Defence spending has been on the political radar for months, especially when it comes to the purchase of new fighter jets for the Canadian military. Here’s where the parties stand:
Conservative:
Follow through on purchase of F35 fighter jets
Give Coast Guard a law-enforcement mandate and arm selected Coast Guard vessels
Develop a national counter-terrorism strategy
Liberal:
Enable the military to participate in more UN-mandated peace operations
Support 2011-2014 training mission and continued development work in Afghanistan
Cancel planned purchase of F35 fighter jets
NDP:
End military involvement in Afghanistan but allow for continued civilian development programs
Equip military to participate in more UN-mandated peace operations
Establish annual fund for government shipbuilding
Bloc Quebecois:
Against all unilateral and preventative military action
Have all military procurements over $100 million studied by parliamentary committee
End the military mission in Afghanistan but continue diplomatic and development programs
Green:
Increase military contributions to disaster assistance and UN missions, decrease contributions to NATO missions
Oppose the use of public institutions for the development of military technology
Review Canada’s membership in military alliances
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