EvanL
02-26-2004, 11:28 PM
Defence minister outlines parameters for full review of national defence
STEPHEN THORNE
Canadian Press
Thursday, February 26, 2004
OTTAWA (CP) - Defence Minister David Pratt outlined a four-point plan Thursday that he says will dictate the course of a defence review slated to be conducted by fall.
The foreign affairs and defence policy review, announced after Prime Minister Paul Martin took office last December, will consider the capability of Canada's Armed Forces, their sustainability and versatility, Pratt said.
The minister told the Conference of Defence Associations annual meeting that Defence and Foreign Affairs officials are meeting weekly to co-ordinate their efforts.
"The Canadian Forces must have the ability to fulfil any mission necessary to effectively defend Canada, protect the continent and contribute to international peace and security," Pratt said.
The military must be able to be deployed quickly and sustained "for as long as they are needed," he said.
"Sustainability is not something that should come at the expense of the quality of life and terms of service of our soldiers, sailors, airmen."
The Forces also need to focus on what's needed, he said.
"If we haven't used a capability over the past 10 years, we must ask ourselves serious questions about whether that capability will be needed in the coming decade," he said.
Pratt said he thinks the military is already turning the corner after a decade of cuts in the 1990s.
He cited an impending contract for Sea King helicopter replacements and a mobile gun system for the army as examples of progress toward a more modern military.
The defence budget was increased by $800 million last year while Ottawa is pulling back on its overseas commitments to give its military time to regroup.
"We know that we're asking a lot of our men and women in uniform - in some cases too much," Pratt said.
Canada is withdrawing troops from Bosnia, giving the navy a rest after 16 of its 18 ships were deployed to the Arabian Gulf in two years, and cutting back on its peace-making commitment in Afghanistan this year to about 500 troops from 2,100.
"Our presence (in Afghanistan) will continue to be meaningful," said Pratt. "We will not turn our backs on NATO, on Afghanistan or on the Afghan people.
"Canada's support for NATO and for what it's doing in Afghanistan is critical for the future of the alliance."
Gen. Ray Henault, the chief of defence staff, said the International Security Assistance Force patrolling Kabul "must not be allowed to fail."
"The core of ISAF. . .in Kabul (must be) fully resourced and fully staffed."
© Copyright 2004 The Canadian Press
STEPHEN THORNE
Canadian Press
Thursday, February 26, 2004
OTTAWA (CP) - Defence Minister David Pratt outlined a four-point plan Thursday that he says will dictate the course of a defence review slated to be conducted by fall.
The foreign affairs and defence policy review, announced after Prime Minister Paul Martin took office last December, will consider the capability of Canada's Armed Forces, their sustainability and versatility, Pratt said.
The minister told the Conference of Defence Associations annual meeting that Defence and Foreign Affairs officials are meeting weekly to co-ordinate their efforts.
"The Canadian Forces must have the ability to fulfil any mission necessary to effectively defend Canada, protect the continent and contribute to international peace and security," Pratt said.
The military must be able to be deployed quickly and sustained "for as long as they are needed," he said.
"Sustainability is not something that should come at the expense of the quality of life and terms of service of our soldiers, sailors, airmen."
The Forces also need to focus on what's needed, he said.
"If we haven't used a capability over the past 10 years, we must ask ourselves serious questions about whether that capability will be needed in the coming decade," he said.
Pratt said he thinks the military is already turning the corner after a decade of cuts in the 1990s.
He cited an impending contract for Sea King helicopter replacements and a mobile gun system for the army as examples of progress toward a more modern military.
The defence budget was increased by $800 million last year while Ottawa is pulling back on its overseas commitments to give its military time to regroup.
"We know that we're asking a lot of our men and women in uniform - in some cases too much," Pratt said.
Canada is withdrawing troops from Bosnia, giving the navy a rest after 16 of its 18 ships were deployed to the Arabian Gulf in two years, and cutting back on its peace-making commitment in Afghanistan this year to about 500 troops from 2,100.
"Our presence (in Afghanistan) will continue to be meaningful," said Pratt. "We will not turn our backs on NATO, on Afghanistan or on the Afghan people.
"Canada's support for NATO and for what it's doing in Afghanistan is critical for the future of the alliance."
Gen. Ray Henault, the chief of defence staff, said the International Security Assistance Force patrolling Kabul "must not be allowed to fail."
"The core of ISAF. . .in Kabul (must be) fully resourced and fully staffed."
© Copyright 2004 The Canadian Press