military

Saturday September 23, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday September 23, 2023

Canada’s Warm Reception of Zelenskyy Contrasts Washington’s Chill

October 12, 2022

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s impassioned plea for support in the war of aggression by Vladimir Putin’s Russia has resonated powerfully on the international stage. As he embarked on a critical diplomatic mission to rally Western allies, the contrasting receptions he received in Ottawa and Washington, D.C., painted a vivid picture of the global response to Ukraine’s plight.

In Ottawa, Zelenskyy’s address to the Canadian Parliament was nothing short of historic. The Ukrainian President delivered a speech that moved hearts and minds, garnering at least a dozen standing ovations from Parliament members. He called upon Canada and other Western nations to stand firmly by Ukraine’s side in the long and arduous journey toward victory.

News: Key moments from Zelenskyy’s speech to Parliament  

April 12, 2022

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau seized the moment to announce an additional $650 million in military aid for Ukraine, underlining Canada’s commitment to defending democratic values. Trudeau declared, “History will judge us on how we defend democratic values, and Ukraine is at the tip of the spear in this great challenge of the 21st century.” Canada’s warm embrace of Zelenskyy and its substantial financial support sent a clear message: Ukraine’s fight for freedom is a fight worth backing.

Governor General Mary Simon’s advice to Zelenskyy, imparting the Inuktitut word “ajuinnata” – meaning “don’t give up, stay strong against all odds” – resonated deeply. It underscored the shared understanding that Ukraine’s struggle transcends borders and speaks to the universal human desire for justice and peace.

‘Ajuinnata Ukraine’: Gov. Gen. Mary Simon inspires Zelenskyy with Inuktitut word  

March 1, 2022

Contrast this with Zelenskyy’s visit to Washington, where the reception was markedly cooler. There was no grand fanfare to welcome him at the Pentagon, and some political figures hesitated to extend their greetings on camera. Despite the apparent chill, Zelenskyy did secure generally favorable reviews from U.S. lawmakers, who acknowledged the importance of further assistance to Ukraine’s war effort.

The differences in reception between Ottawa and Washington can be attributed to various factors. First, Canada has consistently shown unwavering support for Ukraine, reflecting the strong ties between the two nations. Second, while political divisions exist in both countries, Canada’s unity on the Ukraine issue is more apparent and steadfast. Finally, the timing and priorities in Washington play a significant role, with the looming presidential election and domestic policy issues diverting attention from international affairs.

News: What US lawmakers have said about Ukraine aid as Zelenskyy urges more  

June 6, 2023

Zelenskyy’s mission remains clear: to rally support and provide assurance that Ukraine has a well-defined strategy for victory. The commitment of Western nations, including Canada, to negotiating long-term security arrangements with Ukraine is pivotal. Sustained, predictable funding is essential for Ukraine’s continued resilience against Russian aggression.

In this critical moment, Canada’s unwavering support for Ukraine shines brightly, offering hope and inspiration. While the international landscape may present challenges, Zelenskyy’s resolute plea for support echoes Governor General Mary Simon’s wisdom: “Don’t give up, stay strong against all odds.” In the face of adversity, Canada stands as a beacon of support for Ukraine’s quest for justice, freedom, and peace. (AI)

 

Friday April 21, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday April 21, 2023

Trudeau’s Military Shortcomings and Jet-Setting Splurges

July 11, 2020

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been known for his luxurious lifestyle and expensive vacations, often jet setting with his family to extravagant destinations. Recently, it has been revealed that the Trudeaus spent their holiday season at a lavish estate in Jamaica owned by a wealthy family that made a large donation to the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation just two years ago. While the trip was cleared by the ethics commissioner before departure, questions arise about the optics of such a trip at a time when many Canadians are struggling financially due to the high cost of goods and services, and Trudeau’s government has been accused of contributing to inflation and neglecting the cost of living crisis.

News: Trudeau family vacationed with wealthy friends who donated to Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation  

March 14, 2019

But Trudeau’s expensive trips are not a new phenomenon. In the past, he has faced criticism for his trips to the Aga Khan’s island in 2016, which earned him a reprimand from the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, and for renting a luxury suite at great expense during Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in London in 2021. These trips have cost Canadian taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars, raising questions about Trudeau’s priorities and spending habits.

