Military may recruit immigrants
Move could fast track `route to citizenship'
General seeks ways to woo potential soldiers
Feb. 25, 2006. 01:00 AM
BRUCE CAMPION-SMITH
OTTAWA BUREAU

OTTAWA—New immigrants could find themselves on a fast track to Canadian citizenship if they agree to put on a uniform and serve in the military.

That's one suggestion from Gen. Rick Hillier, Canada's chief of defence staff, as he looks at "aggressive" ways to fulfil the Conservatives' ambitious pledge to add up to 23,000 more soldiers.

"We have to come at this from an entirely new approach," he said yesterday during a speech to the Conference of Defence Associations, an Ottawa-based group of defence-related organizations.

That could even include incentives for newcomers arriving in Canada.

"If landed immigrants join the Canadian forces they have an accelerated route to citizenship in our great country," Hillier said, floating one possible solution.

He also mused about an extra week of leave for every soldier who brings in a new recruit although he quipped that might bring back the days of "press-ganging ... guys knocked on the head and dragged off to a recruiting centre."

Despite military careers that promise a good salary, training, job security and excitement, Hillier said he's "puzzled" why more young Canadians aren't lined up to join the forces.

"If you want to sail the seven seas in the most high-tech ships in the world, you come see us," Hillier said.

That's a pitch Canadians can expect to hear a lot of as the military kicks up its advertising campaign "in a big way" to woo potential soldiers, Hillier said

"Realistic ads that show what we do, that show the excitement that I feel myself," Hillier said.

But the top general had to admit yesterday that he's offering new recruits a cash-strapped adventure.

Speaking to the conference just a day after Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor offered the hope of more money for the military in the upcoming budget, Hillier delivered his own warning that the forces are short-changed about $750 million a year for day-to-day operations.

"That's everything from married quarters to spare parts, to ammunition, the running of simulators, to gas and oil, to rations and to everything else necessary to march or fly or sail."

And he said that over the past two decades, the forces has put off critical investments in equipment and building maintenance, creating a costly backlog.

"It is going to take us billions of dollars to dig out of that hole. And I mean billions with a capital `B,'"Hillier said.

Topping his wish list are replacements for Hercules transport planes, which are now being grounded because of old age. "We run a risk that that fleet will end up grounded and our ability to conduct operations significantly constrained or stopped," he warned.

He also laid out the need for new search and rescue aircraft to fly "life and death" operations, new heavy-lift helicopters to move troops and gear and the guarantee of long-range transport aircraft.

While Conservatives and the Liberals before them have together pledged almost $20 billion in new military funding, Hillier said yesterday he wasn't sure whether it would be enough.

But he hinted there is the potential for savings, noting that one-quarter of the military infrastructure — old hangars and base buildings — isn't required for operations. "We really need to be ruthless about how we parse that down," he said. Asked whether that spelled big cuts to military bases, Hillier said it's too soon to know.

With files from Canadian Press

   

I have no problem with this plan.

I think it's a good idea.

   

I have had no problems when the US does it, I don't see the reason why I'd have a problem with Canada doing it.

If someone is willing to die for canada I think they would have adequately proved their loyalty, and they should have a fast tracked citizenship.

   

Wow, a good idea for once.

   

I agree with this proposal.

   

A big thumbs up!

   

I am a Canadian Permanent Resident and I will join the ARMY as soon as they allow immigrants to join! Please, Canada, give me a chance!!!!

   

Couldn't anyone just walk in here then sign up and be a potential spy? Also most people do not join the armed forces because there are lots of jobs right now in our own country why go to Afghanistan when you can go to Alberta? I would join but I'm not very big so I don't think they would want me or Id probably just get in the way.

   

With all do respect: you were never an immigrant!!! We would not be here if we were not fully verified by the Canadian authorities, prior to becoming Permanent Residents. I would dare to say it is almost impossible to be a spy if you are a Canadian Permanent Resident.

   

Also, Canada needs career military personnel right now: don't you see how many people die in Afghanistan? I am willing to risk my life for Canada? Will you deny me the chance just because I am still a Permanent Resident?

   

Welcome to Canada Praetor, and if you want to serve Canada go down to the Recruiting center in your area and talk to the Recruiter. They are nice guys and gals and they may be able to "Speed Track" you into the Forces and good luck.

Please someone tell me I haven't just been taken?

   

Oops...I call bullshit!

Canada lets in anything that claims persecution or meets racial targets etc. It is well known that of all the democracies in the world, Canada is by large and far the most lenient.

If they do happen to actually check up on you (rare) and find that you are of questionable background (common) then you just join the thousands of illegals still collecting welfare and using the healthcare system because immigration claims not to have the manpower nor the muscle to enforce deportation orders.

As for 'daring' to claim "it is almost impossible to be a spy if you are a Canadian Permanent Resident", I say more BS. Damn, we have spies; saboteurs and dissidents by the 1000s who were actually born here let alone the tens of thousands of bogus citizens running around claiming to be "Canadians". 50,000 of them in Lebanon alone.

As a former soldier I can tell you three things. First, we already let immigrants in the army so their entrance is a moot point. Second, Muslims should be screened extra careful over real Canadians the same way we screened those with ties to communist countries. Third, screw awarding citizenship to immigrants willing to serve in our military and lets start calling on the fat assess who boast about their patriotism, wave the flag but avoid any regular or reserve military service and observe 11 Nov as a shopping day.