With a week and a half left before election day, several leading military experts say squabbling over military equipment purchases has overshadowed more pressing defence, security and foreign policy issues.
The Conservative governmentB次元官网网址檚 planned purchase of 65 new multi-billion-dollar F-35 Lightning II fighter jets has essentially sidetracked discussion about CanadaB次元官网网址檚 changing role in Afghanistan, said Ottawa-based military watchdog Scott Taylor, editor and publisher of Esprit de Corps magazine.
Likewise, there is a great need for public debate on CanadaB次元官网网址檚 role in the NATO-led mission in Libya, he said.
B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檝e jumped into this thing with both feet,B次元官网网址� Taylor said. B次元官网网址淭he fact that our air force jumped in and that the government committed them, I do think a lot of it has to do with trying to sell Canadians on the need for modern fighter jets.B次元官网网址�
When it comes to debates related to the military, campaigning politicians have spent a lot of time pointing fingers over money earmarked for new equipment, which may prove counterproductive.
B次元官网网址淲hen it comes to defence and security affairs, people have a tendency to get involved in the details and the nitty gritty of things, like buying airplanes and ships,B次元官网网址� said retired air force brigadier-general and Sidney resident Don Macnamara.
Campaign priorities should focus on Canadian security, prosperity and our countryB次元官网网址檚 contribution to global stability, said Macnamara, a former professor at QueenB次元官网网址檚 University in Kingston, Ont.
The acquisition of military hardware typically becomes a hotly contested issue when the writ is dropped, said retired army lieutenant-colonel Alex Morrison, now a Royal Roads University associate professor.
And that can set the military back. A case in point was when the Liberals cancelled the ConservativesB次元官网网址� 2004 purchase of new helicopters to replace the aging Sea King models.
Promises made by the Liberals to scrap, and by the NDP to delay the purchase of the Joint Strike Fighter (F-35) planes will have expensive repercussions, said Morrison, who also works as director of RRUB次元官网网址檚 School of Peace and Conflict Management. B次元官网网址淚f the government wants Canada to have a well-equipped military, then itB次元官网网址檚 got to have a regular replacement policy.B次元官网网址�
By now it should come as no surprise that military and foreign policy issues arenB次元官网网址檛 garnering much air time this election, said retired admiral John Anderson, former Chief of the Defence Staff and Canadian ambassador to NATO.
When the matter of moving CFB EsquimaltB次元官网网址檚 naval fleet command to Halifax was raised, it was just as quickly extinguished by the Conservatives, he noted.
B次元官网网址淲hat wasnB次元官网网址檛 talked about was what was going to be focused here in Esquimalt,B次元官网网址� said the North Saanich resident, who began his naval career at CFB Esquimalt.
B次元官网网址淚 think thereB次元官网网址檚 more to the story and itB次元官网网址檚 unfortunate it got wrapped up in the middle of an election campaign.B次元官网网址�
Elections should also serve as the perfect opportunity to determine, among other things, which party leader can best champion our national interests globally, Anderson said.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 unfortunate, when weB次元官网网址檙e thinking about who ought to lead our country, thereB次元官网网址檚 not a lot of looking in the mirror as to how a leader will function on the international stage.B次元官网网址�
emccracken@vicnews.com
Candidates weigh-in
We asked candidates from the Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca riding, where CFB Esquimalt is located, what their top defence priorities are.
Those of New Democrat Randall Garrison include supporting veterans and ensuring the military can defend Canada and provide emergency and humanitarian disaster assistance.
The NDP are encouraging a review of the fighter jet acquisition. B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檒l see if thatB次元官网网址檚 the right plane, because thatB次元官网网址檚 very expensive,B次元官网网址� he said.
Green Party candidate Shaunna Salsman said, B次元官网网址淲e are asking these soldiers to put their lives on their line and we should probably fund them and equip them. IB次元官网网址檇 like to support them with proper equipment and ensure their families are properly supported as well.B次元官网网址�
If elected, Conservative candidate Troy DeSouza said he would work to bring more shipbuilding and Coast Guard jobs to Esquimalt.
B次元官网网址淎 re-elected Conservative government will continue to consistently support all of our men and women in uniform B次元官网网址� army, navy, coast guard and air force B次元官网网址� so they can all continue to do their jobs safely,B次元官网网址� he said.
Canadian Action Party leader and candidate Christopher Porter said the military is best used in peacekeeping missions and the defence of our national interests, such as the Arctic.
B次元官网网址淲e believe that the troops and the defence should do exactly that, defend our country,B次元官网网址� he said.
Liberal candidate Lillian SzpakB次元官网网址檚 priorities include supporting military families, promoting an open bidding process for equipment contracts and ensuring the navy is well-equipped.
B次元官网网址淲e want to make sure our ships are on the leading edge and they have the weaponry on them,B次元官网网址� she said.
Independent candidate Louis Lesosky could not be reached for comment.
