Defence Funding and the Pitfalls of the Golden Dome

On May 20, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans for a new space-based missile defense system known as the Golden Dome.

Since then, debate has intensified over Canada’s potential involvement. Trump has suggested Canada could contribute as much as US$71 billion to the project, which could rank among the largest military expenditures in Canadian history (Policy Alternatives, July 2025).

With critical questions looming about cost, sovereignty, strategic risk, and Canada’s global role, staying informed is essential. Join us on February 11 with Cesar Jaramillo for a timely, in-depth discussion on the Golden Dome, its risks, and what it could mean for Canada’s defence policy and peacekeeping commitments.

Cesar Jaramillo is Executive Director of SANE Policy Institute (Security Alternatives for a New Era). Formerly, he was Executive Director of Project Ploughshares, based in Canada. In addition to work on conventional weapons control, including Canada's arms sales, Jaramillo's work has has focused on such program areas as nuclear disarmament and outer space security. An occasional columnist on matters of disarmament and international security, Cesar graduated from the University of Waterloo with an MA in global governance and has bachelor’s degrees in honors political science and in journalism. Prior to joining Project Ploughshares, Cesar held a fellowship at the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI).