Canadian Peace Alliance questions whether more military spending will make us safer

December 10, 2001 - For immediate release

Toronto - In the wake of the September 11 tragedies, and at a time of economic slow-down, it is important that the Government of Canada spend wisely - including on its military. Today's budget announcement is expected to increase the budget of the Canadian Armed Forces by nearly ten percent. But the Canadian Peace Alliance questioned whether these tax dollars will buy us more security.

"The United States spends about twice as much per person as Canada spends on the military, yet its armed forces could not prevent the terrorist attacks," Carolyn Bassett, coordinator of the Canadian Peace Alliance, noted. "Once again, these events confirmed that security cannot be equated with military might."

Already, the Department of National Defence has the largest budget of any federal government department at $11 billion, accounting for nearly one in every three dollars in federal program spending. Today’s budget is expected to allocate up to $1.5 billion for additional security measures, with two-thirds going to the Canadian Armed Forces. This comes after an additional $2.3 billion was announced in 1999 and 2000.

"Political problems require political solutions," Bassett added. "But this budget will focus primarily on surveillance and enhanced war-fighting capabilities to keep us safe. Such an approach is unlikely to be successful, and the costs will be very high.

"Canada can most effectively contribute to global security through increased overseas development aid, preventative diplomacy and humanitarian relief efforts. In this, the anticipated rise in foreign aid spending is to be welcomed as a step in the right direction."

Here at home the security of Canadians depends on sufficient access to housing, food, health care and education for everyone. But these pressing security issues are unlikely to be addressed in this budget. Thus, as the Canadian economy slides into recession, the new military spending at a cost of social spending will threaten, rather than enhance, the security of the majority of Canadians.

The Canadian Peace Alliance is Canada's largest umbrella peace organization.

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