Sounds great, everything that is needed ASAP. Problem, all this runs completely counter to the basic DNA of the Liberal Party's understanding and valuation of the military and its function/purpose in a national setting. The cost of it will undoubtably distort any concept of the Conservative's fundamental belief in balance budgets. The only path for this policy to proceed is through some very unpleasant (for Canadians) demands or ultimatums from the US and, possibly the EU, on trade issues and policies.
Sounds positive. But I still see a lot of "economic opportunities for Canadians, furthers collaboration with Indigenous and Northern communities, supports good, middle-class jobs" in the paper, which suggests they still haven't grasped the severity of our national security decline. Those economic goals are valid, but THIS paper has to focus on getting our military up to speed, not delivering economic or social programs. Even the (brief) section on speeding up procurement reads more like industrial policy than defence policy. The first thing we need to acquire to upgrade our military is a sense of urgency.
Anything that will encourage public support for stronger defense strategies and resources is to be encouraged. I was once one of those who doubted more military spending was necessary but times have changed. We need to be smart and proactive. We are vulnerable.
Writing as a CAF veteran, I must sadly comment that, over the past decades I have read too many similar "pie in the sky" policy documents which have led one to believe that (militarily) things will get better, but the reality has always been "one step forward and then two or three steps back". Today, both the Minister, the CDS as well as several CAF senior officers have confirmed the present day crisis of morale and preparedness, both of which have never been worse. The present government has rarely (other than legalizing cannabis) lived up to its promises to Canadians and so, presenting this new policy document really means nothing to them, particularly given that they know in their hearts that they most likely won't be the government that has to make the tough choices to implement them.
All positive news. Here’s hoping that those with this new vision do not fade away to be replaced by new leaders with a different focus.
Thanks for your constant work on these files.
Sounds great, everything that is needed ASAP. Problem, all this runs completely counter to the basic DNA of the Liberal Party's understanding and valuation of the military and its function/purpose in a national setting. The cost of it will undoubtably distort any concept of the Conservative's fundamental belief in balance budgets. The only path for this policy to proceed is through some very unpleasant (for Canadians) demands or ultimatums from the US and, possibly the EU, on trade issues and policies.
Sounds positive. But I still see a lot of "economic opportunities for Canadians, furthers collaboration with Indigenous and Northern communities, supports good, middle-class jobs" in the paper, which suggests they still haven't grasped the severity of our national security decline. Those economic goals are valid, but THIS paper has to focus on getting our military up to speed, not delivering economic or social programs. Even the (brief) section on speeding up procurement reads more like industrial policy than defence policy. The first thing we need to acquire to upgrade our military is a sense of urgency.
Anything that will encourage public support for stronger defense strategies and resources is to be encouraged. I was once one of those who doubted more military spending was necessary but times have changed. We need to be smart and proactive. We are vulnerable.
Writing as a CAF veteran, I must sadly comment that, over the past decades I have read too many similar "pie in the sky" policy documents which have led one to believe that (militarily) things will get better, but the reality has always been "one step forward and then two or three steps back". Today, both the Minister, the CDS as well as several CAF senior officers have confirmed the present day crisis of morale and preparedness, both of which have never been worse. The present government has rarely (other than legalizing cannabis) lived up to its promises to Canadians and so, presenting this new policy document really means nothing to them, particularly given that they know in their hearts that they most likely won't be the government that has to make the tough choices to implement them.
Unfortunately this government has a lot of announcements and photo ops but actually does very little.