Canadian army needs dedicated climate disaster force, says former top soldier

The country’s former top soldier says Canada is behind its allies in not having a dedicated agency that can deploy personnel to disasters nationwide.

Retired Lt. Gen. Andrew Leslie, who commanded Canada’s army until 2011, told 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 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

→ Continue reading at CBC News

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