More than fifty years ago, I was a ROTP candidate for the Canadian Armed Forces. I had intended to the CAF my career, having already served for three years in Canada’s Naval Reserve.
Pierre Elliot Trudeau, changed my career path, primarily for his lack of concern for the military in all its forms. An avowed pacifist, Trudeau would have found himself at odds with today’s reality.
Canada can no longer depend on the United States to protect Canadian sovereignty. In fact, America may be the aggressor in relation to Canada’s security in the future.
Which brings me to the current federal election in eight days.
My vote, and I believe, that of many Canadians, will be dependent on a iron-clad commitment by the next Prime Minister to the security and integrity of Canada. For without that commitment there is no doubt that Canada will find itself in peril in the near future.
Whether in Europe, or to the North or South of our border, instability, aggression and an affirmation to seek hegemonic expansion is blowing in the wind.
Not only has America stated that it proposes Canada become the 51st State, Trump continues to deliberatively express to see Canada annexed into the United States.
Over 90% of Canadians are dead against such action as America is now, under Trump, one of the last places in the western hemisphere that any of us wish to live.
In addition, the Russians are becoming both aggressive and active in the Arctic region. In order for Canada to maintain its sovereignty, the Canadian Government, specifically Canada’s next Prime Minister, must take the development of the Canadian military strength, capability and posture, seriously.
And while candidates in this election all state that they will meet NATO’s requirement for 2% of GDP to be spent on the military, Canada has to get serious, as this should be the ‘floor’ for expenditure.
Canada, with the state of the existing world political situation is such that 3% or 3.5% may well be necessary.
During the Korean conflict, Canada’s expenditure on the military was 8%.
Eight percent!,,
Without a sovereign nation, we have nothing. All the social protections and the rule of law will mean nothing if Canadians do not have the will and capacity to defend this country.
And it is undoubtable, that in the future, Canada will have to do just that.
So to Canada’s federal parties, I make one assertion above all.
Build Canada’s military capacity, or lose my vote, forever.
And, do it Fast.
Time is of the essence, and time is not in our favour.
We are facing an uncertain, but obviously more dangerous world.
Canadians need to protected against what is coming, so whomever wins this election, improve Canada’s procurement and force size.
When Canada had only 24 million people, we had a military that was twice its current size. This is unconscionable. Canada’s military needs to double in size, and if conscription is necessary, it should be enabled.
My vote will depend on whomever promises to accomplish this in the shortest timeframe possible.
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