“Canada First” Defence Plan includes strategic airlift, new airborne battalion and doubled disaster assistance
This morning in Trenton, Ontario, Stephen Harper announced that a new Conservative government will significantly increase defence spending as part of a “Canada First” defence strategy. Part of the new strategy will involve enhancing Canadian sovereignty by acquiring strategic lift aircraft, creating a new airborne battalion and doubling of Canada’s Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART).
Canada’s military has been significantly underfunded over the past 12 years, leading to a decline in our sovereign capacity to respond to emergencies whether at home or abroad. A Conservative government will increase defence spending significantly over the current baseline, with spending reaching $1.8 billion over currently projected levels by 2010-11.
“Our Forces stand on guard for us, both at home and around the world. So we must stand up for them,” said Mr. Harper. “The men and women who put on the uniform of Canada must have the tools they need to protect themselves and do their job.”
The Conservative “Canada First” defence plan is designed to improve the effectiveness and rapid deployability of Canadian Forces, using CFB Trenton as a hub for aerial deployment. Measures will include:
- Acquisition of a fleet of at least three strategic lift aircraft to be based at CFB Trenton;
- Continued replacement of Canada’s tactical airlift fleet of C-130 Hercules aircraft and fixed wing search-and-rescue aircraft;
- Creation of a new airborne battalion (650 regular force personnel), to be stationed at CFB Trenton and to be available for rapid deployment;
- Doubling the size and capacity of the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) to enable enhanced international disaster relief capability.
The Conservative “Canada First” plan will construct new defence capabilities as well as expand and transform existing capabilities in every region of Canada, for greater strength at home and greater confidence abroad.
A new Conservative government will defend our national interests through a stronger military that has the resources to protect Canadians at home and meet international obligations.
