Canada’s former top general Rick Hillier said that naming a federal border czar would send the right message to the U.S.
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Canada’s former top general, Rick Hillier, said that naming a federal border czar would improve coordination and send the right message to the U.S.
“I think focusing our approach to the border challenges, instead of continuing with the vastly disparate and uncoordinated things now occurring, would be a wonderful thing, no matter who’s put in charge,” Hillier told the National Post in an email.
“It, in itself, would be a powerful sign to our U.S. ally.”
“We need someone who understands military operations, who understands deployment, who understands the seriousness with which we have to take this issue,” said Smith
Andrew Leslie, a retired lieutenant general and ex-Liberal MP, said that he agrees with Smith’s assessment of the practical skills and hands-on experience a Canadian border czar would need to bring to the table.
“Say you’re having stomach pains and decide you need to go to the hospital, who would you want to see first when you get there?” said Leslie.
“I’d personally want to see a doctor or nurse, not the hospital administrator.”
“I think the idea of having a general or military figure as the border czar is a very good one,” said Leslie.
“They don’t understand the utility of force or… of military organizations,” said Leslie. “Which is why we’re in such a disastrous state, vis-a-vis the Armed Forces, and with our reputation with President (Donald) Trump and his team.”
Leslie also said he was a big fan of Wynnyk’s
“I’ve known General Wynnyk for a very long time,” said Leslie. “We were in the same brigade together, same division… he’s worked under me.”
“He’d be a superb choice… I can think of nobody more qualified in Canada to secure the border.”
Rarely used in Canada, the term “czar” is an informal title given to some high-level political appointees in the U.S., typically those given a broad set of powers over a specific issue.
National Post, with additional reporting from The Canadian Press
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