Stand on guard

PRESS RELEASE: PM announces plan to identify and defend northern resources, Office of the Prime Minister of Canada, 26 August 2008

This is Canada acting like a great power--finally.

Comments

[David Emery]

But will Canada invest in both military and non-military infrastructure to live up to this policy proposal? Canada's track record of investment in its military is, frankly, pretty appalling. I think the US should be willing to support Canada under the provisions of NORAD and existing agreements, but should insist that Canada provide a reasonable level of funding for its military and non-military homeland defense activities. This will be a tough sell for the PM. Canada loves to short-change its military, hide behind the US shield from North America, and then poke at US unilateralism.

However it is appropriate to note the Canadian commitment to Afghanistan is, I believe, a lot more responsive to reality on the ground than the restrictions that some other NATO forces operate under. Good for Canada there, eh?

dave