Canada-U.S. alliance will no longer dictate defense investments, says Carney

Canada's traditional alliance with the United States will no longer dictate the country's defense choices, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Wednesday.

• Also read: Donald Trump's "Gold Dome": Mark Carney confirms Canada's interest

"We had an integrated relationship with the United States, and that's all coming together. That great integration with the United States is over," Carney said as he left his Cabinet.

Mr. Carney has stressed his intention to increase his government's defense spending.

He also indicated that the file for the purchase of American F-35s would be reviewed to ensure that it was the best option for Canadians.

"We have alternatives to the F-35," he said, raising the possibility of purchasing European-made aircraft.

While the Prime Minister has adopted the same approach to Donald Trump's new "Gold Dome" project, the latter has shown himself open to reaching an agreement if it is in the interest of Canadians.

"If we have the chance to complete this dome with the Americans, we will certainly study this scenario," Mr. Carney said.

"We are now in a position where, if it is in our interest, we cooperate, but we also have other alternatives, other options," he added.

Budget guided by a “new fiscal discipline”

Mark Carney has said that the next federal budget presented this fall will be guided by a "new fiscal discipline."

"We will spend less on government operations so that Canadians can build a stronger economy. Government must become more productive by focusing more on results rather than spending," he said.

The Prime Minister also hopes to increase Canada's productivity by eliminating interprovincial barriers.