The Canadian Armed Forces is already grappling with millions of dollars in cuts, and Defense Minister Bill Blair says Canada needs to spend even more in critical areas to strengthen the military’s readiness and capabilities. Ta.
In an interview with rosemary burton live Speaking on Sunday, Prime Minister Tony Blair said the federal government would focus its budget cuts on areas such as ammunition and equipment, weapons platforms and training.
“We need to spend more on the right things,” Blair told CBC’s chief political correspondent Rosemary Barton.
Canadians will receive an update on the government’s plans for how Canada’s finances and tax dollars are spent in the Fall Economic Statement, due this week. But a federal spending review released earlier this month already shows the government plans to cut about $210 million from the Pentagon budget.
Prime Minister Blair said the government would continue to support the military with the investment needed to deliver on commitments such as NATO and NORAD.
“At the same time, we are spending public money, so it is our duty to make sure the process is efficient. So we are spending less money on consulting and less money spent on professional services. “We’re looking at money. Some of those things are essential, but not all of them, things like executive travel,” he said.
The defense minister spoke to Burton from the sidelines of the Halifax International Security Forum, which brings together representatives from around the world to discuss the most pressing defense and security threats. Prime Minister Blair also took the opportunity to announce the creation of a new $188 million training facility at CFB Halifax.
“The changing threat environment clearly means we need to do more,” Prime Minister Blair said, citing new threats such as cyber security and space defense.
Featured videosRosemary Barton speaks with Defense Minister Bill Blair at the Halifax International Security Forum about the preparedness of the Canadian military in global conflicts and the anticipated cuts to the Department of Defense in next fall’s economic statement. Let’s talk about whether it’s true or not.
The military faces major readiness concerns
Canada’s top military officer, Gen. Wayne Eyre, has frequently expressed concern about the country’s level of military preparedness and advocated for additional resources.
“We know the challenges are there, we see them coming and we have to be prepared. We have to make sure we’re ready for a world where the world is changing,” he told CBC News on Remembrance Day.
Eyre also said much of Canada’s military history could be considered “unprepared research.”
in Department of Defense report Regarding the military situation, the ministry said that it is currently not possible to carry out multiple operations at once.
Conservative defense critic James Bezan asked for assurances that spending cuts would not affect military strength.
“It’s really difficult to meet some of the defense requirements of this country. One of the challenges is that we are short 9,000 regular army personnel. There is also a significant shortfall in reserve personnel.” He said that many ships said this. And the planes operated by the military are reaching the end of their lifespan.
“We may not be able to go as fast as we hoped, but we have to keep moving forward,” Bezan said.
Prime Minister Blair said future updates to defense policy must reflect the fiscal challenges facing Canada.
