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Supposedly to make an announcement. According to CTV.news they are at the Armouries. I am betting its not an AIr Force or a Navy annoucement. 
(M.O. - Update to thread title)
(M.O. - Update to thread title)
Harper Outlines Canada's First Defence Strategy
- Thread starter Ex-Dragoon
- Start date
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I suspect you may be surprised then.
- Reaction score
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Lotsa backgrounders posted re: "Canada First" Defence Strategy @ CF web page...
Canada First Defence Strategy – the four pillars
http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/newsroom/view_news_e.asp?id=2648
Canada First Defence Strategy – equipment acquisitions to date
http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/newsroom/view_news_e.asp?id=2647
Canada First Defence Strategy – long-term funding framework
http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/newsroom/view_news_e.asp?id=2646
Canada First Defence Strategy – Canadian Forces’ contribution to sovereignty and security in the north
http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/newsroom/view_news_e.asp?id=2645
...with this link not working (yet):
"Canada First" Defence Strategy
http://www.forces.gc.ca/focus/first/defstra_e.asp
...but no news release yet.
Canada First Defence Strategy – the four pillars
http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/newsroom/view_news_e.asp?id=2648
Canada First Defence Strategy – equipment acquisitions to date
http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/newsroom/view_news_e.asp?id=2647
Canada First Defence Strategy – long-term funding framework
http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/newsroom/view_news_e.asp?id=2646
Canada First Defence Strategy – Canadian Forces’ contribution to sovereignty and security in the north
http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/newsroom/view_news_e.asp?id=2645
...with this link not working (yet):
"Canada First" Defence Strategy
http://www.forces.gc.ca/focus/first/defstra_e.asp
...but no news release yet.
- Reaction score
- 3,948
- Points
- 1,260
First bits, from the Globe & Mail...
Harper pledges large-scale renewal of Canadian Forces
BRODIE FENLON, Globe and Mail Update and Canadian Press, May 12, 2008 at 12:24 PM EDT
Prime Minister Stephen Harper has announced a large-scale renewal of the Canadian Forces.
Accompanied by Defence Minister Peter MacKay, Mr. Harper introduced the “Canada First Defence Strategy,” which includes pledges of long-term stable funding, new equipment and the recruitment of new troops and reservists.
“If a country wants to be taken seriously by the rest of the world, it needs to have the capacity to act. It's that simple,” Mr. Harper said during a press conference at the Halifax Armoury, where he was flanked by regular Canadian Forces personnel and members of the Princess Louise Fusiliers, a reserve infantry regiment that has sent some of its members to Afghanistan.
Mr. Harper also plans to attend a late-afternoon hockey game at the Halifax Metro Centre, where Canada will take on Finland in the qualifying round of the International Ice Hockey Federation championship.
And the Canadian Press....
Prime minister unveils Canada First Defence Strategy to military audience
8 minutes ago
HALIFAX — Prime Minister Stephen Harper has unveiled his government's Canada First Defence Strategy, a long-term plan to ensure the Canadian Forces have the people, equipment and support needed to defend the country.
The plan, unveiled today at an armoury in Halifax, will increase the number of regular and reserve troops, increase surveillance of Canada's borders and provide security to major international events - such as the Vancouver Olympics.
As well, the strategy calls for ensuring Canada meets its commitments for continental security.
The plan also promises to improve Canada's ability to contribute to global security.
Harper says the plan will provide a major economic boost for the economy, creating good jobs for thousands of Canadians.
- edited to add CP material -
Harper pledges large-scale renewal of Canadian Forces
BRODIE FENLON, Globe and Mail Update and Canadian Press, May 12, 2008 at 12:24 PM EDT
Prime Minister Stephen Harper has announced a large-scale renewal of the Canadian Forces.
Accompanied by Defence Minister Peter MacKay, Mr. Harper introduced the “Canada First Defence Strategy,” which includes pledges of long-term stable funding, new equipment and the recruitment of new troops and reservists.
