Harper Defends $9 Billion F-35 Fighter Jet Deal

Last year Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Conservatives announced the purchase of new F-35 fighter jets to replace the aging CF-18s. The Tories came under fire for the sole-source $9 billion purchase of the jets. The cost of the war in Afghanistan both in lives and capital has left the Canadian population with defence fatigue. The estimated cost of the war by the end of 2011 is estimated at $30 billion dollars.

The opposition has harshly criticized the purchase calling it reckless and expensive. Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff says the contracts do not keep costs down and there is no guaranteed work for Canadian industry.  The NDP and BLOC leaders have slammed the program as being motivated by Conservative philosophy. All opposition parties agree that the purchase needs to be discussed in more detail. In a time of recession, is this the best use of Canadian tax payer dollars considering how many Canadians are unemployed and struggling to pay bills? I would never disagree with a purchase of military equipment that would allow our troops to safely and effectively carry out their mission. I believe however, that the contract needs to be opened to allow more competition to lower the overall cost to the Canadian tax payer.

If the fighter jets are critical to our oversea deployment and National Defence, the government must consider another option. For those of us that follow the Canadian Forces regularly, after this purchase is made what does this leave for the Navy and the Army in terms of budget. The Air Force may require upgraded equipment; however this is not the time to make the purchase. The government can’t possibly believe this purchase would go over well with the Canadian population, considering the affect this money could have on job creation, health care and relief for students drowning in debt. Watch out for those big blue waves…..

www.cbc.ca

Getting My Feet Wet

Welcome to Tacking into the Blue. A blog intended to get people interested and engaged in politics and government action. My title comes from the nautical term in this case meaning sailing in harsh conditions. Blue in the title signifies the colour of the Conservative Party of Canada, and waves in the background, the current political and economic condition. Canadians are often bored at the mere mention of politics and simply can't be bothered. I have always been puzzled with how little engagement occurs and how little interest there is in politics at all levels of government. Considering the impact politicians have on our lives and the importance of the issues I would assume people would be more engaged in what was happening around them . Blogging about the government is rarely impartial and this blog is no exception. Criticizing the government and suggesting other alternatives will be the main focus of the blog. I encourage people to leave feedback, and feel free to disagree with my thoughts and opinions. If there are specific issues you want me to address I am willing to take requests. There is never a right or wrong answer in a political debate just left and right.