Discussion · Government Orders
James Bezan Conservative
“The government should not count the Canadian Coast Guard as national defence. Unlike coast guards in the United States and the United Kingdom, Canada's coast guard is not armed and is not part of the military.”
“Mr. Speaker, first of all, I just have to say, again, that the Liberals like to call the Canadian Coast Guard part of the defence menu. We have to remember that not all coast guards are treated equal. The Canadian Coast Guard is not a military or paramilitary organization, nor is it armed up. The United States’ is. The U.K.’s is. Other countries that use and count their coast guards are armed up and actually provide some defensive services. Transport Canada aircraft that count fishing vessels are included. Is that considered national defence?”
Official Hansard
Mr. Speaker, first of all, I just have to say, again, that the Liberals like to call the Canadian Coast Guard part of the defence menu. We have to remember that not all coast guards are treated equal. The Canadian Coast Guard is not a military or paramilitary organization, nor is it armed up. The United States’ is. The U.K.’s is. Other countries that use and count their coast guards are armed up and actually provide some defensive services. Transport Canada aircraft that count fishing vessels are included. Is that considered national defence?