What is particularly troubling is that Trudeau’s lavish lifestyle and expensive vacations come at a time when he has been criticized for being a cheapskate on military obligations and a global security laggard. The Trudeau government has been repeatedly called out for underfunding the military and neglecting Canada’s defense obligations, both domestically and internationally. As the world faces increasing security challenges, including threats from adversaries such as China and Russia, Canada’s military readiness and capabilities have been called into question.

January 11, 2023

Moreover, Trudeau’s disregard for military obligations is not just a matter of underfunding, but also a lack of commitment to international alliances and partnerships. Canada has traditionally been a strong ally in international security efforts, including NATO and peacekeeping missions. However, under Trudeau’s leadership, Canada has fallen behind in meeting its military commitments to these alliances. This has raised concerns among Canada’s allies and partners, who rely on Canada’s contributions to global security efforts.

News: Trudeau privately told NATO Canada would never meet 2-per-cent defence spending target: report

Trudeau’s penchant for luxury vacations and expensive trips while neglecting military obligations and global security commitments sends a troubling message to Canadians and the international community. It suggests a lack of priorities and a disregard for the real threats and challenges that Canada faces in today’s world. While Trudeau enjoys the perks of his lavish lifestyle, Canadian taxpayers foot the bill for his extravagant trips, including the recent trip to Jamaica that cost at least $162,000 in taxpayer expenses for security and other costs.

November 17, 2015

It’s time for Trudeau to reassess his priorities and demonstrate a genuine commitment to fulfilling Canada’s military obligations and global security commitments. As the world becomes more complex and uncertain, Canada cannot afford to have a leader who neglects these critical responsibilities while living a life of luxury. Canadians deserve a leader who prioritizes their security and well-being over personal indulgences. It’s time for Trudeau to step up and show true leadership in addressing Canada’s military and security challenges, rather than being known as a cheapskate on military obligations and a global security laggard while enjoying expensive vacations.(AI)

 

Wednesday January 11, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday January 11, 2023

Federal government inks deal to buy fleet of F-35 fighter jets

January 12, 2022

Canada has signed off on the final contract to buy F-35 jet fighters to replace the air force’s aging CF-18s, Defence Minister Anita Anand said Monday.

The final agreement for 88 warplanes — involving the Canadian and U.S. governments and the jet’s manufacturer — won’t see its first delivery until 2026 and the first F-35 squadrons will not be operational until 2029, senior defence officials said during a technical briefing before the minister’s announcement.

The project’s budget of $19 billion remains the same as originally forecast by the Liberal government when it signalled the purchase last year. Anand and other government officials are sticking to that projection despite the likely effect of inflation — which has caused budgets for other major programs to rise dramatically.

The deal represents a dramatic turnaround for the Liberal government, which promised not to buy the F-35 and to instead purchase a cheaper jet fighter and use the savings to bolster the navy.

July 19, 2010

The Conservative government under Prime Minister Stephen Harper first announced plans to go with the Lockheed-Martin-built jet in the summer of 2010.

The plan was shelved in the face of criticism from both the parliamentary budget officer and the auditor general, who questioned the cost and whether defence officials had done enough homework on other aircraft that might meet the air force’s needs.

The F-35 has experienced some high-profile glitches and mechanical problems over the years.

A second senior defence official, also speaking on background Monday, said that Canada will get the latest version of the F-35 — Lot 18, Block 4 — which has the most advanced technology. 

Anand said Monday that, because the government waited to purchase until now, Canada will be buying a proven aircraft that other allies are using now. She said the stealth fighter’s technology has evolved to the point where it no longer has issues, and Canadians can be confident the government did its due diligence.

October 7, 2014

Conservative defence critic James Bezan was scathing in his response to the announcement. He said it took the Liberals far too long to come to the conclusion that the F-35 is the appropriate aircraft and accused the government of engaging in “political games” to avoid embarrassing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

“This is a situation where he originally said he would never buy the F-35 and did everything in his power to stop it from actually happening, but at the end of the day, this is the only modern fighter jet that can deliver the capabilities Canada so desperately needs,” Bezan said.

