Canada's new government and Defence Promises

[Resevoir Hogs]

Seeing as the election is now over and the Conservatives have formed the government I would like to take the time now to copy and paste their platform policies on Defence. Hopefully they will keep these promises and the oppisition will work with them on this key issue.

From their Platform


Defending Canada
For decades, successive Liberal governments have undermined and under funded Canada’s
armed forces. We need to strengthen Canada’s independent capacity to defend our national
sovereignty and security. In an increasingly dangerous world this “Canada First” vision is required
to defend our vast territory and three ocean areas. Greater strength at home will also lead to
greater confidence abroad within Canada’s longstanding global role. Achieving this vision will
require large-scale investments in every region of the country to strengthen Canada’s multi-role,
combat-capable defence force.
The plan
A Conservative government will:
• Complete the transformation of military operations and defence administration.
• Recruit 13,000 additional regular forces and 10,000 additional reserve forces personnel.
• Increase spending on the Canadian Forces by $5.3 billion over the next five years, beyond the currently
projected levels of defence spending.
• Expand recruiting and training, reduce rank structure overhead, review civilian and military HQ
functions, and increase front-line personnel.
• Increase investment in base infrastructure and housing for our forces.
• Acquire equipment needed to support a multi-role, combat-capable maritime, land, and air force.
Fundamental capability requirements are national surveillance and control, counter-terrorism, air and sea
deployability, and logistics supportability.
• Increase the Canadian Forces’ capacity to protect Canada’s Arctic sovereignty and security.
• Restore the regular army presence in British Columbia.
• Treat Canada’s veterans with the respect and honour that they deserve, and ensure better responsiveness
to veterans with a Veterans’ Bill of Rights and a Veterans’ Ombudsman.

Lets not forget the airborne regiment promise. Man I would love that, I would totally join the reg force just for that.
http://www.cbc.ca/story/canadavotes2006/national/2005/12/13/elxn-harper-military.html

[ed316]

• Increase the Canadian Forces’ capacity to protect Canada’s Arctic sovereignty and security.


You Danes have been warned!

[Resevoir Hogs]

You Danes have been warned!

Dude what is the Avatar you have?!

[stonecutter]

You Danes have been warned!

What about all the American subs that we don't know about until they surface up there?? It'll be interesting to see if the PCC will have the balls to do anything about it.

[ed316]

For the last time EVERBODY it's from a new movie called "ultraviolet"

[ed316]

What about all the American subs that we don't know about until they surface up there?? It'll be interesting to see if the PCC will have the balls to do anything about it.

They probably know about it, but it's all in the hush hush

[Resevoir Hogs]

What about all the American subs that we don't know about until they surface up there?? It'll be interesting to see if the PCC will have the balls to do anything about it.

Those subs will probably be allowed to travel our waters but with the permision of the government. And again its the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) not the Progessive Conservatives of Canada, that party is gone.

[ED209]

I don't think that many changes will happen. It's a minority gov. and on top of it all the other parties are left-wing anti-military. You still need a majority to get anything through as law.

[Resevoir Hogs]

I don't think that many changes will happen. It's a minority gov. and on top of it all the other parties are left-wing anti-military. You still need a majority to get anything through as law.

Actually these changes are all to be included in a budget. Were said budget not to pass then the house would have lost confidence in the government and we'd be right back in another election. No self-respecting opposition party would do that because they know the majority of Canadians don't want another election so soon. Also both Paul Martin and Gilles Duceppe have said they will not force another election in the immediate future. That is plenty of time for the conservative budget to pass.

Also the other parties are not anti-military. That is a false perception based on their different views on how Canada's military should look and operate. I suggest you read their defence platforms. Under the Martin government the Canadian Forces saw a increase in spending and support not seen for over a decade. The majority of Canadians want to see a CF that is supported. Were a party to disagree with these policies on supporting the CF that party would surely feel it at the polls.

[M1A2U2]

I think a new Airborne Unit would be great. It would help heal the wounds caused in Somalia.

[psycho+logical]

What about all the American subs that we don't know about until they surface up there?? It'll be interesting to see if the PCC will have the balls to do anything about it.
its not like their posing bombs or something..!

[Mcbain321]

For the last time EVERBODY it's from a new movie called "ultraviolet"

whats it about.

[Field_Gunner]

in order to build up our military by 13 000 we need to have 13 000 people who want join, curently we have problems meeting the quota of filling the vast spaces in our ranks to say we are going to get a new brigade with 3 whole infantry battalions a regiment of artillery, armour and service support units is one thing but to actually get them is based on the 16-25 year-olds that are the principal for recruitment and they aint to willing (unless your a newf)

I am a BIG fan of the command restructuring plan of getting rid of our top heavy NDHQ and turning it into a size that is line with our force now (since the 60's our army has shrunk by more than 60% while the staff at NDHQ has grown by30%)

and I hope to god they get rid of ALL CBO positions and get people who work for a living to run the show.

