Canada increases defense spending, benefiting returning Latvia soldiers

Canadian soldiers returning from Latvia will benefit from increased defense spending, including pay raises and equipment upgrades, announced by Prime Minister Carney. The soldiers, including two from New Brunswick, were stationed near the Russian border as part of NATO's eastern flank defense. The $9 billion investment aims to boost military personnel and modernize capabilities, with a focus on recruitment and equipment. This investment comes amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Canada's commitment to Operation Reassurance, its largest overseas mission. The spending aims to bring the Canadian Armed Forces to 101,500 members by 2030.