© Reuters. Canadian naval ensign is hoisted on the deck of the Royal Canadian Navy’s Halifax-class frigate HMCS Calgary (FFH335) on the U.S. naval base in Yokosuka, Japan November 7, 2018. Image taken November 7, 2018. REUTERS/Issei Kato/File Picture
By David Ljunggren
OTTAWA (Reuters) – Canada’s understaffed and resource-stretched navy is in “a critical state” and may not have the ability to perform its fundamental duties subsequent 12 months, the highest admiral stated in a YouTube video launched this week.
The feedback by Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee are an unusually blunt expression of unhappiness from the army over the state of the armed forces. Canada solely spends about 1.3% of its annual gross home product on protection, a lot lower than the North Atlantic Treaty Group goal of two%.
Within the video, which runs just below six minutes, Topshee stated the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) had not hit its recruitment targets for greater than a decade.
“Colleagues and shipmates – the RCN faces some very serious challenges right now that could mean we fail to meet our force posture and readiness commitments in 2024 and beyond,” he stated.
“The situation is serious but our problems are not unique and I know that the air force and army are facing similar challenges,” he continued.
The West Coast fleet is “beset with a shortage of qualified techs” which suggests ships can’t meet operation and upkeep targets, he stated.
The Liberal authorities of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau plans to chop C$1 billion ($737.14 million) from the protection finances as a part of a fiscal restraint package deal.
Chief of the Protection Workers Normal Wayne Eyre, Canada’s prime soldier, informed legislators in late September that this had prompted a “very difficult session” with commanders of the assorted providers.
The navy depends on its 12 Halifax class frigates, that are approaching the top of their 30-year operational life however should keep in service for an additional 15 years as a result of their replacements are not on time and over finances.
“This is a very considerable challenge. … I wish it was not so but I am afraid there is simply no other choice,” stated Topshee, who took over as Canada’s prime sailor in Might 2022.
The video was launched on Monday with none publicity.
In response, the workplace of Protection Minister Invoice Blair stated the federal government was making important new investments within the navy, together with plans to construct greater than 20 new ships of varied varieties.
“This will be the largest Canadian shipbuilding initiative since World War II,” spokeswoman Diane Ebadi stated by way of e mail on Tuesday, including that Ottawa was working to recruit and retain extra sailors.
Topshee’s workplace didn’t instantly reply to requests for touch upon Tuesday.
($1 = 1.3566 Canadian {dollars})
