The United States has announced the suspension of the Permanent Joint Board on Defense (PJBD) with Canada, citing concerns over Ottawa’s commitment to shared military responsibilities. The announcement was made by Elbridge Colby, the U.S. undersecretary of defense for policy, who expressed frustration with Canada’s defense efforts despite increased spending and initiatives over the past year.

Colby attributed the decision partly to lingering tensions following a speech by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the World Economic Forum in Davos four months earlier. The speech included remarks that were widely interpreted as critical of President Donald Trump, contributing to strained bilateral relations. In a series of posts on social media, Colby criticized Canada’s defense posture, stating the need to “pause the Permanent Joint Board on Defense to reassess how this forum benefits shared North American defense.”

The Permanent Joint Board on Defense, established in 1940, serves as a long-standing advisory body for defense cooperation between the two countries. Colby’s statement emphasized a growing disconnect between Canada’s public statements and its defense actions, urging Ottawa to focus on “hard power over rhetoric.” He reaffirmed U.S. expectations for Canada to meet NATO defense spending benchmarks amid ongoing security challenges.

In his posts, Colby linked to Carney’s January speech in Davos and included a map of North America, underscoring the geographic and strategic significance of the U.S.-Canada defense relationship. Additionally, he noted a recent meeting at the Pentagon with Pete Hoekstra, the U.S. ambassador to Canada, to discuss strategies for ensuring Canada fulfills its NATO obligations.

Canadian officials have acknowledged increased defense investments in the past year, signaling efforts to enhance the country’s military capabilities and commitments to international alliances. However, the U.S. position suggests dissatisfaction with the pace and scope of these measures. The suspension of the PJBD marks a notable shift in bilateral defense cooperation, with potential implications for North American security coordination going forward.