John Robson’s Christmas Wish: A Skilled Canadian Military
Commentary
In just a few weeks, Santa and his reindeer will cross the North Pole and fly through the Canadian Arctic. They may not be alone as the Canadian Armed Forces, tracking the sleigh proudly, could miss other intruders. Therefore, I dare to ask for a capable military for Christmas, risking overloading Santa’s sack with requests.
While some may see Santa as a romanticized figure of Christmas spirit or dismiss the concept entirely, other intruders, especially those serving the Kremlin, pose a real threat. Our incapacity to address these threats is a reality we cannot ignore.
According to Blacklock’s Reporter, Canada’s military is unprepared to defend the Arctic with few deployed soldiers, limited airfields suitable for the Air Force, and inadequate winter training for combat forces, as revealed in a Department of National Defence audit. Auditors noted that private contractors are the primary beneficiaries of annual training exercises.
The grim reality revealed in the audit may not be the Christmas gift we were hoping for. However, we cannot ignore the facts presented to us. The report highlights alarming statistics, like the insufficient number of active North Warning System radar sites and the shortage of personnel and reserves in the region.
The audit also points out the shortcomings in our infrastructure like limited airfields capable of handling military aircraft. The Department of National Defence’s spending on Arctic exercises, known as Operation Nanook, mainly benefits contractors and lacks operational readiness.
Denial or indifference to these issues is not a sustainable solution. It is vital to acknowledge our lack of capacity to defend our nation adequately, whether alone or with allies. The audit calls for a serious reassessment of our defense capabilities and a commitment to addressing the deficiencies.
While the traditional response may be to downplay the problem and claim to address it, the real solution lies in taking decisive action to strengthen our defenses. It is crucial to prioritize national security over other expenditures and make necessary budgetary adjustments.
Instead of turning a blind eye, it is time to face the reality and take concrete steps to protect our nation. Let us not shy away from the challenges ahead and commit to rebuilding our defense capabilities for a safer future.
Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
