Canada’s Minister of National Defence Peter MacKay claims that the following operational changes to Canada’s naval forces do not constitute a serious cut:
The directive was sent to maritime forces on the west and east coasts, as well as to senior officers in charge of naval reservists.
The letter says:
– The fleet of Kingston-class maritime coastal defence vessels will be reduced to six ships from 12.
– Three frigates, HMCS Montreal, St John’s and Vancouver, will now be conducting domestic and continental missions to a “limited degree.”
– Combat systems on HMCS Toronto and HMCS Ottawa, as well as on HMCS Athabaskan, will be “minimally supported to enable safe to navigate sensors and communications only.”
– A key weapon system on board the Protecteur-class supply ships designed to destroy incoming missiles “will not be supported.”
Jedi Master MacKay is attempting a mind trick: “these are not the defence cuts you’re looking for”.
Holy mackinaw. That’s insane.
Comment by Chris Taylor — May 14, 2010 @ 11:34
I had to double-check the date on the article. I thought it was a repeat from the Chretien era . . .
Comment by Nicholas — May 14, 2010 @ 11:40
I’m afraid to see what he thinks a “serious cut” is.
Comment by Penman — May 14, 2010 @ 15:00