A Historical Look Comparing Defence Legacies

[George Wallace]

Here is a link to a paper written in October, 2014, by LCol Paul W. Fredenburg, CD, MA, comparing the Defence legacies of Pierre Elliott Trudeau to today's Stephen Harper. 

Comparing Defence Legacies: Trudeau vs Harper

 

[Blackadder1916]

While I've only (to now) have had the opportunity to quickly peruse the piece my first impression is - what's the purpose?  Since the author lists his rank as LCol and organization as CFC, I was surprised that there seem to be a somewhat partisan bias in the comparison.  As I was unfamiliar with this officer I wondered what was his background and if this particular article had been originally published in a peer reviewed journal.  I found this on the CMEA site  http://www.cmea-agmc.ca/lcol-pw-fredenburg-cd

The commandant and staff of CFC would like to take this opportunity to announce the retirement of Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Fredenburg after over 39 years of dedicated and loyal service . . .

He currently serves at CFC Toronto and he will retire from the Regular Force 15 July 2014.

LCol Fredenburg plans to become active in the CMEA, pursue further studies in history, become active politically and states he will dabble in the private sector.

As the intent is to rebut an article by a Robert Smol it should be read in conjunction with that article.  I found Mr. Smol's article on Esprit De Corps as well as LCol Fredenburg's rebuttal.  Now, I know why I hadn't seen these pieces before.  They are easily found via google.  I won't post links since in one of the headings on that magazine's site is the name of he who can't be mentioned and thus I don't know if the prohibition extends there.

 

[dapaterson]

See also: http://www.torontosun.com/2012/09/22/canadian-officers-conduct-unbecoming

 

[Colin Parkinson]

Ah yes small brain thinking going on by the sound of it.

 

[jmt18325]

I don't think it will matter who wins the election - DND will continue just as it is right now...mostly ignored, and funded at about half the rate it should be.

 

[Rocky Mountains]

I don't think it will matter who wins the election - DND will continue just as it is right now...mostly ignored, and funded at about half the rate it should be.

Going by the history of the last 50 years, the biggest slashes in military strength came under Liberals Trudeau and Chretien.  The biggest increase came under Conservative Harper and under Conservative Mulroney, it stood steady if I remember correctly.  The Liberals seem to have been more consistent with major purchases but I don't think anyone is going to sacrifice too many political points for extensive re-equipping.  Given over 50 years of anti-military rhetoric, I suspect the NDP would be nothing but bad news for the military. perhaps turning them into the world's social workers once again.