Canadian Forces Base Trenton was not only a major focus of the federal government’s new military announcement, but also the location where it was unveiled to the nation
On Monday morning at 8 Wing, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Defence Bill Blair, and Minister of Veterans Affairs Ginette Petitpas Taylor, were all on hand to unveil Our North, Strong and Free – A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defense. FULL DETAILS CAN BE FOUND BY CLICKING HERE
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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks at 7 Hangar at CFB Trenton (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
The 45-page document included commitments for $8.1 billion in spending over the next five years and $73 billion over the next 20 years. Timelines and exact details were not released in the plan.
Exactly one month ago at CFB Trenton, Bill Blair announced $850 million for CFB Trenton
The announcement included a heavy focus on northern Canada, equipment for the air force, navy, and, army, along with a focus on the Northwest Passage, Russia, Canada, the F-35 and more.
Bill Blair discussed international commitments for Canada, through NORAD, Nato, and the United Nations.
In the document, Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly stated that Canada can no longer depend on its geography to protect us, as we are protected by three oceans.
At the announcement at 8 Wing in Hangar 7 Monday morning, the Prime Minister stated:
This is why we are stepping up once again. To preserve and defend the rules-based order that has allowed people around the world to prosper, for the better part of the last century. To stand up for Canadian values like freedom, justice, fairness and peace.”
The government is projecting its defence spending to GDP ratio to reach 1.76% in 2029-30.
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Minister of Veterans Affairs Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Veterans Affairs Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor began Monday’s announcement, which was in front of more than 100 members of Canadian Forces Base Trenton.
“As we invest in the future, we will be there to support the members of the Canadian Armed Forces. I’d like to first of all thank the members of CAF here today, for their service and commitment to Canada.”
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland says it is clear that the government must invest in a robust and strong military.
“If middle powers are not prepared to stand up for, and if necessary fight for peace and stability around the world, the rules of the game, including international borders, will be left for the great powers to determine between themselves.”
Defence Minister Bill Blair
Defence Minister Blair says more needs to be done, including partnering with allies.
“And we need to invest significantly in our country’s defence. Over the past few years, we have steadily increased our defense spending.”
The Prime Minister began his remarks talking about 8 Wing Trenton.
“This Canadian Forces Base where we are today, CFB Trenton , was established in a time of peace, between the first and second world wars. It was farmland, became an air base for the Royal Canadian Air Force. It opened nearly a century ago and during the Second World War it became the largest training centre and unit of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. My grandfather James Sinclair would have come through Trenton, when he was a member of the RCAF, on his way to serve in north Africa, during the Second World War. People came here from far and wide to train and fly. People who went off to war, people who fought to defend what Canada stands for, freedom, justice, fairness, and peace. A lot of people who didn’t come home.”
You can listen to the entire announcement below.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Defence Minister Bill Blair at CFB Trenton (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
