National Security

Art Eggleton speaking to the committee hearing his case of "misleading the house" February 20, 2002

National Security

St. Boniface - Wednesday, March 6, 2002 - by: Mike Reilly

stolen
documents
The Federal government is under fire for not responding to reports that stolen immigration documents have been used to bring people into Canada illegally. Allegedly, Immigration officials have been aware of this since November but have done nothing to stop it.

Sept. 11
One would assume that since September 11, any threat to Canadian security would receive the highest attention.

Senate
This weekend, the PM dismissed a Senate report calling for increases in funding and staffing to the military, and greater security at Canada's ports.

not
important
Combine these lapses in responsibility with last December's Auditor General's report (in which she claimed significant increases in funding were needed for Canada's military to meet minimum performance expectations), and it is no surprise Minister Eggleton did not understand the nature of the briefings he received from senior staff. His Ottawa environment does not encourage him to take direct involvement with any issues unless they represent a direct benefit to the Prime Minister or one of the leadership hopefuls.

liberal
leadership
If Canadians want the Liberal government to seriously consider issues concerning national security, perhaps senior government officials should submit future briefings in terms of how the information will secure the party leadership for the reader.

Mike Reilly


	Art Eggleton speaking to the committee hearing his case of "misleading the house" February 20, 2002
National Security

St. Boniface - Wednesday, March 6, 2002 - by: Mike Reilly

stolen documents	The Federal government is under fire for not responding to reports that stolen immigration documents have been used to bring people into Canada illegally. Allegedly, Immigration officials have been aware of this since November but have done nothing to stop it.

Sept. 11	One would assume that since September 11, any threat to Canadian security would receive the highest attention.

Senate	This weekend, the PM dismissed a Senate report calling for increases in funding and staffing to the military, and greater security at Canada's ports.

not important	Combine these lapses in responsibility with last December's Auditor General's report (in which she claimed significant increases in funding were needed for Canada's military to meet minimum performance expectations), and it is no surprise Minister Eggleton did not understand the nature of the briefings he received from senior staff. His Ottawa environment does not encourage him to take direct involvement with any issues unless they represent a direct benefit to the Prime Minister or one of the leadership hopefuls.

liberal leadership	If Canadians want the Liberal government to seriously consider issues concerning national security, perhaps senior government officials should submit future briefings in terms of how the information will secure the party leadership for the reader.

	Mike Reilly