[ogukuo72]

I don't think that many changes will happen. It's a minority gov. and on top of it all the other parties are left-wing anti-military. You still need a majority to get anything through as law.

They should take a leaf out of the playbooks of President Bush in 2001, and Chancellor Merkel ... act as if you have an overwhelming mandate! When they show that they are in charge, people will be forced to follow.

[Threelions]

Actually these changes are all to be included in a budget. Were said budget not to pass then the house would have lost confidence in the government and we'd be right back in another election. No self-respecting opposition party would do that because they know the majority of Canadians don't want another election so soon. Also both Paul Martin and Gilles Duceppe have said they will not force another election in the immediate future. That is plenty of time for the conservative budget to pass.

Also the other parties are not anti-military. That is a false perception based on their different views on how Canada's military should look and operate. I suggest you read their defence platforms. Under the Martin government the Canadian Forces saw a increase in spending and support not seen for over a decade. The majority of Canadians want to see a CF that is supported. Were a party to disagree with these policies on supporting the CF that party would surely feel it at the polls.

Good post!

I think that at its core the Conservative platform on the military is great. But, i cant see it happening, at least not untill another election occurs and the CPC gain way more seats. Right now they require 31, 0r 32 more votes to pass anything, which means they would require some form of coalition with another party. There was talk of support from the NDP, but i find that hard to believe. The other option is the Bloc, but thats even more far fetched in my opinion.

Any major investment in the militray, i am sure will be forced to wait untill the CPC has more seats. So, for now there will likely be an ammended list of priorities within the military budget. I suspect that the things which the last parliment began, will be continued, so we will still see the government looking at a tactitcal airlift purchase, and perhaps a slight increase in military recruiting, but i cant see much else.

Cheers,
Paul

[Threelions]

They should take a leaf out of the playbooks of President Bush in 2001, and Chancellor Merkel ... act as if you have an overwhelming mandate! When they show that they are in charge, people will be forced to follow.

Dont think it would work in canada. Our parlimentry system means that gfovernments can collapse if they start to push to hard, or force other parties. if the CPC really pushed on some of these issues surely the remainder of the parties (all three are left of centre) would vote against the CPC and we would be at the polls again. As was said before this would not be a good scenario for anyone. With martin stepping down i have a feeling that on a quick return to the polls the CPC would lose several seats with those seats being split between NDP and liberals. SO, its going to be a timid parliment for a bit.

Cheers,
paul

[Resevoir Hogs]

Good post!

I think that at its core the Conservative platform on the military is great. But, i cant see it happening, at least not untill another election occurs and the CPC gain way more seats. Right now they require 31, 0r 32 more votes to pass anything, which means they would require some form of coalition with another party. There was talk of support from the NDP, but i find that hard to believe. The other option is the Bloc, but thats even more far fetched in my opinion.

Any major investment in the militray, i am sure will be forced to wait untill the CPC has more seats. So, for now there will likely be an ammended list of priorities within the military budget. I suspect that the things which the last parliment began, will be continued, so we will still see the government looking at a tactitcal airlift purchase, and perhaps a slight increase in military recruiting, but i cant see much else.

Cheers,
Paul

Well considering the only things the NDP have on their defence platform is increased spending for the quality of life of military families and personnel and a review of the mission in afghanistan to see if we should be peacekeeping, I think they can be brought on side. The Conservative plan already includes increased quality of life spending and it would be simple to have a review of the mission. Just to make the NDP happy.

Were there to be a review it wouldn't be a very long one. It is more the NDP's lack of understanding of international missions that is at issue rather than the conduct of our military in Afghanistan. With some education I am sure that once their review is over they will drop this "peacekeeping" fantasy.

[stonecutter]

its not like their posing bombs or something..!

That's not the point! After all, we could fly CF-18s far into American airspace unannounced and not shoot anything up, and I'm sure the U.S. would still be pizzed. So their subs being in our waters without permission is the same thing. It'll be interesting to see what happens. Probably not much will change, until we get the means to actually enforce our sovereignty up there.

[Resevoir Hogs]

That's not the point! After all, we could fly CF-18s far into American airspace unannounced and not shoot anything up, and I'm sure the U.S. would still be pizzed. So their subs being in our waters without permission is the same thing. It'll be interesting to see what happens. Probably not much will change, until we get the means to actually enforce our sovereignty up there.

The main reason for why we need to restore a presence in the north is not really because of the US Navy, rather because of the increased international commercial travel that is projected. As global warming continues, a passage will open up that will shave off a lot of time for ships trying to get to either the Atlantic or Pacific. Canada needs a naval presence up there to enforce our sovereignty and laws in our territory.

