Prime Minister Justin Trudeau downplayed news that the Department of National Defence had been asked to cut spending by $1 billion, highlighting the federal government's continued increases in military expenditures and spending on NORAD.

"No, because there are no cuts to our military," the prime minister said on Oct. 5 in response to a reporter's question on whether he would confirm the reported $1 billion in planned cuts.

Mr. Trudeau said his government has increased military spending in recent years and touted a $38 billion investment to modernize the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).
"We're continuing to move forward with significant upgrades and investments in strong, secure, and engaged and in the future of our Canadian Armed Forces," he said.

But after saying there would be no cuts, he said his government is currently doing what many Canadians are—changing financial habits amid an affordability squeeze.

"We are making sure, as all households are doing across the country, that we're spending on the right things and we're cutting away extra expenditures that are unnecessary," said Mr. Trudeau.