“If a country wants to be taken seriously by the rest of the world, it needs to have the capacity to act. It's that simple,” Mr. Harper said during a press conference at the Halifax Armoury, where he was flanked by regular Canadian Forces personnel and members of the Princess Louise Fusiliers, a reserve infantry regiment that has sent some of its members to Afghanistan.
Mr. Harper also plans to attend a late-afternoon hockey game at the Halifax Metro Centre, where Canada will take on Finland in the qualifying round of the International Ice Hockey Federation championship.
And the Canadian Press....
Prime minister unveils Canada First Defence Strategy to military audience
8 minutes ago
HALIFAX — Prime Minister Stephen Harper has unveiled his government's Canada First Defence Strategy, a long-term plan to ensure the Canadian Forces have the people, equipment and support needed to defend the country.
The plan, unveiled today at an armoury in Halifax, will increase the number of regular and reserve troops, increase surveillance of Canada's borders and provide security to major international events - such as the Vancouver Olympics.
As well, the strategy calls for ensuring Canada meets its commitments for continental security.
The plan also promises to improve Canada's ability to contribute to global security.
Harper says the plan will provide a major economic boost for the economy, creating good jobs for thousands of Canadians.
- edited to add CP material -
- Reaction score
- 5,524
- Points
- 1,260
"Mr. Harper also plans to attend a late-afternoon hockey game at the Halifax Metro Centre, where Canada will take on Finland in the qualifying round of the International Ice Hockey Federation championship."
Which is why the announcement was made in Halifax.
Which is why the announcement was made in Halifax.
- Reaction score
- 3,948
- Points
- 1,260
Backgrounder, painting the big picture.....
Backgrounder
Canada First Defence Strategy – the four pillars
BG.08.013 - May 12, 2008
The future security environment calls for a combat-capable, flexible, multi-role military. Recognizing this, the Canada First Defence Strategy sets out a vision for future operations as well as the funding required to support it. This vision, coupled with committed long-term funding, will allow the Canadian Forces to maintain excellence in operations at home, be a solid partner in continental defence, and fulfill a leadership role abroad.
The continued effectiveness and sustainability of the Canadian Forces requires a long-term framework to address demand across the four “pillars” upon which military capabilities are built – personnel, infrastructure, readiness and equipment. Military capabilities are developed over long periods of time and are the product of continued investment in the four key pillars.
To support its Canada First Defence Strategy, as proposed in Budget 2008, the Government is establishing predictable, long-term funding to expand the Canadian Forces, modernize CF capabilities, increase CF readiness and ensure the viability of infrastructure, striking the right balance among the four pillars on which military capabilities are developed. All of these investments will guarantee that the Canadian Forces can meet Canada’s future defence and security requirements, and ensure both the enhanced security of Canadians at home and a stronger voice for Canada on the world stage.
Increasing CF Readiness
To support its Canada First Defence Strategy, the Government is providing National Defence with long-term funding in Budget 2008 and a commitment to increase the overall readiness of the Canadian Forces. Readiness is the measure of the Canadian Forces’s flexibility and responsiveness to government direction and encompasses the training, maintenance and resources required for the CF to deploy. The Canadian Forces are called upon to fulfill a multitude of tasks both at home and abroad. Everyday across Canada, the CF retains assets on short notice to move. These assets are prepared to respond domestically, continentally and internationally. Maintaining these units at a certain level of readiness involves varying degrees of investment in equipment and infrastructure maintenance, spare parts, clothing, refits, exercises, fuel and ammunition.
Through its Canada First Defence Strategy, the Government is investing in an increased state of CF readiness. For example, with the implementation of the strategy, more resources will be allocated to the acquisition of spare parts and equipment maintenance. This means that equipment will be more readily available for training and operations, which in turn will improve the overall state of readiness of the Forces.
