Undersecretary of War Elbridge Colby announced that the Department of War is pausing the Permanent Joint Board on Defense with Canada while officials reassess the forum’s role in North American defense cooperation.
Colby said a “strong Canada that prioritizes hard power over rhetoric benefits us all,” but argued Ottawa has failed to make “credible progress” on its defense commitments.
The announcement drew attention to remarks made earlier this year by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the World Economic Forum, with Colby warning that “real powers must sustain our rhetoric with shared defense and security responsibilities.”
Colby said strengthening continental defense starts with recognizing the shared geography between the United States and Canada, adding that both countries must invest in their own defense capabilities to ensure long-term security and prosperity.
Source: Undersecretary of War Elbridge Colby on X
