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http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/stephen-harper-pledges-expansion-of-military-reserves-1.3193200
Stephen Harper pledges expansion of military reserves
Conservative leader announced series of proposals to boost military reserves during Fredericton campaign stop
Stephen Harper pledges expansion of military reserves
Conservative leader announced series of proposals to boost military reserves during Fredericton campaign stop
Conservative Leader Stephen Harper unveiled a plan to boost the number of military reservists to 30,000 in the next four years during a campaign stop in Fredericton on Monday.
Under the proposal, the Conservatives would expand the primary reserve to 30,000 personnel from 24,000.
Harper appeared with Fredericton Conservative candidate Keith Ashfield on Monday morning at the Fredericton Inn, where he announced six new measures to assist reservists or help more Canadians participate in the Canadian Armed Forces reserves.
"These measures will provide the Canadian Armed Forces with the strategic depth they need to respond to varied and sometimes multiple, national and international emergencies and challenges," Harper said in a statement.
The plan includes more training for domestic emergencies, such as floods and forest fires, as well as giving the naval reserve an enhanced role in protecting coastal and offshore waters.
The federal government will also streamline and shorten the recruiting process to bring in new reservists under this proposal.
The Conservatives are also promising to expand the role of reserve units in ceremonial and other public duties, and to invest in reserve infrastructure and regional armouries.
"These initiatives will permit the Canadian Armed Forces to draw on the varied skillsets possessed by Canadians in the private sector who are anxious to serve their country through service in the military," Harper's statement said.
The Conservative leader made the announcement in Fredericton, a riding that includes the 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown.
CFB Gagetown is the second largest military base in Canada and the largest military facility in Eastern Canada.
Keith Ashfield has held the Fredericton riding since 2008. He is a former provincial MLA and cabinet minister, and he also served as Harper's fisheries minister.
When the federal election was called, the Conservatives held eight of New Brunswick's 10 seats.