The Parti Québécois Revises Military Spending Plans for Independent Quebec
The Parti Québécois recently announced that the projected military spending for an independent Quebec will need to be increased beyond initial estimates. During a gathering at the PQ congress, Pascal Paradis, a PQ member, emphasized that Quebec would need to bolster its defense capabilities with a military force comparable in size and strength to other similar nations like Denmark or Sweden.
Paradis challenged the notion that the Canadian army serves as a shield for Quebec, asserting that Quebec must rely on its own military strength for protection. The PQ had previously allocated around $3.6 billion for military expenditures in its Year 1 budget plan, but with NATO setting higher military spending targets, there is a need for a reassessment of the figures.
With NATO urging member states to increase military spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, the PQ acknowledges the need to align with these international standards. Paradis hinted at forthcoming adjustments to their financial projections to reflect this new reality.
The proposed military budget for an independent Quebec had drawn criticism from opponents who argued that the initial estimates were inadequate. To meet the 2% of GDP threshold recommended by NATO, Quebec would require additional funding amounting to $8 billion, surpassing the PQ’s budget projections.
Paradis emphasized the importance of maintaining Quebec’s strategic interests and commitments within NATO in the event of independence. He also highlighted the broader network of alliances and interests that play a role in safeguarding Quebec’s sovereignty.
The PQ’s ongoing efforts to outline the financial viability of an independent Quebec, commonly referred to as the “budget of year 1,” aim to counter arguments from opponents advocating for Quebec’s continued federal affiliation. This exercise underscores the party’s commitment to demonstrating Quebec’s ability to stand as an independent and self-sustaining nation.
