NDVA Committee Report

has the honour to present its

Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), your Committee reviewed the mandate of the Department of National Defence.

Your Committee heard evidence on this matter and has agreed to table the following resolution which was adopted on November 25, 1999.

Whereas the Government's White Paper on Defence from 1994 calls on the Canadian Forces to play a vital role in protecting Canadian sovereignty, maintaining collective defence through NATO and NORAD, providing support to United Nations peacekeeping operations, search and rescue, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance;

And whereas, the Department of National Defence budget has been reduced by 23 per cent against original projections since Budget '94;

And whereas, in comparison to our principal allies, Canadian defence expenditures have fallen sharply from 1.7 per cent of GDP in 1993-94 to 1.15 per cent of GDP in 1999-2000 with the NATO average being 2.1 per cent of GDP;

And whereas, our international commitments – in places like Bosnia, Kosovo and East Timor – in support of peace and human security have increased to the point where we have one of the largest contingents of troops deployed abroad since the Korean War;

And whereas, the Canadian Forces continue to experience problems with respect to housing, quality of life issues, troop fatigue based upon increased deployments, ageing equipment in need of replacement and the loss of key capabilities;

Be it resolved that the Standing Committee on National Defence and Veterans Affairs (SCONDVA) request that the Government of Canada embark upon a five-year plan, commencing immediately, to substantially increase the budget of the Department of National Defence as percentage of GDP to revitalize, modernize and ensure an effective, combat capable Canadian Forces.

In accordance with Standing Order 109, the Committee requests that the Government provide a comprehensive response to this report.

A copy of the relevant Minutes of Proceedings (Meetings Nos. 7 and 8 which includes this report) is tabled.

Respectfully submitted,

Pat O'Brien

Chair