Canadian Military To Be Smaller Than Promised

But the report says the government has not allotted enough money to meet even the short-term target and will have to extend its self-imposed deadline by a year. “Following a detailed analysis of the resources required to fund all Defence initiatives announced under Budget 2006, sustain the operational commitments in Afghanistan, prepare for Olympics 2010 and support (Canadian Forces) transformation, the expansion was re-profiled to 68,000 regular force and 26,000 primary reserve paid strength by fiscal 2011-2012,” says the report tabled in Parliament last week. The document also warns that if more members than expected choose to leave the military over the next five years, the situation will worsen. Recruiting would then have to be stepped up dramatically or some units may be under strength. Defence Minister Peter MacKay’s office did not answer repeated requests for comment Friday. A spokeswoman for the Defence Department said officials would not be able to comment on the report for a few days. The Conservatives have said they are the party that rebuilt Canada’s defences but the Liberal head of Senate security and defence committee said Friday that claim is turning out to be a sham. “These guys are talking as though they’re friends of the military,” said Senator Colin Kenny. “They’re talking as though Canada has robust armed forces. They’ve got huge surpluses, (but) they’re setting up the Forces to fail.” ... http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/story/4075744p-4675989c.html

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