctic region.

A member of Congress from Nebraska also expressed concern about preserving the alliance. Canada has increased its military presence in the Arctic. NATO countries, including Canada, pledged last year to reach 5 percent of gross domestic product on defense spending by 2035.