Pembroke, Ontario… “The current head of the Opposition is out of touch with real Canadians,” observed MP Cheryl Gallant, Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke. “The next time he comes ‘just visiting’ to a rural Riding he should take the time to learn the issues.”

In what has been dubbed his “farewell tour,” the leader of the Opposition has been travelling around in an effort to learn more about the country he left for 32 years. He only returned to Canada after the promise of easy power. He has been struggling to learn about Canada ever since. 

“My military constituents are outraged that he used the backdrop of CFB Petawawa to announce cuts to our Forces should his coalition ever come to power.  After the ‘decade of darkness’ of military cutbacks, I am shocked that he would come to the riding that is home to one of the largest army bases in Canada and announce a return to the disastrous liberal policy of not providing proper equipment for our women and men in uniform,” observed MP Cheryl Gallant.

“The liberal party is sounding exactly the same as it did in the early 90’s when it cancelled the helicopter contract to replace the 50 year old Sea Kings, costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars in penalties. Worse, that policy of neglect cost the lives of our soldiers,” stated Cheryl Gallant, MP.  “Just because he was absent from Canada when that policy was implemented, is no excuse for not accepting responsibility for the actions of his party.”

In 1993, Jean Chretien cancelled the contract to buy new helicopters. Now, the liberal party would like to re-impose the same policy as the Conservative Government moves to replace the aged CF-18 aircraft.

“CFB Petawawa is currently doing the heavy lifting for our mission in Afghanistan. To be so insensitive to our military families to tell them that he would ‘review’ equipment needs while their loved ones are serving overseas demonstrates just how little he values our Canadian men and women in uniform,” said MP Gallant. “Review is another word for delay. Just like him telling our soldiers, ‘there are scarce dollars to spend on defence’ when their lives are on the line.”
“Never again should our soldiers be put in harms way not having the proper equipment,” said MP Gallant.

“I am thankful to be a member of a government that supports Canada’s Armed Forces. And, as a government Member of the Standing Committee on Defence, I am proud of the role I have played with my Conservative colleagues to make sure our soldiers receive the proper equipment to do the job. As the MP for the riding Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke, Home of the Warriors at CFB Petawawa, our soldiers can count on me to ‘watch their back’ in Ottawa.” concluded Cheryl Gallant, MP.