I hear, yet again, complaints from our American cousins that Canada is not spending the NATO-mandated two per cent of our GNP on “defence.” Their complaint deserves some creative thought.
Some decades ago, the late Dwight Eisenhower, then American president, initiated their interstate highway system now spanning the continent. He sold Congress on this by framing it as a matter of national defence to allow rapid continental deployment of troops and equipment in the event of an enemy invasion. Incidentally, of course, this new highway system would be utilized by civilians until such an enemy appeared.
I suggest that Canada consider their precedent for meeting our mandated two per cent goal. We might create a unique high-speed “defensive” trans-continental rail system for military use, if and when Canada were invaded by foreign forces. Such a project would bolster our economy from coast to coast while providing a convenient, efficient rail line for passenger use. Such a project would be most timely, now that it is being shown daily that our passenger air travel lacks reliability, affordability and comfort.
Incidentally, it could appease the Americans.
James Loughery
Prince George
