The Royal Canadian Legion is concerned about an apparent contradiction in the federal budget.
The concern is on the one hand, the Budget states a modern, well equipped Canadian Armed Forces is needed, but on the other hand, $3.7 billion of funding for large scale capital projects was pushed to 2020 at the earliest.
The Legion says delaying the spending by at least four years means the funds for replacing, upgrading and maintaining equipment will come too late.
They go on to say a poorly equipped military is a weak and vulnerable military, which is an image we cannot afford to project in today’s world of increased threats and security concerns.
The Legion also questioned whether the money would really be available in four years, given the large deficits being produced.
It wasn’t all bad news however, they were pleased to see some progress for Veterans in the budget but they made it clear there was still much work to be done to improve care and benefits.
Legion has great & immediate concern in reduced/postponed funding for replacing Canada’s aging military equipment – https://t.co/IIsLUvBcnh
— RoyalCanadianLegion (@RoyalCdnLegion) March 23, 2016
