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Defence and security gets attention in federal throne speech
Canada - Canadian Press
STEPHEN THORNE
OTTAWA (CP) - The federal government reiterated its commitment to defence and security Tuesday, telling Canadians it is "no longer possible to separate domestic and international policies."
"We have to invest more in our military as part of defending ourselves at home, in North America and the world," said the throne speech read by Gov. Gen. Adrienne Clarkson. "We have to earn our way in the world."
Acknowledging of the importance of Canada's military, the document's first words paid tribute to soldiers, sailors and aircrew, past and present.
Speaking of the "huge debt" owed those who have served Canada in uniform, the document promised more soldiers and said defence, diplomacy, development and trade must work in concert.
As expected, the speech promised a comprehensive international policy statement in the fall and a debate that observers say could last into the spring.
In what could be a harbinger of its expected direction on U.S. missile defence, the speech spoke of the need to deepen co-operation with the Americans, to better know them and to "strengthen our economic and security relations."
Canada's will never be a large military so it must be strategic and focused, in some cases training regionally based peacekeepers rather than moving in on its own, said the document.
Canadian troops are among the world's best peacekeepers, its diplomats among the best negotiators and aid workers among the best at nurturing peace, said Clarkson, commander-in-chief of the Canadian Forces.
"That's why the government will be increasing our regular forces by 5,000 troops and our reserves by 3,000 so that they may be better prepared and equipped to meet these challenges."
The document also said Canada must protect its Arctic sovereignty and security.
Canada - Canadian Press
STEPHEN THORNE
OTTAWA (CP) - The federal government reiterated its commitment to defence and security Tuesday, telling Canadians it is "no longer possible to separate domestic and international policies."
"We have to invest more in our military as part of defending ourselves at home, in North America and the world," said the throne speech read by Gov. Gen. Adrienne Clarkson. "We have to earn our way in the world."
Acknowledging of the importance of Canada's military, the document's first words paid tribute to soldiers, sailors and aircrew, past and present.
Speaking of the "huge debt" owed those who have served Canada in uniform, the document promised more soldiers and said defence, diplomacy, development and trade must work in concert.
As expected, the speech promised a comprehensive international policy statement in the fall and a debate that observers say could last into the spring.
In what could be a harbinger of its expected direction on U.S. missile defence, the speech spoke of the need to deepen co-operation with the Americans, to better know them and to "strengthen our economic and security relations."
Canada's will never be a large military so it must be strategic and focused, in some cases training regionally based peacekeepers rather than moving in on its own, said the document.
Canadian troops are among the world's best peacekeepers, its diplomats among the best negotiators and aid workers among the best at nurturing peace, said Clarkson, commander-in-chief of the Canadian Forces.
"That's why the government will be increasing our regular forces by 5,000 troops and our reserves by 3,000 so that they may be better prepared and equipped to meet these challenges."
The document also said Canada must protect its Arctic sovereignty and security.