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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Military outreach
The Canadian Forces has shut down a parliamentary outreach program following messy allegations that air force officers were using the program to collect information on Defence Minister Peter MacKay's political opponents.
The officers were allegedly attempting to determine if certain members of Parliament had used military aircraft and, if so, whether they had reimbursed the government. It's believed the information was sought to help Mr. MacKay, who has been criticized for using military transport for personal travel, as opposed to legitimate government business.
The air force defended its actions, saying it was merely collecting information that is sought by the media and the public, but the affair has the smell of political interference by a minister who has not been shy in the past about enjoying the perks of his position.
It's another black mark on his record as defence minister, but the collateral damage is serious.
The outreach program was intended to help MPs become familiar with the Canadian military and its operations, which are often a mystery to most Canadians.
With 100,000 regular and reserve troops and a budget of nearly $20 billion, the military is the largest single department in Canada and politicians should not be excluded from observing its operations and getting to know the men and women in uniform.
Mr. MacKay should restore the outreach program to ensure the military remains connected to the people's representatives in Ottawa.
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition July 26, 2012 A10
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