The Chicoutimi Affair
A few years ago the Canadian government purchased four used British submarines for $750 million. At the present time three of the subs are not being used and are tied up at dock. Yesterday, the Chicoutimi, a damaged sub, arrived in Halifax aboard a Norwegian vessel. A real loss of pride!
After the fire on board the sub on October 5, an inquiry was set up and its report was presented on December 17. Now we learn the enquiry is to be reconvened to explore further what actually happened. The earlier part of the enquiry took place over a period of 26 days in Halifax, in Ottawa and in Scotland. The enquiry has been held in secret; the public must wonder why.
The Canadian government should review the present need to have submarines for the defence of Canada. If it is absolutely necessary to have subs, then full price purchases should take place. You get the quality that you pay for; do it on the cheap and suffer the consequences.
Canadians need to accept the possibility of further problems on these used subs, even after expensive refits take place. No more deaths are required to confirm the fact that the original purchase was a big mistake.
It is time for Canadians, through the government, to cut losses. Perhaps the subs might be sold to some countries for their navies. Or, the subs could be set aside as museum pieces. In any case, one should be placed as a permanent museum located in the Ottawa River between Parliament Hill and the Museum of Civilization. Many visitors would be willing to pay top dollar to visit a “modern” but useless sub. It could serve as a monument to governmental ineptitude.
The submarine Chicoutimi should be renamed Chretien, to honour the former prime minister.
After the fire on board the sub on October 5, an inquiry was set up and its report was presented on December 17. Now we learn the enquiry is to be reconvened to explore further what actually happened. The earlier part of the enquiry took place over a period of 26 days in Halifax, in Ottawa and in Scotland. The enquiry has been held in secret; the public must wonder why.
The Canadian government should review the present need to have submarines for the defence of Canada. If it is absolutely necessary to have subs, then full price purchases should take place. You get the quality that you pay for; do it on the cheap and suffer the consequences.
Canadians need to accept the possibility of further problems on these used subs, even after expensive refits take place. No more deaths are required to confirm the fact that the original purchase was a big mistake.
It is time for Canadians, through the government, to cut losses. Perhaps the subs might be sold to some countries for their navies. Or, the subs could be set aside as museum pieces. In any case, one should be placed as a permanent museum located in the Ottawa River between Parliament Hill and the Museum of Civilization. Many visitors would be willing to pay top dollar to visit a “modern” but useless sub. It could serve as a monument to governmental ineptitude.
The submarine Chicoutimi should be renamed Chretien, to honour the former prime minister.
posted by croweagle at
1:39 PM
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