Article content continued

[np-related /]

The 27-page report, penned by defence expert Dave Perry, is believed to be the first comprehensive snapshot on the post-war military of the impact of the federal government’s duel-tracked deficit reduction plan and spending freezes.

“With the economy once again the government’s top priority, the Canadian Forces will need to adjust to a new fiscal climate, one which will reduce its budget by at least 11 per cent over the next three years,” said the research report, a copy of which was obtained by The Canadian Press.

“At the same time, the military’s ability to make budgetary adjustments has been tightly constrained by the decision to retain its frontline military capabilities. As a result, the Operations and Maintenance budget will bear the brunt of these budget cuts.”

The Harper government has repeatedly said it wants Canada playing a leading role internationally alongside allies, but the report warns, the way the cuts are shaking out, the military will be strained almost as badly as in the 1990s.

“As a result, it will be very difficult for the military to play the same expeditionary role that it has in recent years,” said the report. “While the pursuit of influence may not be over, with less funding available for operational readiness, the prospects of making influential military contributions abroad will be greatly reduced.”

The government’s mantra of being defenders of the military will be sorely tested over the next few years.