If Canada spent a larger amount on defense, could it effectively defend its borders militarily?

Question

I seek answers from people educated in defense.

If Canada spent an equal proportion of its GDP on defense as the United States does, could Canada effectively defend its borders militarily from most nations? Obviously if hell froze over and the US attacked Canada there would be no chance, as with other military power houses like Russia. But being able to defend your sovereignity, defend/help(think natural disastors) your people across the nation and world and help allied nations in times of need are the main points.

Canada's GDP is $1.165 Trillion.
The United States spends 3.7% of its GDP on Military.
Currently Canada spends $16.5 Billion on defense.
At 3.7%, Canada would be spending $43.1 Billion on defense.

What changes could we see, and how effective would this money be?

This question is simply "What If". While I support our military, a massive increase like this is not needed, and I simply ask as a neutral "What If" question because it interests me.

NOTE TO ALL PEOPLE ANSWERING: I am not asking this as "Should Canada spend more money on defense".

This is a question of what if the US decided to leave us high and dry on defense (not that they ever would, because Americans are still our best friends, despite the amount of flack they get from ungrateful Canadians)

If Canada had to defend herself. Lets say we were across an ocean, like Australia, from our nearest great ally - how effective could Canada's military be.

Steven I: This question is not asking whether Canada could wage a war. It is merely for defense. It is obvious, with a population of only 30 million, that Canada could not wage an extensive campaign like the US is capable of. But something similar to what the UK commands, for example.

Steven I: With all due respect, you should come to Canada one day.

Canada has a mighty industrial base. For a country ranked 36th in population we rank 7th in GDP. You don't get that way without having a "Strong industrial base". Before Alberta's oil was exploited, what do you think kept our economy afloat? Grain? Why do you think Ontario and Quebec are crying because of the rising dollar - because American companies are pulling out of Canada - leaving thousands of FACTORY WORKERS out of jobs.

Answer 1

Canada has come together in two great wars as was called upon by their Allies and with only volunteers not having to enforce the draft.If need be they could it again......

Answer 2

Canada does not need to spend that money on defense it would be a waste. Your government is doing the proper thing with its money, spending it on things that help your nation for example; you have a free health care system. You are a nation of peace with a neighbor as an allay that is the most powerful nation in the world. Your borders are with the United States and the North Pole, the alliance with the US is very good so if it were ever under threat the us forces would step in. It would make no sense for your government to spend so much money on defense.

Answer 3

In reality, the US is the only country that would ever invade Canada. But that is unlikely. The two nations are too close and too friendly for any republican president to try to launch an invasion for our resources.
The borders are simply too massive to be defended.
The population is only around 30 million people with a military of around/under 100,000 serving.
Canadians would never accept military spending at the expense of healthcare, education, social services.
The military is small, but bad-a$$ed. That's the way the country likes it and that's the way it will stay.

Answer 4

well it wouldnt be too smart to spend money on things u dont need

first off, everyone loves Canada....except for some few Americans....I go travelling a lot in many different countrys and i recieve a lot of warm welcomes

so it's highly unlikely anyone will waste their time and money to attack us

but IF that were to happen, America and well the entire world's got our back.....so basically we'd just leech off their military

and lastly, our military is proficient enough, we don't have what it takes to invade or defend from an invasion, but we have what it takes to get the job done.....which is peace keeping

If we spent more money on something that isn't a major issue, we'd be cutting back from things that really matter, like education, health care, etc.

Answer 5

canada lacks an industrial base capable of producing war mateials on the scale you are talking of. They would have to import most of the munitions and weapon systems leaving them at the mercy of their supplying nations and their supply system. So in a nutshell, unless the US supplied everything, they could not sustain a conflict for any length of time.

Answer 6

Canada has other priorities than defense because it opted to concentrate on its economy rather than participation in war efforts against threats to its national security.

Answer 7

Unfortunately, I could see Canada being invaded by the US. I feel it's only a matter of time, given how crazy people are here.

Answer 8

You're healthcare would be then like ours.