Dear Editor,
Several years back, I was attending a defence conference in Europe. During a break, I accidentally overheard part of a discussion (forgotten what about) between two of the other attendees wherein one of them said “That’s about as substantial as a Canadian promise.” Ouch.
Canada and Canadians enjoy a worldwide reputation for niceness and politeness. And we are rather proud of that, as we should be. However, it is not the only reputation we have. We are also well known for big talk and small delivery. For making grand statements of our intentions but somehow never really attaining them. Our friends and allies learned many, many years ago that when Canada makes a promise, especially about defence, but most other things as well, it’s usually just words. If we say we are going to immediately start spending big bucks, rebuild our almost non-existent military or build new pipelines or ports or roads, it is a near certainty that buried deep in the fine print will be phrases such as “…over the next 10 to 15 years. ” or “…if circumstances permit. ” It’s what we do. It’s what we have always done, and the world knows it.
So, the recent spate of announcements by the Carney government regarding huge increases in military spending and rapidly ramping up “nation building” projects sounds great in a speech or a release to the media. But will it actually happen?
Me, I’ll believe it when they actually pave the roads and build the barracks on the military bases, when the modern military equipment actually arrives and when the construction bulldozers and high hoes actually start shifting dirt and rock on these nation building projects. Until then, I won’t be holding my breath. And don’t bother asking our friends and allies. You will probably not like the answer.
Respectfully,
Colin Affleck
Champlain Township
