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NDP: Re: Freeze Military Spending, Consult Canadians

This is the NDP's reply to my letter (also posted below) about my concerns regarding Canada's military role, peacekeeping, and plans to increase military spending.

I had sent this same letter to ALL the parties. The NDP are the only ones who replied, so far.

RE: Freeze military spending, consult Canadians


Thank you for writing the NDP about military spending. Jack Layton has not said anything about increasing military budgets during this campaign. The NDP stand opposed to increased interoperability between the Canadian Forces and those of the United States.

The NDP believe Canada should focus on asserting its sovereignty, helping international peace and security through peacekeeping and peacemaking and providing aid to the civil power during times of national or regional crisis.

The Liberal record has been one of drifting away from peacekeeping and towards war fighting, in keeping with an over emphasis on integration of the CF in to US led missions and US forces in the context of a further over-emphasis on interoperability with US forces.


Jack Layton and Canada's NDP

Getting results for people

Des réalisations concrètes
www.ndp.ca www.npd.ca

And this was my letter:

January 18, 2006

To: Leader of the New Democratic Party Jack Layton


Dear Leader of the New Democratic Party Layton,


I am alarmed that the Government of Canada plans to increase Canada's military spending by $12.8 billion over the next five years. Canada is already the 7th highest military spender in NATO in real dollars, and the increase will put our spending at $20 billion - higher than at any point since the Second World War.

This spending is being used to increase the capability of the Canadian Forces to integrate with U.S. forces. At the same time, Canada has abandoned UN peacekeeping missions. Today we are only the 36th highest contributor of troops to UN missions.

I urge you to involve Canadians in defining what role the Canadian Forces should play in the world, and until then support a freeze on increases to military spending.

I look forward to your reply.


Sincerely,

Annamarie Deneen
(Address, postal code)

posted by Annamarie at 11:56 PM