[Threelions]

Well considering the only things the NDP have on their defence platform is increased spending for the quality of life of military families and personnel and a review of the mission in afghanistan to see if we should be peacekeeping, I think they can be brought on side. The Conservative plan already includes increased quality of life spending and it would be simple to have a review of the mission. Just to make the NDP happy.

Were there to be a review it wouldn't be a very long one. It is more the NDP's lack of understanding of international missions that is at issue rather than the conduct of our military in Afghanistan. With some education I am sure that once their review is over they will drop this "peacekeeping" fantasy.

It will certainly be interesting. i dont think the NDP and conservatives will find enough common ground, but im probably wrong. It would be nice to see the military get this much needed lift.

Cheers,
Paul

[Resevoir Hogs]

It will certainly be interesting. i dont think the NDP and conservatives will find enough common ground, but im probably wrong. It would be nice to see the military get this much needed lift.

Cheers,
Paul
I think the Conservatives will be able to offer the NDP things in exchange for supporting military budgetary increases as well as other promises on their agenda. That's the only way this Parliament will work and we don't wind up back at the polls. Which I am sure not what most Canadians want.

If we go to Parliament and meet with the NDP and ask them what their key priorities are and what they want done then I am sure they will support this defence policy.

[stonecutter]

The main reason for why we need to restore a presence in the north is not really because of the US Navy, rather because of the increased international commercial travel that is projected. As global warming continues, a passage will open up that will shave off a lot of time for ships trying to get to either the Atlantic or Pacific. Canada needs a naval presence up there to enforce our sovereignty and laws in our territory.

Agreed. But, the problem is that if the U.S. Navy is continually flaunting our lack of sovereignty up there, then that also sends a message to the rest of the world that the soon-to-be-opened Northwest Passage through our Arctic waters (and perhaps fishing/oil and gas rights there?) are up for grabs. So yes, we need to enforce our laws for everyone, including the U.S. Navy.

[Hater of people]

What about all the American subs that we don't know about until they surface up there?? It'll be interesting to see if the PCC will have the balls to do anything about it.
Oh we know they are there! Have you not seen the state of the art (circa 1983) CP-140 Aurora's patrolling the skies? Haha. They are actually due for the big electronic upgrades pretty soon. Should make them very similar to the latest generation P-3's of the US.

[Threelions]

Resevoir Hog,

i was thinking about it over lunch and i have an explanation for the NDP. Im not saying its right or wrong, but its a thought.

The doctrine of the canadian military is one of defence. I have said this before. The qeuipmentwe use, is used for defencive purposes, right down to the CADPAT. CADPAT is deisgned to best fit canadian environments. Therefor, showing us that the idea is to be able to fight in canada, or defend it. In america the doctrine is one of proavtive, and offencive action. Thus, the uniforms and equipment are designed for this purpose. I could go on and on about this, but its off topic a bit.

Anyway, the NDP knows the canadian army is a defensive force, and its primary objective is defence of canada, this goes without saying and is probably common knowledge. now the comments of peacekeeping, are used to define our role outside of canada and outside of the fighting to be done in defence of the land. The NDP is seeking to distance itself from any conflict which could look like IRAQ (im not opening the iraq debate). So, the NDP has carefully ensured that its voters KNOW that canadas primary military use outside of the defence of canada is humanitarian.

This made alot of sense to me when i was eating lunch, but the words are failing me now so it probably looks like a pile of crap...

Cheers,
Paul

[stonecutter]

Oh we know they are there! Have you not seen the state of the art (circa 1983) CP-140 Aurora's patrolling the skies? Haha. They are actually due for the big electronic upgrades pretty soon. Should make them very similar to the latest generation P-3's of the US.


Well, well -- Harper may be strong after all:
TORONTO - Canada's next prime minister used his first news conference Thursday to tell the United States to mind its own business when it comes to territorial rights in the Arctic North.

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Testing the notion that he would kowtow to the Bush administration, Stephen Harper, whose Conservative Party won general elections on Monday, said he would stand by a campaign pledge to increase Canada's military presence in the Arctic and put three military icebreakers in the frigid waters of the Northwest Passage.

U.S. Ambassador David Wilkins had criticized the plan Wednesday, describing the Arctic passage as "neutral waters."

"There's no reason to create a problem that doesn't exist," Wilkins said during a panel discussion at the University of Western Ontario, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. "We don't recognize Canada's claims to those waters. Most other countries do not recognize their claim."

No reporter brought up the U.S. ambassador's views Thursday, but Harper said he wanted to comment on them.

"The United States defends its sovereignty; the Canadian government will defend our sovereignty," Harper said. "It is the Canadian people that we get our mandate from, not the ambassador of the United States."



http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060126/ap_on_re_ca/canada_us

[Johan M]

How many men serve today in the Canadian military?

[Resevoir Hogs]

How many men serve today in the Canadian military?

Roughly 60,000 total, that's regular and reserve forces. THe new government wants to over the course of many years, expand that number to 85,000.