Conservatives Promise 1.6 Billion for CF

[scm77]

Conservatives to promise Armed Forces $1.6B boost
Last Updated Mon, 31 May 2004 8:40:19

TRENTON, ONT. - Stephen Harper is expected to promise a major shot in the arm to the Canadian military on Monday, when he unveils the Conservative party's first major policy announcement of the election campaign.

INDEPTH: Canadian Military

Appearing in the Armed Forces town of Trenton, Ont., the Conservative leader will be playing to the gallery when he announces what is expected to be a $1.6 billion annual package to boost Canada's military to about 80,000 troops.

Stephen Harper
Harper and his party also want to make a major change to how the Forces are deployed. The Conservatives would allow Parliament to debate, and vote on, any deployments.

Currently, cabinet decides on deployments without having to consult Parliament.

Canada has about 52,400 troops and is perceived to be seriously overstretched and underequipped in pursuing peacekeeping and other missions in several trouble spots around the globe, including Afghanistan, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Haiti.

The Conservative party, which accuses the Liberal government of chronically starving the Armed Forces of funds while relying overly on its U.S. ally for security, wants to immediately give the military an additional $1.2 billion a year, rising to $1.6 billion by 2008, according to reports.

Harper believes extra funding can be found for the military while cutting taxes at the same time.
The Conservative policy would also seek to give the House of Commons defence committee greater influence over appointing senior defence staff.

Monday's event in Trenton will kick off a week of policy announcements for the Conservative party.

Travelling through Ontario for the next few days, Harper is also set to unveil in greater detail Conservative plans for tax cuts and for health care.

The Liberals have promised more funding for the Forces. The government has announced a major review of the Armed Forces, which is not yet complete.
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woot Vote Conservative woot

[seruriermarshal]

Great Post !

woot

[scm77]

From here. CBC.CA (http://www.cbc.ca/stories/2004/05/31/canada/harp040531)

[seruriermarshal]

From here. CBC.CA (http://www.cbc.ca/stories/2004/05/31/canada/harp040531)

Thanks .

[Bombtrack]

I really hope they can deliver.

[scm77]

Me too. :|

[scm77]

Here's another article.

Harper plans $1.2 B per year boost to military
CTV.ca News Staff

Conservative Leader Stephen Harper wants to boost the number of Canadian troops by nearly 30,000 and give MPs new powers to authorize deployments.

Speaking at a news conference in the military community of Trenton, Ontario, Harper said he is "embarrassed" by Canada's antiquated equipment, which has left troops vulnerable.

"The Liberal government has shown that it doesn't care and doesn't listen -- not to its own parliamentary committees, not to the auditor general, not to academics, not to retired military personnel, not to its soldiers," Harper said, noting that there have been $20 billion in cuts to the military under the Liberals since 1993.

"As a result, we have fewer personnel, older equipment and are increasingly dependent on the United States," he said.

The Conservatives' defence platform "seeks to close the gap between rhetoric and resources," Harper said.

It includes:

An immediate infusion of $1.2 billion per year over four years, which would bring Canada's military spending in line with NATO's European average;
An increase in troop levels from 52,400 to 80,000;
A review of a plan to replace Canada's tanks with lighter vehicles;
New powers for Canada's Coast Guard;
More Parliamentary control over troop deployment and military equipment.
"We are not going to fix all of the military's equipment and troop strength deficiencies overnight," Harper said.

While the state of Canada's military has yet to emerge as a major election issue, funding shortfalls and the aging equipment used by troops have been the focus of much debate in recent years.

But Harper said that with the global threat of terrorism, it is now more important than ever to invest in the military. "It is naive to believe that Canada is immune from the threats that challenge other free nations," he said. "In fact, there is enough proof for all Canadians to be concerned."

Last week, Harper said the Liberals have put the lives of Canadian troops at risk by not funding the armed forces at levels that can afford appropriate equipment. In particular, the Iltis jeeps used in Afghanistan have been blamed for not protecting Canadians from mine accidents.

"We don't want to go over the top and start pointing the fingers at particular individuals and saying they are guilty for deaths, but hopefully as political figures we'll take our responsibilities towards citizens, towards our troops seriously," Harper said.

In the 2004 budget, the Liberals promised to increase spending on the military by $600-million over five years.