“And so here we are today, where Justin Trudeau has to eat crow and do what’s right for Canada, do what’s right for the Royal Canadian Air Force, and do it right for our NORAD and NATO allies.” (CBC News) 

 

Thursday October 6, 2022

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday October 6, 2022

The military can’t be the first line of defence in domestic disasters, MPs told

Whatever the crisis of the moment happens to be, the military is supposed to be the force of last resort.

March 23, 2022

Increasingly, though, that word “last” is being replaced by “first” — and sometimes “only.”

A former top national security adviser warned a parliamentary committee on Tuesday that successive federal governments have relied too much on the military to handle crises at home.

Richard Fadden’s remarks were met with some nods of agreement around the table — and a slight wince from a representative from one the provinces that has been in the uncomfortable position of having to call for military-backed relief.

Having served both Liberal and Conservative governments as the prime minister’s security adviser, deputy minister of defence and head of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), Fadden assured MPs on the House of Commons defence committee that his comments were not partisan.

January 12, 2022

He said domestic emergency operations — such as cleaning up after storms and fighting forest fires — distract the military from the training it needs in an increasingly unstable world — a point the Conservatives have been hammering away on since the committee launched its study.

That doesn’t mean the Armed Forces should stay away when Canadians are struck by tragedies like post-tropical storm Fiona, Fadden said.

The problem, he added, is that in recent years the federal government has acted as if the military is the only tool it can turn to in a disaster.

“It is becoming too easy for prime ministers — not in particular this one, but prime ministers generally — to simply say, ‘I’m going to send in the army,'” Fadden told the four-party committee, which is studying the military’s domestic emergency preparedness.

“And we do this without talking to the provinces, municipalities and civil society about what they could and should do.”

May 27, 2020

Fadden argued that the problem cannot be examined with a narrow focus on military response. He called on the federal government to undertake a thorough, independent review of all emergency response capacity across the country, both federal and provincial.

Last week, a senior military commander told the committee that the number of requests for assistance the Armed Forces receives from provinces has ramped up rapidly over the past decade.

Maj.-Gen. Paul Prevost testified that in 2021, there were seven such requests for a military response to provincial emergencies — floods, forest fires and other natural disasters. The period between 2017 and 2021 saw an average of four such requests per year. From 2010 to 2017, the average was two per year.

Those numbers do not include the 118 calls for assistance the military answered during the pandemic by, for example, backstopping exhausted health care staff in long-term care homes in Ontario and Quebec. 

February 9, 2016

“We probably in this country, right now, don’t have another tool.” Fadden said. 

“I think this is really problematic for a sophisticated, complex government like the Government of Canada today, when a disaster occurs … if a prime minister only has one tool.”

The idea of a dedicated force within the military tasked with responding to natural disasters has been floated frequently since Fiona hit the East Coast. Gen. Wayne Eyre, Canada’s top military commander, has said such a force would require more military capacity.

It’s also a bad idea, said Fadden.

“Asking the Canadian Forces, for example, to run a railway would be a mistake. Asking the Canadian Forces to become overly involved in disaster assistance, in my view, is also a mistake,” he said. (CBC) 

From sketch to finish, see the current way Graeme completes an editorial cartoon using an iPencil, the Procreate app, and a couple of cheats on an iPad Pro …

 

Tuesday April 12, 2022

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday April 12, 2022

Zelenskyy says Ukraine is defending its basic human rights

“We are defending the ability for a person to live in the modern world,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley.

March 1, 2022

In an interview taped Wednesday in Kyiv, Zelenskyy told Pelley his country remains united because it has no other choice.

“We united as a nation” Zelenskyy said to Pelley, speaking through an interpreter. “The weakest people became strong. The strong people became the strongest, most powerful, so powerful that nobody could have outdone them. In this way, our nation of strong and weak people has transformed into one solid, strong force. And one strong community.”

Volodymyr Zelenskyy won the Ukrainian presidency in 2019 with 73% of the vote. He told Pelley he was urged by multiple people leave the country at the start of the war but chose to stay.

“Before I do something, I analyze the situation. I’ve always done it calmly, without any chaos,” Zelenskyy said through an interpreter. “I might not be the strongest warrior. But not I’m willing to betray anyone.”