Withdraw from NATO

AI summary

Petitioners ask the Government of Canada to withdraw from NATO, remove troops from Latvia, cut military spending, and launch public consultations. The government responds it will remain in NATO and keep troops in Latvia.

AI summaries describe petitioners’ requests and claims. Consult the official record for the full text.

Official petition

Petition to the Government of Canada Whereas: Canada was a founding member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 1949 and has participated in every NATO intervention; NATO has failed to uphold Article 1 of its charter "to settle any international dispute in which they may be involved by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security are not endangered"; NATO launched illegal interventions against Yugoslavia in 1999, Afghanistan in 2001, and Libya in 2011 that have caused mass civilian deaths and destruction of infrastructure with no accountability; According to the NATO Defence Expenditures report, Canada's military spending has increased from $20 billion in 2014 to $39 billion in 2023, which has diverted funding away from social programs and climate action; Throughout the year, NATO engages in exercises and operations, which involve thousands of soldiers and vehicles that adversely impact the climate and environment; NATO relies on a dangerous deterrence doctrine, which risks the use of nuclear weapons; Canada has refused to join the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons because of NATO; Canada is leading NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence, a battlegroup, in Latvia and escalating conflict with Russia; and NATO is a U.S.-dominated military alliance that impedes Canada's sovereignty over our defence policy and civilian control of our military. Therefore, we, the undersigned residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Withdraw from NATO; 2. Remove Canadian troops from Latvia; 3. Reduce military spending; and 4. Conduct public consultations on a new foreign policy based on peace and international cooperation.

Government response

Response by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Signed by Rob Oliphant Part 1: Canada faces a more dangerous and divided world – one in which we must be prepared to defend ourselves and our allies. Amidst a shifting geopolitical environment, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization remains a critical pillar for the collective defence of the Euro-Atlantic region and protects the values that unite members states – a role it has carried out for over seven decades. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization remains a cornerstone of Canadian security and defence policy and an important platform for Canada’s contributions to international peace and security. Canada is a founding member of the Alliance and is proud to have contributed to nearly every North Atlantic Treaty Organization operation since its founding in 1949. This political and military alliance was formed to promote the stability of the Euro-Atlantic area and to safeguard the freedom of its peoples, based on the principles of democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law. This goal drives all of Canada’s efforts within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and Canada seeks to ensure the Alliance remains strong, modern, flexible, agile able to face current and future threats. Canada is undertaking a generational transformation of our defence posture through historic investments, major reforms, and stronger partnerships with our partners and North Atlantic Treaty Organization Allies. Through these efforts, Canada is becoming a stronger, more capable North Atlantic Treaty Organization member with greater ability to lead and advance the Alliance’s collective security. Climate change is a defining challenge for Canada, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Allies, and global partners, as set out in the 2021 North Atlantic Treaty Organization Climate Change and Security Action Plan. The plan outlines four pillars of action: awareness; adaptation; mitigation; and outreach. The increasing interaction between climate change and traditional security risks poses direct and indirect threats to our national security and resilience, and the changing environment poses direct challenges for military operations. Through policies such as Strong, Secure, Engaged, Our North, Strong and Free, the Defence Climate and Sustainability Strategy, and the Climate Resilience and Environmental Sustainability Science and Technology Strategy, Canada integrates climate change as a core element of its national security. Canada also hosts the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence to better understand and address climate impacts on security. The Centre acts as a capacity multiplier, providing a unique platform for military and civilian actors to develop, enhance and share knowledge on climate security impacts. Part 4: The Government of Canada develops its foreign policy with a view to advance the security, safety and prosperity of Canadians. This includes consultations and ongoing dialogue with Canadian and international stakeholders. These inputs help ensure that Canada’s foreign policy is evidence-based, responsive, and reflective of a wide range of perspectives. Response by the Minister of National Defence Signed by The Honourable David J. McGuinty Part 1 As a founding member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Canada views the Alliance as a cornerstone of its security and defence policy, and an important platform for its contributions to international peace and security. In a complex security environment, relations with like-minded partners are increasingly important in addressing cross-cutting security issues and global challenges. NATO Allies’ mutual commitment to collective defence is an invaluable contribution to the security and sovereignty of Canada and Canadians. Withdrawal would undermine Canada’s security, reduce its international influence, and weaken collective deterrence at a time of heightened global uncertainty and instability. Part 2 Canada’s commitment to security in the Baltic region is resolute and enduring. Canada will continue to highlight the central importance of a strong and united NATO for the security of the Euro-Atlantic area, including through Operation REASSURANCE, the Canadian Armed Forces’ largest international military operation. The Prime Minister announced that Canada will maintain its military presence in Latvia through to 2031, reinforcing deterrence of further Russian aggression. The renewal of Operation REASSURANCE is a significant investment in NATO’s deterrence and defence along NATO’s eastern flank, as well as to Canada’s bilateral relationship with Latvia. Part 3 The Government of Canada is committed to protecting Canada’s sovereignty and security by rebuilding, rearming, and reinvesting in the Canadian Armed Forces. In an increasingly complex and fractured global security environment, marked by heightened geopolitical tensions, Canada must be prepared to defend its sovereign territory, particularly in the Arctic, where adversaries are actively seeking to advance their strategic objectives against Canadian interests. Canada’s security is further strengthened by NATO Allies’ mutual commitment to collective defence under Article V of the North Atlantic Charter. Canada is stepping up its defence investments as part of a broader effort among NATO Allies to strengthen this collective security. Defence spending decisions will continue to balance operational readiness with fiscal responsibility.