Viability of Infrastructure
Defence is the single largest property holder in the federal government, with over 21,000 buildings and more than 12,000 roads and utilities on over 800 properties. Approximately 50 per cent of the department's infrastructure portfolio is over 50 years old. As a result, there is a need to modernize and update DND infrastructure. To date, the Government of Canada has announced several infrastructure upgrades across the country – the first step in an ongoing commitment to provide DND/CF with the infrastructure needed to fulfill its mandate.
The CFDS aims to replace or refurbish approximately 25 per cent of DND infrastructure holdings within 10 years, with approximately 50 per cent being replaced or refurbished over 20 years. Equipment acquisitions and initiatives announced in the last two years included significant funding for infrastructure, and future acquisitions will similarly include the funding required to build new infrastructure and/or upgrade existing facilities. DND infrastructure holdings will be regularly reviewed to maximize efficiency at the national level to ensure bases efficiently support operational requirements and at the local level to ensure local facilities services are being provided in the most efficient manner.
Modernizing CF Equipment
Over the next 20 years, six of the CF’s core equipment fleets will reach the end of their operational lives and will need to be replaced. These include destroyers, frigates, maritime patrol aircraft, fixed-wing search and rescue aircraft, fighter aircraft and land combat vehicles and systems. The Canada First Defence Strategy is a blueprint aimed at replacing these six core equipment fleets.
The planned replacement of the CF’s major capital fleets complements the significant steps that the Government has already taken to strengthen the Canadian Forces, including the procurement of new and upgraded equipment such as strategic and tactical lift aircraft, Joint Support Ships, armoured vehicles, helicopters, and Arctic/Offshore patrol ships.
The Department will be seeking innovative and cost-reducing solutions for future procurements.
Expanding the Forces
The Canada First Defence Strategy sets out a long term defence program that includes expanding both the Regular and Reserve Forces and will build on the work that has already been done in this area.
Currently:
* The Regular Force strength is approximately 65,000
* The Reserve Force strength is approximately 24,000
* Approximately half of all defence expenditures—over $9 billion annually—is spent on people.
The Canada First Defence Strategy sets out a long-term defence program that includes expanding to 70,000 Regular Force and 30,000 Reserve Force personnel. As the costs associated with significant personnel increases are high, the personnel levels set out in the plan represent an affordable and balanced solution. The strategy provides a solid foundation upon which to continue growing towards CF expansion targets.
Backgrounder
Canada First Defence Strategy – the four pillars
BG.08.013 - May 12, 2008
The future security environment calls for a combat-capable, flexible, multi-role military. Recognizing this, the Canada First Defence Strategy sets out a vision for future operations as well as the funding required to support it. This vision, coupled with committed long-term funding, will allow the Canadian Forces to maintain excellence in operations at home, be a solid partner in continental defence, and fulfill a leadership role abroad.
The continued effectiveness and sustainability of the Canadian Forces requires a long-term framework to address demand across the four “pillars” upon which military capabilities are built – personnel, infrastructure, readiness and equipment. Military capabilities are developed over long periods of time and are the product of continued investment in the four key pillars.
To support its Canada First Defence Strategy, as proposed in Budget 2008, the Government is establishing predictable, long-term funding to expand the Canadian Forces, modernize CF capabilities, increase CF readiness and ensure the viability of infrastructure, striking the right balance among the four pillars on which military capabilities are developed. All of these investments will guarantee that the Canadian Forces can meet Canada’s future defence and security requirements, and ensure both the enhanced security of Canadians at home and a stronger voice for Canada on the world stage.
Increasing CF Readiness
To support its Canada First Defence Strategy, the Government is providing National Defence with long-term funding in Budget 2008 and a commitment to increase the overall readiness of the Canadian Forces. Readiness is the measure of the Canadian Forces’s flexibility and responsiveness to government direction and encompasses the training, maintenance and resources required for the CF to deploy. The Canadian Forces are called upon to fulfill a multitude of tasks both at home and abroad. Everyday across Canada, the CF retains assets on short notice to move. These assets are prepared to respond domestically, continentally and internationally. Maintaining these units at a certain level of readiness involves varying degrees of investment in equipment and infrastructure maintenance, spare parts, clothing, refits, exercises, fuel and ammunition.
