Pentagon pauses 86-year-old U.S.-Canada defense board over Canada’s defense spending

The Pentagon said Monday it will pause participation in the Permanent Joint Board on Defense, the principal strategic forum for Canada-U.S. defense cooperation, after accusing Canada of failing to contribute enough to its own defense. Under Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby announced the pause on social media, indicating that divisive rhetoric from Canadian officials prompted the U.S. to reassess its strategic partnerships. “A strong Canada that prioritizes hard power over rhetoric benefits us all. Unfortunately, Canada has failed to make credible progress on its defense commitments,” Mr. Colby posted on X. “Delivering on shared continental defense begins by recognizing our...