Will increase surveillance, build icebreakers, deploy troops and aircraft as part of “Canada First” Northern Strategy
WINNIPEG – Conservative leader Stephen Harper today announced that a new Conservative government will stand up for Canada’s territorial sovereignty in the Arctic and dramatically increase Canada’s military presence north of 60, including enhanced underwater and aerial surveillance, and increased navy, army, and air force presence.
“The single most important duty of the federal government is to protect and defend our national sovereignty,” said Harper. “There are new and disturbing reports of American nuclear submarines passing though Canadian waters without obtaining the permission of – or even notifying – the Canadian government.”
“You don’t defend national sovereignty with flags, cheap election rhetoric, and advertising campaigns.
You need forces on the ground, ships in the sea, and proper surveillance. And that will be the Conservative approach.”
“As Prime Minister, I will make it clear to foreign governments – including the United States – that naval vessels traveling in Canadian territorial waters will require the consent of the Government of Canada,” said Harper.
Harper promised to significantly enhance Canada’s military presence in the Arctic, as part of an overall “Canada First” defence strategy. A Conservative government will:
- Station three new armed naval heavy icebreakers, to be made in Canada, in the area of Iqaluit, which will include 500 regular force personnel for crews and support and will be capable of carrying troops;
- Build a new military/civilian deep-water docking facility in the Iqaluit area;
- Establish a new Arctic National Sensor System for northern waters, which will include underwater surveillance technologies such as listening posts to monitor foreign submarines and ships;
- Build a new Arctic army training centre in the area of Cambridge Bay on the Northwest Passage, staffed by an estimated 100 regular force personnel;
- Station new fixed-wing search-and-rescue aircraft in Yellowknife;
- Provide eastern and western Arctic air surveillance by stationing new long-range uninhabited aerial vehicle (UAV) squadrons at CFB Goose Bay and CFB Comox to provide continuous Arctic and ocean surveillance and patrol;
- Revitalize the Canadian Rangers by recruiting up to 500 additional Rangers will be recruited and increasing their level of training, activity, and equipment; and
- Provide an army emergency response capability for the Arctic through the new airborne battalion and airlift capacity stationed at CFB Trenton.
“Only a new Conservative government can provide real action on sovereignty, not just words. On January 23rd, we will stand up for sovereignty, stand up for our Arctic, and stand up for Canada,” said Harper.
Harper also announced several components of the “Canada First” defence strategy to enhance the Canadian military presence in Manitoba, including:
- Strengthening transport and rescue capabilities at CFB Winnipeg with new tactical airlift and new fixed-wing search-and-rescue aircraft as well as provide more regular and reserve force personnel to fill out existing operational, support, and training units;
- Improving Canada’s emergency response capabilities in Manitoba by stationing a new territorial defence battalion, with 100 regular and at least 400 reserve force personnel, in the Winnipeg area.
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For more information: Conservative Party Press Office (613) 755-2191