Through its Canada First Defence Strategy, the Government is investing in an increased state of CF readiness. For example, with the implementation of the strategy, more resources will be allocated to the acquisition of spare parts and equipment maintenance. This means that equipment will be more readily available for training and operations, which in turn will improve the overall state of readiness of the Forces.
Viability of Infrastructure
Defence is the single largest property holder in the federal government, with over 21,000 buildings and more than 12,000 roads and utilities on over 800 properties. Approximately 50 per cent of the department's infrastructure portfolio is over 50 years old. As a result, there is a need to modernize and update DND infrastructure. To date, the Government of Canada has announced several infrastructure upgrades across the country – the first step in an ongoing commitment to provide DND/CF with the infrastructure needed to fulfill its mandate.
The CFDS aims to replace or refurbish approximately 25 per cent of DND infrastructure holdings within 10 years, with approximately 50 per cent being replaced or refurbished over 20 years. Equipment acquisitions and initiatives announced in the last two years included significant funding for infrastructure, and future acquisitions will similarly include the funding required to build new infrastructure and/or upgrade existing facilities. DND infrastructure holdings will be regularly reviewed to maximize efficiency at the national level to ensure bases efficiently support operational requirements and at the local level to ensure local facilities services are being provided in the most efficient manner.
Modernizing CF Equipment
Over the next 20 years, six of the CF’s core equipment fleets will reach the end of their operational lives and will need to be replaced. These include destroyers, frigates, maritime patrol aircraft, fixed-wing search and rescue aircraft, fighter aircraft and land combat vehicles and systems. The Canada First Defence Strategy is a blueprint aimed at replacing these six core equipment fleets.
The planned replacement of the CF’s major capital fleets complements the significant steps that the Government has already taken to strengthen the Canadian Forces, including the procurement of new and upgraded equipment such as strategic and tactical lift aircraft, Joint Support Ships, armoured vehicles, helicopters, and Arctic/Offshore patrol ships.
The Department will be seeking innovative and cost-reducing solutions for future procurements.
Expanding the Forces
The Canada First Defence Strategy sets out a long term defence program that includes expanding both the Regular and Reserve Forces and will build on the work that has already been done in this area.
Currently:
* The Regular Force strength is approximately 65,000
* The Reserve Force strength is approximately 24,000
* Approximately half of all defence expenditures—over $9 billion annually—is spent on people.
The Canada First Defence Strategy sets out a long-term defence program that includes expanding to 70,000 Regular Force and 30,000 Reserve Force personnel. As the costs associated with significant personnel increases are high, the personnel levels set out in the plan represent an affordable and balanced solution. The strategy provides a solid foundation upon which to continue growing towards CF expansion targets.
- Reaction score
- 3,948
- Points
- 1,260
Here's the Canada First page (news release link doesn't work as of this posting).
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 210
ARTICLE:
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080512/PM_announcement_080512/20080512?hub=Canada&s_name=
This is another + for the conservatives. Its great to finally see a government in power taking care of our Military.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080512/PM_announcement_080512/20080512?hub=Canada&s_name=
The Rest Can be read in the news article.
This is another + for the conservatives. Its great to finally see a government in power taking care of our Military.
- Reaction score
- 1
- Points
- 430
This is great news!
BZ to PM Harper
Cheers
Baker
BZ to PM Harper
Cheers
Baker
Without trying too hard to be a wet blanket, I question whether the amount of money will be sufficient. See, for example, this piece by the gnomes of Ruxted:
http://ruxted.ca/index.php?/archives/98-Capabilities-and-Money.html
http://ruxted.ca/index.php?/archives/98-Capabilities-and-Money.html
Just to correct the plan is "Canada First Defense strategy. ( Canada vs Canada's ) And I have to agree with Old Sweat that 1.5 Billion each year over a 20 year period ( or what ever formula is used to arrive at 30 Billion over 20 years ) is not enough. I would prefer the 30 Billion being over a 5 year period. The reason being is that it is doubtful that the Tories would hold power for 20 years. The next government could just kill the rest of the extra spending. He's in now, figure out what he needs equipment wise and sign those contracts now to ensure the help is immediate and can not be subject to political winds in the future years. Just my thoughts.
