Halifax International Security Forum begins Friday [Video]

HALIFAX –

The Halifax International Security Forum started today with Canada’s defence minister defending Canada’s military spending as Donald Trump’s election in the United States increases pressure on NATO members to do more.

About 300 policy analysts, politicians and defence officials from 60 countries are participating in the 16th annual gathering in the Nova Scotia capital.

Former U.S. ambassador to Canada Kelly Craft said in the waning days of the U.S. election campaign that Canada would be wise to speed up its timeline for meeting its NATO spending commitments in the event of a Trump presidential victory.

Also, retired Lt.-Gen. Andrew Leslie — a former member of the Liberal caucus — told the House of Commons defence committee on Nov. 7 he detects “no sense of urgency” from the government to meet those commitments.

Defence Minister Bill Blair told reporters his government is well aware it needs to increase defence spending, both to help Ukraine and to …