The defence budget was significantly reduced during the past decade and consequently, we must make hard choices when deciding what to invest in, and we must absolutely ensure that the equipment we buy is clearly linked to Canada s defence needs. To over-invest in any one capability would not only be irresponsible, but would exacerbate potential shortfalls in others. The challenge is to manage the defence budget wisely, demonstrate effective resource stewardship, and optimize the capabilities of the Canadian Forces. These concerns should not be surprising. Change is always difficult and it takes time to explain, digest and understand the broader context within which decisions are taken.
Effective leadership welcomes discussion and differing views.
We want our people to stand up and be counted. Ultimately, however, decisions must reflect the broader interests of the Canadian Forces and our nation. Finally, this supposed story is not new and I have already invested a significant amount of time to explain and put the MHP operational requirement into context. In short, the world is changing and we must plan to future force requirements, not the past. The MHP statement of operational requirement is derived from the Canadian Forces force planning scenarios , reflects the capabilities that the Canadian Forces need for the future, and were approved by the Chief of the Air Staff and Chief of the Maritime Staff, as well as myself.