Update: " "The Need for a Defence Advocacy Group"

Jack Granatstein expands on the concept described at this post.

As the author of the CCS21 column on the need for a new defence advocacy group, may I make a few comments in response to the postings here? First, I do happily acknowledge the fine work done by CDA over 75 yrs, but it is made up of ex-military men and women, and hence is seen as more than slightly biased by decision-makers. The new group, while it will have some ex-mil types and while it will cooperate with existing defence organizations (especially including CDA), will be civilian-directed. It will also be an advocacy group, like CDA (but unlike CDFAI which is obliged by its tax status and charter not to lobby). The difference is that the new organization, Canadians for Defence and Security, will find and hire professional advocates and communications experts to make the case for defence to M.P.s , the media, and the public. We think professionalism will matter. The new group will also make an effort to build a national membership and to attract youth, women, francophones, vis mins--all groups that no existing organization has managed to reach. I don't underestimate the difficulty here or the very great problem of raising the substantial sums of money needed to operate a professionally-directed group. But the game is worth the candle, and we will try our damnedest to make it work. We should be ready to go public in the new year, and Army.ca members' support will be welcomed.
Jack Granatstein