It is with a great deal of concern that I write with respect to Canada’s deployment of a battle group to Latvia to help “deter” potential aggression from Russia against this Baltic republic.
First, if Russia did have any designs on Latvia (or any other Baltic republic), our contingent would have no deterrent effect. It is small, and even its symbolic presence is negligible.
Second, the cost. About $350 million has been budgeted for this dubious adventure. These funds could easily end a litany of social problems facing Canada, such as housing shortages, squalid conditions on reserves for Canada’s indigenous people and the endless growth of food banks, to mention a few.
Third, kowtowing to American foreign policy. Only a small minority of Canadians support American “interests” abroad. Yes, we are a member of NATO, but NATO was established to prevent Soviet aggression in Europe and possibly North America.
Having lived the better part of the past century, I do not recall any time or instance that the Soviets or Russia today, have come close to threatening Canada, or the U.S. for that matter.
If I have my facts right, there is no more communism, no more Soviet Union, and Russia is doing everything possible to fight the real enemy, extreme Islamic terrorism.
It is time Canada pursued a truly Canadian foreign policy, reflecting our values, our need to fight terrorism and a posture that says we want world peace.
Robert Milan
Victoria