But the Liberals have used Harper's stance on troop deployment -- in the Iraq war in particular -- as part of their plan of attack.

Harper was a vocal opponent of Ottawa's decision to stay out of the U.S.-led invasion last year.

A series of ads launched before the election call quoted Harper as saying: "We support the war effort and believe we should be supporting our troops and our allies and be there with them doing everything necessary to win."

The commercial went on to ask: "He said he was speaking for the 'silent majority' of Canadians ... Was he speaking for you?"

Speaking to reporters Monday, Harper stood by his stance on the war, saying the Liberal government owed the U.S. its "unequivocal support," and that it "failed in its moral responsibilities."

Harper will spend this week campaigning in vote-rich Ontario, buoyed by the health premiums recently announced by Liberal Premier Dalton McGuinty -- premiums which came despite an election pledge by the Ontario Grits not to raise taxes.

"I think it's obviously helped us," Harper told reporters over the weekend. "It goes back to the central issue of this campaign. The central issue is accountability, and closely linked to that, trust and credibility."
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"A review of a plan to replace Canada's tanks with lighter vehicles"

I like that idea. Those Strykers are death-mobiles.

From Here (http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1086005002833_3/?hub=TopStories)

[scott]

is this post aiming to be a choice of canadian political party thread?

a 1.2 b shot in the arm will be no good if those soldiers are getting shafted on healthcare and reduced services

two cents

[scm77]

Here in Ontario were already getting shafted on healthcare thanks to Miguintys(sp?) budget with the healthcare premiums.

[FRO]

Quite honestly, throwing money at the problem will not make it go away. I think that was covered in another thread, but Scott Taylor says it all much better than I can.

Check out:

http://www.herald.ns.ca/stories/2004/05/31/fOpinion155.raw.html

[BOB1]

Just curious is there a site that says what each parties position on the military?

[Brozozo]

Just curious is there a site that says what each parties position on the military?

Check each party's election site. I don't think the Liberals presented their military platform yet and the NDP probably won't have one, if they do it'll include cuts.

[marty649]

is this post aiming to be a choice of canadian political party thread?

a 1.2 b shot in the arm will be no good if those soldiers are getting shafted on healthcare and reduced services

two cents


Yah what would this country do without a 2 billion dollar gun registry or a federal sponorship program?

Not sure what I would do but im sure all the left wingers out there will be ok Scott if the military gets a budget increase. So keep your head up!

[scm77]

Just curious is there a site that says what each parties position on the military?

Check each party's election site. I don't think the Liberals presented their military platform yet and the NDP probably won't have one, if they do it'll include cuts.

The liberals don't need a defense plan. They just say "we are awaiting the results of the defence review." That's why I'm so skeptical about them. The defense review wont be finished until well after the election. When it is finished they'll probably say something like "we are too deep in the hole to even try to get out. sorry."

[Maj12]

I am absolutely dumbfounded at the number of Liberal signs I still see on people's lawns. Are these jerks completely oblivious to the ass-raping we are getting from Ottawa??? A deteorating military, billion dollars for a useless gun registry (which they said would cost 2 million), a couple of hundred million dollars of our money given to their cronies and golf pals in phony contracts, lying about not raising taxes in Ontario and then pretty much saying 'yeah...what are you gonna do about it?". Anyone who votes Liberal this election must be a closet masochist. :bash:

[EvanL]

I am absolutely dumbfounded at the number of Liberal signs I still see on people's lawns. Are these jerks completely oblivious to the ass-raping we are getting from Ottawa??? A deteorating military, billion dollars for a useless gun registry (which they said would cost 2 million), a couple of hundred million dollars of our money given to their cronies and golf pals in phony contracts, lying about not raising taxes in Ontario and then pretty much saying 'yeah...what are you gonna do about it?". Anyone who votes Liberal this election must be a closet masochist. :bash:
As long as they have their free health care, ppl dont give a **** about anything else.

[scm77]

Here's a list of just some of the Liberal **** ups in the past 10 years they have been in power.

I don‘t know how any one could ever vote Lieberal.

