A Strong Canada

May 12, 2008

Canadians are proud of the brave men and women of the Canadian Forces and all that they do to protect our country.

In the last century, Canadian soldiers, sailors and airmen served bravely on the battlefields of Europe, Korea and around the world. This legacy of leadership and service continues to this day, with the leadership role our Canadian Forces are taking in the Afghanistan Mission. Their courageous and selfless service has always made Canada a leader on the world stage.

In recent years, however, this strong and historic leadership role has begun to suffer. For more than a decade, previous Liberal Governments chose to slash and cutback funding for the Canadian Forces and, in the process, left our men and women in uniform underequipped to continue leading as they always had.

The Conservative Government came to office on a promise that it would address this legacy of Liberal neglect and restore the funding, respect and support that the men and women of the Canadian Forces clearly deserve.

Today the Canadian Forces are benefiting from billions in new funding. With new equipment on the way ranging from new C-130 Hercules tactical lift aircraft, to medium-heavy lift helicopters, and with world-class Arctic Patrol Vessels, the Canadian Forces will be able to do more than they ever could before.

As a result of this new investment, morale and esteem are improving, and today increasing numbers of bright, dedicated and enthusiastic young Canadians are choosing to make a difference by pursuing Canadian Forces service and a military career.

Prime Minister Harper and the Conservative Government recognize that there is more work to do. We live in a world of serious threats and serious responsibilities. That is why it is vital that we continue to provide the Canadian Forces with the long-term support they deserve.

In the next election campaign, Canadians will ask themselves which party and which leader are prepared to finish the job.

The Stéphane Dion Liberals remain directionless, with no policy, no plans, and no new solutions or ideas for our country. When combined with the Liberal record of neglect towards the Canadian Forces, Canadians are right to wonder whether Mr. Dion’s weak leadership is truly worth the risk.

In contrast, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Conservative Government will always ensure that the Canadian Forces remains a priority, with real investments and real support so that those who choose to serve can do so securely and successfully. The brave men and women who choose to serve their country deserve nothing less.

Real Leadership. Real Action. Real Results.