Canada and NATO 1980s

[James Smith]

I just came across these CBC newscasts from the 1980's discussing our then commitment to NATO and if the Government of the day was meeting our commitments (we weren't)


www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_XYb3AWK58&feature=related

www.youtube.com/watch?v=hha91X0cojI&feature=relmfu

EDIT

The Liberal Minister of National Defence in the article was Jean-Jacques Blais who was appointed MND by Trudeau in 1983 in a Cabinet shuffle. He had no military experience and was previously Minister of Supply and Services. He was in the role about a year and lost his seat when The Liberals were defeated by the Mulroney Led Conservatives in 1984.

The interviews show both his contempt for criticism and total lack of both knowledge and concern for military matters.

www.parl.gc.ca/parlinfo/Files/Parliamentarian.aspx?Item=ed86593a-bdfd-491f-a581-3e6dd2aa8155&Language=E&Section=ALL

[South]

Good morning James,

There are many opportunities for Jean Jacques Blais south of the St. Lawrence. A lack of knowledge and concern for military matters can get him high-level positions in the public sector here or even the private "Think (Please don't laugh) Tanks".


Warm regards,

Bob

[James Smith]

I'll pass on the offer, but as he has a gold plated indexed pension form his public service and probably sits on a few boards and draws generous per diems and honourariums form them I don't think he really needs the coin. Besides I can't see him giving up the free Government health care.