$1 BILLION wasted on registering law abiding gun owners
Maher Arar betrayal to the Syrians, then ignored his pleas for help
Khadr terrorists not arrested
Democratic Deficit - appointing candidates
Secret Lieberal Slush Fund
Canada Steamship Funding Lie ($135 thousand vs $161 MILLION)
Abolish NAFTA Lie
Abolish GST Lie
Pearson Airport Payoff
Destruction of the Cod Fishery
The tainted blood scandal, coverup, and the paltry deal
Devalued Canadian Dollar ($1.05 to $0.64 American)
Ciprogate
Ripping off veteran‘s and widow‘s pensions
The botched Airbus scandal investigation
The cancelled Somalia "inquiry"
The cancelled APEC "inquiry"
The cancelled AdScam "inquiry"
The "Shawinigan Strangle"
The HRDC billion dollar boondoggle
No New Helicopters for the Army, but New Challenger Jets for Chretien
Wheat farmers arrested for selling their own wheat
Gutting $25 billion dollars out of health care
Big Brother Files (aka the HRDC "Longitudinal Files")
Election gag order restricting freedom of speach
EI regulation vote buying flip-flop (x2)
$40 billion dollars ripped off from the EI fund
Highest tax rate in the G7
Native Treatment Center Scandal
The Fake Flag Fiasco
Leaky Used British Submarines
Thousands of missing refugee claimants
Thousands of "extra" Social Insurance Cards

Army.ca (http://army.ca/forums/index.php/topic,3005.0)

Like EvanLlyod said, as long as people get free healtcare they don't care what else the government does. Except now in Ontario were gonna have to pay some.

Feel free to add your own. One I thought of that didn't appear to be on the list was disbanding the Canadian Airborne Regiment. :bash:

[Maj12]

I am absolutely dumbfounded at the number of Liberal signs I still see on people's lawns. Are these jerks completely oblivious to the ass-raping we are getting from Ottawa??? A deteorating military, billion dollars for a useless gun registry (which they said would cost 2 million), a couple of hundred million dollars of our money given to their cronies and golf pals in phony contracts, lying about not raising taxes in Ontario and then pretty much saying 'yeah...what are you gonna do about it?". Anyone who votes Liberal this election must be a closet masochist. :bash:
As long as they have their free health care, ppl dont give a f*** about anything else.

Well, it's not free anymore. At least it isn't in Ontario.

http://www.canada.com/national/features/ontariobudget04/story.html?id=26ee1a7b-fa6b-4cc3-b4ea-5e7ee04b4bf3

[scm77]

Which is why support for the Liberals is dropping. woot

[pAt]

Here's a list of just some of the Liberal f*** ups in the past 10 years they have been in power.

I don‘t know how any one could ever vote Lieberal.

$1 BILLION wasted on registering law abiding gun owners
Maher Arar betrayal to the Syrians, then ignored his pleas for help
Khadr terrorists not arrested
Democratic Deficit - appointing candidates
Secret Lieberal Slush Fund
Canada Steamship Funding Lie ($135 thousand vs $161 MILLION)
Abolish NAFTA Lie
Abolish GST Lie
Pearson Airport Payoff
Destruction of the Cod Fishery
The tainted blood scandal, coverup, and the paltry deal
Devalued Canadian Dollar ($1.05 to $0.64 American)
Ciprogate
Ripping off veteran‘s and widow‘s pensions
The botched Airbus scandal investigation
The cancelled Somalia "inquiry"
The cancelled APEC "inquiry"
The cancelled AdScam "inquiry"
The "Shawinigan Strangle"
The HRDC billion dollar boondoggle
No New Helicopters for the Army, but New Challenger Jets for Chretien
Wheat farmers arrested for selling their own wheat
Gutting $25 billion dollars out of health care
Big Brother Files (aka the HRDC "Longitudinal Files")
Election gag order restricting freedom of speach
EI regulation vote buying flip-flop (x2)
$40 billion dollars ripped off from the EI fund
Highest tax rate in the G7
Native Treatment Center Scandal
The Fake Flag Fiasco
Leaky Used British Submarines
Thousands of missing refugee claimants
Thousands of "extra" Social Insurance Cards

Army.ca (http://army.ca/forums/index.php/topic,3005.0)

Like EvanLlyod said, as long as people get free healtcare they don't care what else the government does. Except now in Ontario were gonna have to pay some.

