Military Expenditure in Canada, 1960-2022

Canada's military expenditure steadily decreased from 4.2% in 1960 to around 1% by the early 2000s. The reductions reflect a strategic pivot from Cold War-era defense postures to domestic and international peacekeeping priorities. By 1982, spending briefly rose to 2% amid heightened NATO commitments but gradually declined again with the easing of Cold War tensions.

Post-9/11, military expenditure stabilized at around 1–1.4%, reflecting Canada's involvement in Afghanistan and broader global security efforts. By 2022, spending was 1.2%, aligning with NATO benchmarks and emphasizing modernization while maintaining fiscal restraint.