Yrys
Army.ca Veteran
- Reaction score
- 11
- Points
- 430
Government of Canada announces "Canada First" Defence Strategy
PM unveils Canada First Defence Strategy
(the link in the DND page goes to the PM website)
PM unveils Canada First Defence Strategy
(the link in the DND page goes to the PM website)
- Reaction score
- 5,524
- Points
- 1,260
Sorry to rain on the parade but, I’m with Old Sweat:
• According to Statistics Canada our GDP at end 2007 was $1.558 Trillion and our defence budget for 2007/08 is $16.881 Billion which equals 1.08% of GDP;
• If the defence budget is $30 Billion by 2027 then that will equal only 1.32% of GDP, IF GDP rises much more slowly than most economist predict;
• As The Ruxted Group has pointed out, a more reasonable level of expenditure on national defence for a would-be Leading Middle Power is 2%+ of GDP; and
• 2.2% (Ruxted’s number) of a very conservatively projected GDP in 2027 of $2.271 Trillion would be $49.965 Billion- nearly $20 Billion more than Prime Minister Harper promises.
But, getting the defence budget to 2% of GDP may be more than the political system can manage. If we grew the budget by stages starting at 2% real growth in 2008/09 and getting to 5% real growth by 2017 – a not unreasonable number when one considers that the inflation rate for things like fuel, ammunition and MILSPEC equipment is waaaaay higher than the general inflation rate of 2%± - we would have a budget of just about $40 Billion by 2027. That's not the $50 Billion we need but better than the $30 Billion Harper is promising.
On the bright side growing the budget from 1.08% to 1.3%of GDP is, at least, not disarmament by stealth.
• According to Statistics Canada our GDP at end 2007 was $1.558 Trillion and our defence budget for 2007/08 is $16.881 Billion which equals 1.08% of GDP;
• If the defence budget is $30 Billion by 2027 then that will equal only 1.32% of GDP, IF GDP rises much more slowly than most economist predict;
• As The Ruxted Group has pointed out, a more reasonable level of expenditure on national defence for a would-be Leading Middle Power is 2%+ of GDP; and
• 2.2% (Ruxted’s number) of a very conservatively projected GDP in 2027 of $2.271 Trillion would be $49.965 Billion- nearly $20 Billion more than Prime Minister Harper promises.
But, getting the defence budget to 2% of GDP may be more than the political system can manage. If we grew the budget by stages starting at 2% real growth in 2008/09 and getting to 5% real growth by 2017 – a not unreasonable number when one considers that the inflation rate for things like fuel, ammunition and MILSPEC equipment is waaaaay higher than the general inflation rate of 2%± - we would have a budget of just about $40 Billion by 2027. That's not the $50 Billion we need but better than the $30 Billion Harper is promising.
On the bright side growing the budget from 1.08% to 1.3%of GDP is, at least, not disarmament by stealth.
- Reaction score
- 1
- Points
- 410
Well you know what we Cpl's say. "Its better then a kick in the junk!"
- Reaction score
- 5,524
- Points
- 1,260
Lone Wolf Quagmire said:
You're right, LWQ, it is better, much, much better than a kick in the slats but we, as Canadians, not just as military people, should tell the PM (at Harper.S@parl.gc.ca) that he has done well but he can and should do better. What's better? A bit more than 2% of GDP by 2027 (around, maybe more than $50 Billion) is what we really need, but $40 Billion (around 1.75 % of GDP) would be useful and affordable for a G8 nation.
- Reaction score
- 1
- Points
- 410
I do agree with you E.R.C. I guess I am just happy they aren't taking things away.
