Here's the part of the public budget documentation dealing with "Leadership Abroad" (here's a
link to the whole public budget plan) defence/security highlights:
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Budget 2008 follows through on the priorities identified in the Speech from the Throne:
supporting the United Nations–sanctioned mission led by NATO in Afghanistan;
playing an active role in the Americas; and
promoting our trade and investment interests around the world through increased diplomatic resources abroad.
The Government is bringing a long-term vision to the defence of our nation through reinvestments and predictable funding for the Canada First Defence Strategy, as well as investments in the Communications Security Establishment.
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Canada First Defence Strategy
Protecting Canadians and Canada is a fundamental responsibility of government. With the Canada First Defence Strategy, clear priorities will be in place to guide future actions. This is why Budget 2008 is:
* Providing the Canadian Forces with stable and predictable funding to permit long-term planning.
Communications Security
* Providing $43 million over the next two years to the Communications Security Establishment to make the necessary investments to keep pace with rapid advancements in information and communications technologies.
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Providing an additional $100 million for the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan, bringing Canada’s total projected Afghan aid program to $280 million in 2008–09
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Afghanistan Reconstruction and Development
Afghanistan is a central focus of our international assistance, and Canada is committed to helping rebuild a free, democratic and peaceful country. To this end, the Government is providing an additional $100 million for reconstruction and development, bringing Canada’s 2008–09 assistance budget for Afghanistan to a projected $280 million. Additional resources will help the Afghan people, including through the provision of more training to the Afghan National Police and Afghan National Army to allow them to take increasing responsibility for security in Kandahar and throughout the country. These additional funds are above and beyond the commitment to double international assistance by 2010–11, and will increase Canada’s total aid commitment to Afghanistan to $1.3 billion over 10 years.
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Canada First Defence Strategy
In an unpredictable and volatile world, protecting Canadians and Canada is a fundamental responsibility of the Government. The foundation for building the Canadian Forces of tomorrow was laid with the $5.3-billion, five-year Canada First defence plan announced in Budget 2006. Significant progress has already been made, with several major procurement projects announced and being implemented.
Building on this foundation, the Government is developing a long-term Canada First Defence Strategy. The strategy will set long-term objectives and make a long-term commitment of support for the Canadian Forces. This is a new and innovative approach to rebuilding the military where predictable long-term funding will support the modernization and growth of the Forces. The result will be a stronger, more flexible and high-tech military for Canada.
The Canada First Defence Strategy will also strengthen Canada’s industrial and technological advantages by setting the foundations for a new relationship with industry. A stable, predictable and long-term investment program will create new, significant and long-term opportunities for communities and businesses across Canada. Canadian industry will have the opportunity to position itself as high-tech leaders, invest proactively in research, and develop technologies that can be used at home and exported to foreign markets.
This budget provides the funding stability and predictability that will allow for the successful implementation of the Canada First Defence Strategy by increasing the automatic annual increase on defence spending to 2 per cent (from the current 1.5 per cent) beginning in 2011–12. Over the next 20 years, this is expected to provide the Canadian Forces with an additional $12 billion.
Communications Security
The Communications Security Establishment (CSE) plays a key role in safeguarding Canada’s national security. CSE is Canada’s national cryptologic agency and provides the Government with foreign signals intelligence services and information technology security. It also provides technical and operational assistance to federal law enforcement and security agencies.
Budget 2008 provides $43 million over the next two years in order for CSE to make the necessary investments to keep pace with rapid technological advancements in information and communication technologies.
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Improving Canada’s Borders
Our two-way trade with the world is equivalent to approximately two-thirds of our gross domestic product, and one out of five jobs is directly linked to trade. On a typical day, 266,000 people, 18,200 trucks, 77,900 courier shipments and 5,000 marine containers enter into Canada. These numbers reflect the increased mobility of people and goods in today’s world. This openness brings important benefits to Canada’s economy and society, but it also presents a number of risks.
Given the importance of trade to our continued prosperity, our borders have to facilitate trade, travel and commerce, while protecting us from external threats. This is why Budget 2008 is investing in initiatives to:
* Ensure that the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has the resources it needs to deliver innovative border services given current economic realities and a new security environment.
* Provide Canadians with access to better and more secure travel documents to cross international borders, particularly our border with the United States.
* Ensure the integrity of Canada’s immigration program so that our borders are secure and our communities are safe.
* Enhance the security of the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway region.
* Address obstacles to cross-border trade through the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America.
Strengthened Front-Line Capacity
Better borders start with a stronger on-the-ground presence. The CBSA provides a critical front-line contribution to the prosperity and security of Canada by managing the access of people and goods to and from the country. Budget 2008 commits $75 million over the next two years to ensure that the CBSA has the resources it needs to deliver efficient and secure border services at more than 1,200 domestic and international locations. These funds will increase the number of on-site border services officers at key border installations in order to meet evolving operational demands resulting from increased trade and travel.
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More Secure Borders
Canada continues to be a destination of choice for millions of individuals seeking to stay temporarily to travel, work or study. While our economy and society are enriched by the movement of people across our borders, it also poses a number of risks.
Border security remains a priority for Canadians. Criminals are increasingly more sophisticated and well funded, including those who engage in document fraud to illegally move people or goods across borders. Further to biometric field trials in Canada that were successfully completed in 2007, the Government will introduce the use of biometric data, such as fingerprints and live photographs, in its visa-issuing process to accurately verify identity and travel documents of foreign nationals who enter Canada. This initiative will enhance the integrity and efficiency of the border by preventing criminals from entering Canada, and facilitating the processing of legitimate applicants. Budget 2008 provides $26 million over two years for this initiative. Canada will join other countries such as Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom, which have recognized the value of using biometrics in their immigration and border processes.
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There ya go, folks - feel free to throw more grist into the mill......
