I've seen Ukraine's scars. As a Canadian veteran, military spending will decide my vote

This First Person article is the experience of Andriy Tovstiuk, a Ukrainian Canadian veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces living in Edmonton. For more information about CBC's First Person stories, please see the FAQ. 

In March 2023, I returned to Ukraine for the first time since Russia's full-scale invasion began a year earlier. When I was there with Operation Unifier in 2019 and 2020, I wore the uniform of the Canadian Armed Forces and was there to help train Ukrainian soldiers.

This time, I was back as a professor, teaching strategic marketing to Ukrainian IT professionals in a master's program. As a Ukrainian Canadian born and raised in Edmonton, I've always cherished trips back to the land of my ancestors.

But stepping off of the train once I arrived in the country, I realized nothing about this place would be the same.

The streets of Vasylkiv, where I once jogged through quiet neighbourhoods, now bore the scars of a full-scale war many thought would never happen. Abandoned vehicle checkpoints draped in camouflage netting lined my old route, frozen reminders of those early days of the invasion.

I met up with old friends who had stayed behind. Their stories were difficult to take in — constant air raids, chaotic evacuations and mobilizations, and the heartbreaking sight of their favourite cafes and restaurants turned to rubble.

One Ukrainian soldier I had trained with told me how he'd spent those first weeks pinned down at his base, dodging fire each time he ventured out to rescue the wounded. 

It was a story of resilience, but also a sobering reminder of all this war has stolen from so many. It stirred a much deeper awareness of the kinds of dangers we've long been shielded from in Canada — and the reasons why.

During this election campaign, I'm paying close attention to our political leaders to understand what they stand for and what actions they're truly prepared to take when it comes to defence. 

Canada has always been a steadfast supporter of Ukraine. But as a veteran, I can't ignore the uncomfortable truth that our military's capacity to help is constrained.

Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, Canada's contribution of military hardware has been limited. By percentage of GDP, our aid ranks well below many of our allies.

I don't think it's because we care less. But after decades of underfunding, the reality is our military simply doesn't have much more equipment to give. 

During my time in uniform, I always had what I needed to do my job. But it's hard to ignore news headlines about recruitment and retention challenges, or Canada's ongoing inability to meet NATO's two per cent defence spending target.

We've always stood alongside trusted allies who helped ensure our security. But as the global geopolitical landscape evolves, it's only prudent that we take greater responsibility for our own defence.