Feel free to add your own. One I thought of that didn't appear to be on the list was disbanding the Canadian Airborne Regiment. :bash:

forgot the banning of the Canadian airborne regiment (****ing liberals)

[SFontaine]

While money is a good first step, and the increase in numbers a good second step we really need to bring the CAR back, get the ability to transport our men anywhere in the world quickly (Not riding on American or British ships/planes) etc. Money and personnel increases are fine and dandy but there are other problems but just those.

Hopefully the Conservatives will see this.

[CRAZY MERC]

Conservatives promise records are not very good. Liberals not much better.
What's our alternative? Greens or Marijuana party? PQ's?

[GrimmyRX]

Here's a list of just some of the Liberal f*** ups in the past 10 years they have been in power.

I don‘t know how any one could ever vote Lieberal.

$1 BILLION wasted on registering law abiding gun owners
Maher Arar betrayal to the Syrians, then ignored his pleas for help
Khadr terrorists not arrested
Democratic Deficit - appointing candidates
Secret Lieberal Slush Fund
Canada Steamship Funding Lie ($135 thousand vs $161 MILLION)
Abolish NAFTA Lie
Abolish GST Lie
Pearson Airport Payoff
Destruction of the Cod Fishery
The tainted blood scandal, coverup, and the paltry deal
Devalued Canadian Dollar ($1.05 to $0.64 American)

Hey.. I didn't know that DiefenBaker was a Liberal, :bash:

Ciprogate
Ripping off veteran‘s and widow‘s pensions
The botched Airbus scandal investigation
The cancelled Somalia "inquiry"
The cancelled APEC "inquiry"
The cancelled AdScam "inquiry"
The "Shawinigan Strangle"
The HRDC billion dollar boondoggle
No New Helicopters for the Army, but New Challenger Jets for Chretien
Wheat farmers arrested for selling their own wheat
Gutting $25 billion dollars out of health care

As much as I love our Healthcare System, a balanced budget required Cuts, and now those cuts are being healed.

Big Brother Files (aka the HRDC "Longitudinal Files")
Election gag order restricting freedom of speach
EI regulation vote buying flip-flop (x2)
$40 billion dollars ripped off from the EI fund
Highest tax rate in the G7

You want good public Service or Low tax rate? Cause, you can only have one or the other.

Native Treatment Center Scandal
The Fake Flag Fiasco
Leaky Used British Submarines

Some would argue that the subs were still a good deal.

Thousands of missing refugee claimants
Thousands of "extra" Social Insurance Cards

Army.ca (http://army.ca/forums/index.php/topic,3005.0)

Like EvanLlyod said, as long as people get free healtcare they don't care what else the government does. Except now in Ontario were gonna have to pay some.

Feel free to add your own. One I thought of that didn't appear to be on the list was disbanding the Canadian Airborne Regiment. :bash:

forgot the banning of the Canadian airborne regiment (f*** liberals)

[dacanadianbomb]

Sorry what did harper say, we owe the americans unequivocal support ?
Just for that I wouldnt vote for him. Much rather stomp his head in , if he thinks I ,based on the fact I am Canadian owe anyone unequivocal support . I think he owes me a unequivocal apology for tainting my name with his verbal bull****.

Lets not get to conservatives heavy here, they are by far no virgin mary when it coems to ****ing over the people of ontario, in particular. Think about all the cuts that were done over the last couple of years. Dont go purely liberal bashing.
Think for a second, these are campaign promises, and thats what they will stay promises. Promises are made to be broken.

[FRO]

The liberals don't need a defense plan. They just say "we are awaiting the results of the defence review." That's why I'm so skeptical about them. The defense review wont be finished until well after the election. When it is finished they'll probably say something like "we are too deep in the hole to even try to get out. sorry."

Too true. The last few defence white papers have all led to nothing. However, at the risk of wading into electoral politics--which is likely a no-win scenario--this stretches back farther than the Liberals. Mr. Mulrooney's government didn't do much to help the CF. I honestly doubt that any political party right now has anything more than a cosmetic fix. If you are basing your vote on stated defence policy, I fear you'll be sorely disappointed when it comes time to actually implement solutions for the CF. IMHO, this is bigger than simply money and recruitment.

Take care all.