A group of about 15 people gathered outside Kelowna MP Stephen Fuhr’s office on Nov. 16 to protest what they believe is a “proposed huge increase in military spending” in the federal budget.
Protester Mark Haley stated that the group opposed military increases and social spending cuts in light of the “dubious results of recent Canadian Forces operations.”
“When we’re in an environmental emergency, many urgent social needs are unmet, and a belligerent neighbouring government, it’s outrageous to pour this amount of tax money into the military,” said Haley.
Budget 2025 proposes to provide $81.8 billion over five years on a cash basis, starting in 2025-26, to rebuild, rearm, and reinvest in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). This includes the more than $9 billion in 2025-26 that was announced by the Prime Minister in June.
This new defence spending is meant to help Canada meet its two per cent NATO spending target this year, and put it on a path to meeting the five per cent target set for 2035.
The protesters targeted Fuhr’s office, stating that as he is in the role of Secretary of State for Defence Procurement in Canada, he is responsible for overseeing the purchasing of military equipment for the Liberal government. His role involves leading the newly formed Defence Investment Agency to rebuild and modernize the Canadian Armed Forces, which will focus on projects across air, land, sea, and digital domains.
While Fuhr was not at his office on Saturday, he was aware of the protesters outside his doors. He noted that while the protesters wrote all over the walls and doors with chalk, it did make a mess, but it was easy to clean.
He added that, “Budget 2025 makes generational investments to set Canada on a path for long-term prosperity, while protecting the programs that Canadians depend on, like the Canadian Dental Care Program and the National School Food Program. In an increasingly divided world, our investments in defence ensure the brave men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces have the tools they need to protect Canadians and our sovereignty. This includes investments in new capabilities, a historic pay raise for our troops, and a Defence Industrial Strategy that will leverage Canada’s defence industry to create good-paying jobs for Canadians. In an era of global uncertainty, Budget 2025 is focused on making Canada more resilient, more secure, and built to succeed.”
The $580.9-billion budget includes $38.6 billion in added spending, but also factors in cutting 40,000 workers from the federal public service, roughly equal to 10 per cent of the workforce. These cuts are from normal attrition and retirement, as well as “further action” the government is taking to rein in spending.
The budget has a $78.3-billion deficit.