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Question 5: Security

How does the military best serve Canada’s foreign policy objectives: though national and continental defence; combat missions in support of international coalitions; peacekeeping; all of the above?

 

 

Excerpt Contributor Date
Canada must first decide if it wants a military or a peace-keeping body. I suggest a name change to Canadian Peace Keeping. We can't seriously continue with an under equipped force of demoralized personel who lack clear direction.

A peace keeping role would become our only major role and we
1873 2003-05-01 10:00:22
I say if we are going to spend tax dollars on violence instead of ensuring that our children can inherit a safe environment, a good education and an efficient health care system, it better be in the name of world peace! Either that or self-defence as a last resort.

Forget "continental defence
1872 2003-05-01 09:32:44
The Canadian military must support the objectives of obtaining influence in American policy, connecting with global non-government players and providing alternates to US military intervention.

The capabilities called up require ability for combat operations with the US preferably providing elemen
1870 2003-05-01 07:27:03
I don't think we need to defend ourselves in the traditional sense: if the US wants to invade we wouldn't be able to stop them. But I think we should support peacekeeping missions. As for combat in support of international coalitions, I would say only under the UN, and not dominated by the 1868 2003-05-01 04:54:26
We have no need to spend money on continental defence--such schemes as Star Wars increase our vulnerability rather than make us more secure. Our military should work under the Un in peacekeeping. 1867 2003-05-01 04:54:14
All of the above. 1865 2003-05-01 04:54:02
Canada's military cannot serve Canada's foreign policy objectives until it knows what those objectives are. If they include enhancing regional or coalition "interests" over global security then I suppose they'll serve that by gearing up to fight in combat missions supporting thi 1864 2003-05-01 04:53:51
Our peace initiatives could not stop the US Administration from ignoring UN recommendations for a peaceful solution to the Saddam issue. The very Saddam who was supported and financed by the CIA since 1959.
So far Canada's role has been to clean up the mess that warfare leaves behind. So be i
1858 2003-05-01 04:53:39
Our military capabilities are limited in isolation; we can best serve within coalitions with like-minded allies, such as the US. We will gain more respectability among the international community by being a full partner in miltary operations and "paying our way". In continental defense, we 1859 2003-05-01 00:40:25
The Canadian military is highly regarded in the world for its peace-keeping role. So let us not subject our military to play aggressive combat roles (like invading other countries without UN Security Council's approval). Canada's military serves our foreign policy objectives by taking part i Rafman 2003-05-01 00:26:10
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