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THE ISSUE
Our forces in Canada lack many of the capabilities for domestic emergency and security response as well as United Nations peacekeeping and international missions. Canadian units stationed in Quebec, in particular, need strengthening. However, Liberal governments have under-funded these vital forces.
THE FACTS
In Quebec, there is no regular army presence north of Quebec City, despite the need for army capabilities that can respond rapidly to crises. A new rapid reaction army capability, building on existing base infrastructure strategically located in the Saguenay Region, would provide Canada with more soldiers to meet army requirements at home and abroad.
In addition, Canada’s CF-18 fighter aircraft in Quebec require continued investment for upgrades to meet our national operational responsibilities for patrol and security. There is also a need for more air force personnel to fill existing operational and support requirements in Quebec.
A recent Commander of Land Area Quebec stated in Parliament that two out of three light armoured infantry units in Quebec do not have the proper equipment. He said that in Quebec, “We have to cannibalize the so-called institutional army in order to be able to employ or prepare operational troops for deployment.”1 The Commander also said that 700-1,000 regular force personnel and 750 reserve force personnel are needed for army requirements in Quebec.2
For example at CFB Valcartier, the army needs more personnel and resources just to supply existing operational, support, and training units and support existing equipment and infrastructure requirements. There is also a shortage of trained personnel caused by years of defence budget cuts, which hit the Forces’ training system particularly hard and had an impact on enlistment from Quebec.
There is currently insufficient army capacity for emergency response and security needs in Quebec’s major urban centres. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, defence personnel provided assistance, helped rebuild, and worked to restore order. Reserve forces, particularly in Montreal and Quebec City, need strengthening to deal effectively with a natural disaster.
During the ice storm in Quebec in 1998 the federal government “was forced to turn to the U.S. government in order to move our personnel and equipment.”3 This is unacceptable.
THE PLAN
As part of a country-wide regional investment plan, the Conservatives have announced a plan to create new rapid reaction army battalions at existing air force bases. Commitments include an army airborne battalion in Trenton, Ontario, and an army rapid reaction battalion in Comox, British Columbia. Another commitment has been made for the creation of new territorial defence units for urban emergency response requirements. And a commitment has also been made for a Canadian strategic and tactical airlift capacity to ensure forces can be deployed rapidly and effectively in Canada or around the world.
The Conservative Party believes that strengthening the Canadian Forces in Quebec is critical. Major investments are required to protect our sovereignty and to attract more Quebecers to seek careers in the Canadian Forces.
Today’s announcement outlines the Conservative plan for strengthening Canada’s Quebec-based forces.
A Conservative government will:
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Establish a regular army presence in the Saguenay region. A new rapid reaction army battalion (650 regular force personnel) will be stationed at CFB Bagotville for enhanced army response within Canada;
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Provide CF-18 fighter aircraft upgrades. This commitment is for Canada’s national air defence requirements at CFB Bagotville and includes personnel increases to fill out existing operational and support establishments at CFB Bagotville;
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Increase army personnel levels in Quebec. An estimated 1,000 regular force personnel and 750 reserve force personnel will be recruited to bring current operational, training, and support units up to full strength along with more resources for army equipment and infrastructure requirements in Quebec, with a majority of the increase occurring at CFB Valcartier and the remainder at St. Jean training school and CFB Montreal; and
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Provide new territorial defence capability. New territorial defence battalions (100 regular and at least 400 reserve force personnel each) for enhanced emergency response will be stationed in the areas of Quebec City and Montreal.
The Conservative plan is costed within our previously announced “Canada First” defence spending plan. Our commitments will increase the National Defence budget base over currently planned levels in each of the next five years. Spending will amount to $5.3 billion above the currently planned levels over the next five years. By 2010-11, spending will be $1.8 billion more per year than currently projected.
1. Senate Committee on National Security and Defence, “WOUNDED: Canada’s Military and the Legacy of Neglect, Our Disappearing Options for Defending the Nation Abroad and at Home,” September 2005, pg. 36.
2. Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence, Issue 22 – Evidence, June 1, 2005.
3. Senate Committee on National Security and Defence, “WOUNDED: Canada’s Military and the Legacy of Neglect,” pg. 82.
