Canadian army needs dedicated climate disaster force, says former lieutenant-general
CBC A former army commander says Canada is behind its allies in not having a dedicated agency that can deploy personnel to disasters nationwide.
Retired Lt.-Gen. Andrew Leslietold CBC News the lack of a national rapid response force to help with wildfires, floods, evacuations and other emergencies is putting citizens' lives at risk.
In an exclusive interview with CBC News on Thursday, he said a dedicated national force is needed urgently, and could be "built into" or "adjunct to" the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) but only if it comes with increased funding and doesn't further strain the country's already-stretched troops.
"The impact of climate change is irrefutable it poses dangers to us all," Leslie said. "What has current government done to prepare for what they knew was coming?
"The answer is nothing. They continue to go to the armed forces and allocate troops and resources in penny packets, in dribs and drabs, more for the political optics."
WATCH | Retired lieutenant-general calls for climate disaster response force:
Former army commander calls for domestic climate disaster response force
2 days ago
