Global duty and domestic strain: Canada’s $4.3 billion pledge

Canada’s $4.3 billion pledge to Ukraine allows us to ask if foreign policy is more important than domestic priorities. We are already wrestling with a housing crisis, incredible debt, and high inflation. However, the benefits of strengthening our allies and reinforcing our role in defending international law could outweigh the downsides. We have to value our growing role as a strategic and moral leader on the international level. Housing affordability and domestic economic plans are vital to Canada, but we have to think about the bigger picture.

Canada needs to invest in other countries in order to better our global reputation. We are a peacekeeping nation. Backing Ukraine means defending a sovereign nation from an illegal invasion. We are champions of freedom and rights, and we have to work to uphold the rights of other, smaller countries. We have core values involving respect for national sovereignty, we oppose imperialism, and protect civilian lives.

Russia is committing war crimes against Ukraine — as Canadians we cannot stand for this. Allowing this aggression to go unchecked will embolden the authoritarian regime that Russia is trying to uphold. Just because they are not citizens of our country does not mean we should stand by and let Russia commit such atrocities. By supporting Ukraine now, Russia may be deterred from similar attacks on countries in the future. We have a commitment to dignity and the idea that free nations must work together.

If you want to ignore the moral argument, there are long-term economic interests and potential for Canadian growth that could stem from this financial aid. Canada is currently behind on our defence spending goals as a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). This $4.3 billion will count towards our NATO target of two per cent of our gross domestic product. Because we are under a lot of pressure to meet this goal, funding Ukraine will not only bolster our image, but further our alliances as well. Investing in Ukraine is investing in a better economy, as studies have shown that the war has increased inflation globally. The war has caused severe disruptions in the supply chain. The sooner we can end the war, the faster we can fix the these interruptions. Canada is a nation that is trade-dependent, we will benefit from a more stable Europe.

Another financial benefit that could come from supporting Ukraine is the future trade and investments. Rebuilding post-war Ukraine will cost billions. There would be major contracts in construction, engineering, agriculture, and possibly telecommunications. Countries that contribute to Ukraine now are going to be more likely to get preferred access to these economic opportunities. Many European countries are also looking towards green energy, and Canada is helping them. A stable Ukraine will follow suit, and they are more likely to come to us in the future if we make a stronger alliance with them now. Aiding Ukraine will strengthen our relationships with members of the European Union (EU). Stronger relationships will allow better market access and more valuable trade agreements. Given the strained relationship between the United States and Canada due to the tariffs of President Trump, support from the EU is more important than ever.

Pledging money to Ukraine may be costly now, but ultimately we will benefit from supporting them. We also have to acknowledge the fact that there are costly issues at home. Canada has problems we need to solve, but so does Ukraine. Helping them now will lead to more support and stronger trade in the future. On both a moral and financial level, Canada is obliged to support Ukraine.