Discussion · Government Orders
Alexis Deschênes Bloc Québécois
“The government just spent an extra $60 billion on defence in 10 months. Canada waited too long to do its part, and now it is rushing to spend this money. I worry this money will be wasted or used badly. Does the member agree that Canada acted too late?”
“Mr. Speaker, with regard to defence spending, what has been done over the past few months is pretty spectacular. The government has invested an additional $60 billion in the space of 10 months. What I have to point out is that Canada was a laggard and had not been doing its part since 2014. Our fear is that one big push can come with certain risks, such as the risk of abuse, the risk that the money will be invested unwisely. Is my colleague willing to acknowledge that Canada was dragging its feet and that it only woke up when global instability spiked?”
Official Hansard
Mr. Speaker, with regard to defence spending, what has been done over the past few months is pretty spectacular. The government has invested an additional $60 billion in the space of 10 months. What I have to point out is that Canada was a laggard and had not been doing its part since 2014. Our fear is that one big push can come with certain risks, such as the risk of abuse, the risk that the money will be invested unwisely. Is my colleague willing to acknowledge that Canada was dragging its feet and that it only woke up when global instability spiked?