- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 410
Canuck Forces test their metal
By STEPHANIE RUBEC, Ottawa Bureau (Sun newspapers)
OTTAWA -- Ceremonial cannons used to kick off official Parliament Hill events now have to be transported on a flat bed tow-trucks because of dangerously rusted wheels.
Tuesday's throne speech was capped with the four howitzers -- that fired the traditional 21-gun-salute during the ceremony -- being pushed onto a rented trucks and hauled off.
Warrant Officer Rob Glen, 30th Field Regiment spokesman, said the wheels on his four gun-haulers have been okayed but not the trucks that tow them.
The guns are usually towed on their own trailers by the regiment's seven medium weight trucks, but those vehicles have been parked because their wheels are rusting out and are in danger of snapping off.
"We, of course, have to bow to the safety requirements of the general population so (towing) was the option that we chose," Glen said.
The cost to rent a local flatbed tow truck was $385.
Glen said the Canadian Forces are first repairing rusty wheels on trucks used in training and operations so his won't be replaced before the fall.
The howitzers, owned by the regiment, are used exclusively for events like Remembrance Day, the September police memorial and May's Victoria Day so they'll have to rent the tow truck a few more times.
Alliance MP Peter Goldring said the wheel rust out is just the tip of the military's problems of disrepair.
"It certainly says something about the sad state of affairs and the preparedness of the military," Goldring said. "You just can't call the auto club when you need help to move your army. It gives a whole new meaning to emergency road service."
Goldring accused the Liberals of allowing the military to fall into disrepair by not increasing funding and slammed them for failing to pledge more money in Tuesday's throne speech.
"I think they have misplaced priorities and they have to do something about it and do something about it fast," he said.
About 5,400 military trucks, trailers and gun-haulers are parked until their wheels are fully inspected and cleared of rust.
Those price tags to put all these rusty 18-year-old military vehicles, guns and trailers back on the road could be steeper than the projected $12 million.
By STEPHANIE RUBEC, Ottawa Bureau (Sun newspapers)
OTTAWA -- Ceremonial cannons used to kick off official Parliament Hill events now have to be transported on a flat bed tow-trucks because of dangerously rusted wheels.
Tuesday's throne speech was capped with the four howitzers -- that fired the traditional 21-gun-salute during the ceremony -- being pushed onto a rented trucks and hauled off.
Warrant Officer Rob Glen, 30th Field Regiment spokesman, said the wheels on his four gun-haulers have been okayed but not the trucks that tow them.
The guns are usually towed on their own trailers by the regiment's seven medium weight trucks, but those vehicles have been parked because their wheels are rusting out and are in danger of snapping off.
"We, of course, have to bow to the safety requirements of the general population so (towing) was the option that we chose," Glen said.
The cost to rent a local flatbed tow truck was $385.
Glen said the Canadian Forces are first repairing rusty wheels on trucks used in training and operations so his won't be replaced before the fall.
The howitzers, owned by the regiment, are used exclusively for events like Remembrance Day, the September police memorial and May's Victoria Day so they'll have to rent the tow truck a few more times.
Alliance MP Peter Goldring said the wheel rust out is just the tip of the military's problems of disrepair.
"It certainly says something about the sad state of affairs and the preparedness of the military," Goldring said. "You just can't call the auto club when you need help to move your army. It gives a whole new meaning to emergency road service."
Goldring accused the Liberals of allowing the military to fall into disrepair by not increasing funding and slammed them for failing to pledge more money in Tuesday's throne speech.
"I think they have misplaced priorities and they have to do something about it and do something about it fast," he said.
About 5,400 military trucks, trailers and gun-haulers are parked until their wheels are fully inspected and cleared of rust.
Those price tags to put all these rusty 18-year-old military vehicles, guns and trailers back on the road could be steeper than the projected $12 million.